Search results for

The Consumer Price Index is one of the most familiar measures in economics and politics. Some in Washington want to change the way the index is calculated to better reflect consumers' shopping habits. While the proposed change is described as a technical fix, it could cut the federal deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.

Under fire from Republicans, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice took herself out of the running to become the next secretary of State. Rice told President Obama that if she were to be nominated, the confirmation process would be "lengthy, disruptive and costly."

The term "right to work" has been in the news a lot this week. On Tuesday, Michigan became the 24th state to enact right-to-work legislation. It means unions can no longer require workers to pay full dues, even if they're working in a union shop.

As the negotiations drag on, the lack of progress means the key players have necessarily taken to repeating themselves. Sometimes, word-for-word, as they describe how they have worked for a solution while their opponents have stonewalled.

Dec. 21 marks the end of the Mayan calendar — a time of celebration for the ancient people, scientists say, although some modern day folks worry it's a sign of the apocalypse. It may not be the end of the world as we know it, but beer masters inspired by the end of days feel fine.

Lawrence Guyot spent his life fighting for civil rights - but often at great personal cost. He was jailed and beaten regularly by police in the Deep South while helping black people get involved in politics. Host Michel Martin speaks with Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who worked alongside Guyot, about his life and activism.

Wanted for questioning in Belize, the anti-virus software pioneer is now in Miami after being released by authorities in Guatemala, which had entered illegally.

Known for such hits as "Real Emotional Girl", singer-songwriter, composer, arranger and pianist Randy Newman is on his way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Newman, a 40-year veteran of the music business, talked to Fresh Air in 1998 and 2004 about his life and work.

The Syrian opposition is running many local councils, particularly in the north of the country. They face urgent challenges, such as providing food, and are counting on increased international assistance to help them function.

American officials tell NPR that Syria's preparations are more extensive than previously reported. The U.S. and NATO are preparing for ways to address the chemical weapons threat.