NPR News
German Left Courts the Working Class
A new political party in Germany has made saving the working class and the country's welfare system rallying points for attracting votes. Die Linke, or the Left Party, is drawing support from mainstream parties with a radical message.
Treasury Department To Bolster Fannie, Freddie
The federal government Sunday took control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in order to stabilize the housing market and end questions about the firms' finances. The Treasury Department is expected to provide billions of dollars to shore up the beleaguered mortgage giants.
Paulson: Mortgage Takeover Key For Economy
The federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is aimed at preventing a "serious risk to the financial system," which is "critical to our overall economy," Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson tells NPR.
Efforts To Rebuild, Protect Louisiana Wetlands Stall
Scientists and conservationists have struggled to develop plans to protect Louisiana wetlands since hurricanes plowed through three years ago. But so far, there has been a lot of talk and little action. As scientists head out to assess the latest damage from the most recent hurricane, they say the urgency has never been greater to rebuild the wetlands while there's still time.
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Energy Tops Agenda As Congress Returns From Recess
Lawmakers return to Washington this week energized by their conventions and turning their attention to energy. House Republicans stayed in town over the break to demand an end to the ban on offshore drilling. Democrats now appear to be more open to compromise.
Boeing Machinists Strike Over Pay, Health Care Issues
Boeing's 27,000 union machinists are on strike. Talks between the aerospace company and the International Association of Machinists broke down over the weekend after the parties failed to come to an agreement on pay and health benefits. Paula Wissel reports from member station KPLU in Seattle and Tacoma.
Berlusconi's Alitalia Rescue Plan Faces Hurdles In EU
Alitalia is on the verge of liquidation in a few weeks. Now the only hope for Italy's flagship air carrier is a controversial rescue plan proposed by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. But the plan would lay off thousands and could face obstacles in the European Union.
Candidates Highlight Efforts To Equalize Women's Pay
Aiming for women voters, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has made equal pay for equal work a growing issue in his campaign. He's pushing for a Senate bill that would nullify a Supreme Court ruling that gives women only 180 days to file complaints about unequal pay.
Fannie, Freddie News Boosts Asian Markets
The bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was good news for Asian markets — they surged the most in seven months. Analysts say the government takeover removed the uncertainty stalking the markets and renewed investor confidence.
O.J. Simpson Back In Court On Felony Charges
The latest O.J. Simpson trial gets under way Monday in Las Vegas. The former NFL football star and his alleged accomplices are charged with a dozen felonies, including kidnapping and armed robbery.
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MSNBC Limits Hosts' Election Coverage Amid Criticism
Critics have been accusing the media of political bias throughout this election season. MSNBC and its popular talk show host, Keith Olbermann, have been frequent targets. Now the 24-hour news channel is pulling him and fellow talk show host Chris Matthews from some anchoring duties on newscasts.
Haiti Suffers Flooding, Hunger After String Of Storms
First it was Tropical Storm Hanna, and now Hurricane Ike has devastated the nation of Haiti. More than 50 people have died in the category 3 storm.
N.C. City To Make Nation's First Digital Switch
On Monday, the city of Wilmington, N.C., will be the canary in the digital coal mine when it becomes the first U.S. city to permanently switch television broadcasts from analog to digital.
China Eyes Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Bailout
The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is making waves far off American shores. China is watching the events closely because some 10 percent of China's gross domestic product is invested with the troubled mortgage giants. NPR's Adam Davidson talks with host Jacki Lyden about China's stake in the U.S. mortgage industry.
Ex-Mexican Mafia Head Now Lives Under The Radar
What's it like for a prison-gang leader when he decides to drop out? For Rene Enriquez, who is serving two life sentences in California, cooperating with police has its perks — like video games and a razor for shaving. But it also means he leads a secret life.
Paulson: Action on Fannie, Freddie Was Necessary
The federal government today announced its plans for a takeover of the troubled mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While U.S. officials had hoped to avoid a bailout, the deterioration of the two companies could no longer be ignored.
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Hurricane Ike Churns Through Caribbean
Hurricane Ike has passed over Haiti and is now steaming toward the Gulf of Mexico, leaving devastation in its wake. Flooding has hampered relief efforts in the port city of Gonaives, Haiti, which is still suffering from the effects of Tropical Storm Hanna.
U.S. Takes Over Troubled Mortgage Giants
U.S. mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be put into conservatorship and their top executives will be removed, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said. The intervention comes after the companies lost billions in the housing market turmoil, with no sign things are getting better.
Calif. Church Provides Sanctuary To Immigrant
A small church north of Los Angeles became a sanctuary nearly a year ago for a female, illegal immigrant facing deportation. The United Church of Christ in Simi Valley is attracting anti-illegal immigration demonstrators angry that the church is sheltering the woman.
Haiti Is Struck By Hanna, Drenched By Ike
In Haiti, relief efforts continue almost a week after Tropical Storm Hanna caused extensive flooding on the island. The town of Gonaives was the hardest hit; scores of people were killed and much of the city remains under water. Aid workers are desperately trying to provide food, shelter and medicine to people there while fearing more flooding from Hurricane Ike.
