government shutdown

January 31, 2019 - While federal employees are legally entitled to back pay missed during the government shutdown, employees of federal contractors are not — but some members of Congress are trying to change that.

January 16, 2019 - The federal shutdown ordered by President Trump in a bid to get congressional funding for a $5.7 billion wall at the Mexican border is now the longest in U.S. history. With 800,000 workers furloughed or working without pay, and millions of contractors idled, the economic pain is widespread — and disproportionately affects African Americans.

November 14, 2014 - President Obama reportedly plans to issue an executive order before year's end dramatically overhauling U.S. immigration policy, sparing as many as 5 million people from the threat of deportation. What will the political consequences be?

November 15, 2013 - From John C. Calhoun to Strom Thurmond, Southern politicians have shown disdain for the federal government in their efforts to protect the interests of the region's business and political elite.

October 25, 2013 - Saying they hope to ease the pain from the federal government shutdown, Gov. Pat McCrory this week announced he was sending turnip greens from the state prison farm to food banks, while state budget director Art Pope's foundation said it would contribute $185,000 to various charities. But can such alms-giving make up for policies that weaken public assistance programs?

October 21, 2013 - The assault on labor in the region is becoming increasingly war-like, but it's not getting much attention from the mainstream media.

October 18, 2013 - The special election for Louisiana's impoverished 5th congressional district is set for Oct. 19, and Democrats are trying to turn it into the Democratic district it appears to be on paper -- and save the Affordable Care Act from continued assault from the right.