Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters.

July 17, 2026 • Rahm Emanuel is a Democratic Party elder, having served in the Clinton and Obama Administrations and as mayor of his native Chicago for two terms. He’s a centrist known for valuing ...

In 2026, Florida has already executed 10 people, more prisoners than every other state in the country combined. Last year, the state executed 19 people. Next week, two executions could happen on the ...

The most visible spokesperson for the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza discusses her memoir, “When We See You Again,” and the unending pain of her son’s captivity and murder. The podcaster ...

Should You Take Trump’s Free $1,000? How a seemingly universal program still benefits the wealthy the most.