Politics

How and why algae clouded Trump's vision for an 'American flag blue' Reflecting Pool

The shallow, sunny waters of the reflecting pool are an ideal incubator for algae growth in the summertime. Experts say the recent renovation may have helped accelerate it.

What you need to know about the preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement signed by Trump

Here's a look at the preliminary agreement between the U.S. and Iran, and the challenges that remain to find lasting peace.

These Wisconsin swing voters say Trump's war in Iran wasn't worth it

The war in Iran was a costly blunder, according to Wisconsin swing voters who participated in two online focus groups that NPR observed.

These Wisconsin swing voters say Trump's war in Iran wasn't worth it

Vice President JD Vance becomes the face of America's negotiations with Iran

Vice President JD Vance is becoming the face of the next phase of negotiations with Iran.

Labour's Andy Burnham wins a special election, setting up a showdown with Starmer to lead Britain

Labour's Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the country.

US strike on an alleged drug boat kills 3 in the eastern Pacific Ocean

The latest attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in early September.

U.S. lifts blockade on Iranian ports as 60-day clock for a final deal starts ticking

The U.S. is allowing ships to enter and exit Iranian ports and coastal areas as the countries move to a new phase of negotiations over the next 60 days.

Sen. Sanders wants Americans to have a say — and stake — in the future of AI

Sen. Bernie Sanders talks with NPR's Juana Summers about his new legislation, which would create a sovereign wealth fund, and give the American people a say in regulating AI.

Obama Presidential Center dedication: A nod to a past era in politics and future hopes

All living former presidents gathered for the dedication of the Obama presidential center in Chicago. It was a star studded event that harkened back to a more-optimistic era in American politics.

They're leaving Congress and have nothing to lose. That could spell trouble for Trump

They're leaving Congress with nothing to lose, spelling potential trouble for Trump

A trio of Senate Republicans are on their way out of Congress. Each has previously drawn President Trump's scorn and now each are seen as newly liberated to complicate his agenda if they choose.

The Iran agreement is signed. Who are the winners and losers?

The U.S. and Iran have signed a preliminary agreement. Who are the winners and losers? We unpack what we know.

Read the full text of Trump's preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement to end the war

Here is the text of the memorandum of understanding that was signed Wednesday by President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as Pakistan's prime minister.

Trump's FISA threat is like 'cutting off your nose to spite your face,' says Sen. Slotkin

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., says Trump's threat to block FISA reauthorization is like "cutting off your nose to spite your face."

Sen. Elissa Slotkin on intel chief's confirmation hearing and election integrity

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan about the fight over the confirmation of a new national intelligence director, the renewal of spy tools and election integrity.

The Obama Presidential Center will be dedicated Thursday. Here's what to expect

The Obama Presidential Center's grand opening ceremony will be a star-studded event. The center's museum highlights the legacy of the former president, but it is not a traditional presidential library.

What — and who — will be at the Great American State Fair? Here's a primer

Several state governments have declined to participate in the 16-day event, though organizers say all U.S. states and territories will be represented by booths on the National Mall.

Poll: Most Americans have the summer blues about Trump and the economy

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds a record low share of Americans approve of President Trump's job performance and his handling of the economy heading into the summer before a key midterm election.

Trump delays intel chief's confirmation in an attempt to advance voting bill

President Trump is causing headaches for Senate Republicans once again -- this time over his pick for director of national intelligence.

How Republicans are reacting to Trump's attempt to leverage confirmation hearing

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with political strategist Rina Shah about congressional Republicans' reactions to President Trump's efforts to tie Jay Clayton's confirmation to unrelated legislation.

For Lebanon, a U.S.-Iran agreement raises questions beyond Hezbollah

Former Lebanese ambassador to Jordan, Tracy Chamoun, explains what the U.S.-Iran agreement means for Lebanon — and what a ceasefire would look like on the ground.

Trump touts preliminary deal to end the war with Iran in press conference

President Trump gave a wide-ranging press conference Wednesday at the end of the G7 summit where he tackled questions about his tentative agreement with Iran.

Here's how much the the Iran war cost -- and how its effects will linger

More than three months after the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran, the costs and aftereffects are felt around the world.

What Wisconsin swing voters say about Trump, the Iran war and America at 250

Swing voters from Wisconsin share their thoughts on the Iran war, high prices and how they're feeling about America at its 250th year marker.

President Trump calls to delay nomination of intel pick Jay Clayton

The Senate was set to begin the confirmation process for Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence Today. But President Trump is calling for a delay.

Trump's Iran agreement dominates G7 but big questions remain

The U.S.-Israel-led war in Iran has rocked the global economy and decimated Trump's standing at home

With Iran deal, Trump told ships to 'start your engines.' That's not happening yet

Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz inflicted global pain during the months-long conflict with the U.S. and Israel. A tentative deal is in place, but questions remain about the key waterway.

Trump administration releases preliminary agreement with Iran

The Trump administration shared the details of the preliminary agreement to end the war with Iran on Wednesday, as President Trump took questions at a press conference at the G7 summit.

Trump's pick for director of national security faces Senate confirmation hearing

The Senate Intelligence Committee is set to consider the nomination of Jay Clayton to be the next director of national security.

Haitian immigrants ask Supreme Court to toss case in light of new evidence

The lawyers argue that the court does not have a full record of how the Trump administration decided to end temporary protective status for Haitians in the U.S.

Georgia Rep. Collins will challenge Ossoff in high-profile Senate matchup

The Collins-Ossoff matchup will be closely watched nationally as the major political parties vie for control of the Senate.

Trump's Iran agreement takes center stage at G7 summit

President Trump said the next stage of negotiations with Iran should be easier than the first as he continues to tout the recent agreement between the two countries at the G7 summit in France.

Israeli ambassador to U.S. says Israel is 'not going to withdraw from South Lebanon'

NPR's Steve Inskeep asks Israel's ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter about the peace deal the Trump administration says it's made with Iran.

Voting officials fear DHS may actually be a threat to elections this year

Voting officials worry that the Department of Homeland Security will not be a partner helping to secure elections, but rather a threat seeking to undermine results that President Trump dislikes.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says DOJ is investigating him and his wife

California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration is targeting him and his wife with an investigation because he could be a presidential contender.

UFC boss Dana White says 'never again' to another White House fight night

The headaches over weather concerns in the outdoors show, the logistics of construction of the cage and staging events at federal landmarks and the soaring cost made Freedom 250 a one-off.

Here are the District of Columbia's 2026 primary election results

Live election results: Get the latest on U.S. delegate and mayoral primary races in Washington, D.C.

Former ICE leader lands new job consulting on national security and defense

Because of his former job, Todd Lyons cannot engage with the Department of Homeland Security for a year, per federal law.

'Sometimes splitting is a good thing': An Illinois movement aims to be the 51st state

A third of Illinois counties have passed resolutions seeking to separate from the city of Chicago. People in these rural counties resent what they see as disproportionate power wielded by Chicago.

U.S. and Iran announce an initial deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz

The deal is a major breakthrough in the conflict that set the Middle East aflame and shook the global economy. However, it did not resolve critical issues set aside for further negotiations.

Do internet super stars matter in elections?

It's becoming common for campaigns to seek out viral moments and the support of internet stars to reach new voters. But the strategy, albeit flashy, has yielded mixed results in key races this year.

Trump celebrates 80th birthday with Iran deal and UFC fights at the White House

President Donald Trump marked his 80th birthday on Sunday by hailing an initial agreement to end the war in Iran and staging a cage-fighting show on the White House's storied South Lawn.