Earlier this month, American forces fully withdrew from Iraq for the second time since the 2003 invasion. In this episode of NPR's national security podcast Sources & Methods, host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR International Correspondent Jane Arraf who is in Baghdad to see how Iraqis are greeting the moment. And NPR Pentagon Correspondent Tom Bowman explains how this withdrawal and the ongoin
12 Oct 2026 · 31 minEvery 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. Every afternoon. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for The NPR Politics Podcast.
Latest episodes
The FBI has cut counterintelligence efforts, dedicating fewer resources to finding and preventing espionage in the United States. What are the practical, and political, implications? Then, we take listener questions about the midterms, and talk about the things from the week we can't stop thinking about in Can't Let It Go. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, justice correspondent Ryan
9 Oct 2026 · 28 minDuring many college sports events recently, ads have run encouraging people to call their congressmembers to support the Protect College Sports Act. But what exactly would be protected, and how would it impact athletes? We explain the legislation, and why Congress is showing interest in regulating college sports. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Eric McDaniel,
8 Oct 2026 · 23 minCalifornia has more billionaires than any other state in the U.S. On the state's ballot this election cycle is a proposition to levy a one-time wealth tax on its resident billionaires. We explain what the tax would do, and why the groups & figures opposing the initiative make for strange bedfellows. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, and KQ
7 Oct 2026 · 21 minDemocrats see opportunity in Iowa to flip a Senate seat, while Republicans see a chance in Minnesota. We break down the state of play across those states and in Nebraska, where an independent Senate candidate squares off against an incumbent Republican. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and Minnesota Public Radio host Clay
6 Oct 2026 · 20 minIncumbent Sen. Susan Collins is the Republican defending a Senate seat in a state Kamala Harris won in 2024. Democrats replaced their nominee in July with Troy Jackson, a former state senator, who has struggled to make himself known to voters. We look at the candidates, their races, and what's to come as early voting begins in Maine. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political
5 Oct 2026 · 23 minIn some parts of the country, active clergy members are running for office as Democrats, citing the Bible's parable of the Good Samaritan as part of their reasoning for seeking higher office. It's new political ground for Democrats, who are not usually known for talking about faith on the campaign trail. Plus, a look at how the midterm maps are shaping up for Republicans and Democrats alike, and —
2 Oct 2026 · 34 minThe Supreme Court has a busy agenda as it begins its new term in October. We take a look at some of the key cases that are set to be argued & decided, and what impacts they may have. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, Supreme Court & Justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and
1 Oct 2026 · 19 minPennsylvania's Lehigh Valley has one of this election cycle's last remaining toss-up districts. Latino voters make up a majority of voters in Allentown, and both Democrats & Republicans are trying hard to make inroads. We talk to voters about what they're weighing before voting, and about the messages each party is sending in the area. This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional
30 Sep 2026 · 18 minVoters are already voting in this year's midterms. With Election Day just five weeks away, we take a look at how things are going so far in an election cycle filled with confusion and questions about voting by mail and potential federal interference in election processes. This episode: voting correspondents Ashley Lopez and Miles Parks, and politlcal correspondent Jude Joffe-Block. This podcast wa
29 Sep 2026 · 17 minAs one founder of the movement described it to NPR, the Freedom Caucus was "MAGA before MAGA." The Republican lawmakers pushed their party to be more conservative, and found a willing ally in Donald Trump. But, as members leave Congress — some by choice, and some not — what does the future hold for this group of politicians, and for the party they've shaped? This episode: voting correspondent Ashl
28 Sep 2026 · 17 minThe podcast hits the road and heads to Seattle to talk about the big issues and races our reporters are watching. This episode was recorded before a live audience on Thursday, Sept. 24, in partnership with Cascade PBS. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced and
25 Sep 2026 · 45 minTam, Miles and Mara answer questions about the midterms, the state of politics today, and more in this special episode recorded before a live virtual audience. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. Our executive produc
24 Sep 2026 · 25 minAngered by what he perceived as negative coverage, President Trump barred journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House grounds. Those outlets have since sued the government, alleging the prohibition violates the First Amendment. Additionally, television networks decided to suspend participation in the system of shared coverage of the White House in a show of solidarity. We explai
23 Sep 2026 · 19 minAdvertising in this fall's midterms is increasing, and so too is the money being spent to get those ads on the air. We look at how the parties are raising & spending money for their candidates, and what the impacts could be. This episode: voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez, and senior political correspondent Tamara Keith. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria
22 Sep 2026 · 20 minPresident Trump heads to the United Nations General Assembly this week as the organization welcomes world leaders to discuss their work. We preview what he will discuss, as well as what is on the agenda for a state visit from China's president, Xi Jinping, later this week. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, and White House correspondents Emily Feng & Franco Ordoñez. This podcast was p
21 Sep 2026 · 15 minSome Republican candidates are using inflammatory and anti-Muslim rhetoric in their campaign ads and public statements. We look at what they're saying, and why they're saying it. Then, a free speech controversy made its way to the music world. After making pro-Palestinian statements during recent concerts, rapper Macklemore was removed from shows opening for Ed Sheeran. We explain what's going on.
18 Sep 2026 · 29 minEver wondered how we pick some of the key races we watch during elections? Here's your chance. In this special edition of The NPR Politics Podcast, which was recorded before a live virtual audience, our reporters break down some of the elections and issues they'll be paying especially close attention to this November, and why they stand out. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keit
17 Sep 2026 · 20 minEvangelists say AI saves time and increases productivity. Doomsayers argue AI will destroy humanity. While the truth may be somewhere in between, lawmakers and businesses are figuring out how to put the toothpaste back in the tube & find ways to regulate the burgeoning industry. We take a look at the risks, and what Congress can do. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congre
16 Sep 2026 · 18 minVoters tell us they're frustrated with the economy, that costs are too high, and that neither Democrats nor Republicans seem able to solve their problems. We listen to swing voters in Michigan to understand how their worries could impact that state's Senate race. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior national political correspond
15 Sep 2026 · 18 min