Policy & Law

Extreme Heat Advisory Delays National Mall Entry for July 4 Celebration, Organizers Say

Washington, D.C. is forecast to see temperatures reach 107 degrees during Saturday's event, prompting safety measures.

By Marcus Webb · Friday, July 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

Thousands Need Medical Attention From Already Overwhelmed Venezuelan Healthcare System: Aid Worker

Aid workers warn that Venezuela's medical system, already strained by economic and political instability, cannot adequately respond to the scale of need facing its population.

By Marcus Webb · Friday, July 3, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

The Continental Congress Wrote the Declaration. Is Its Modern Descendant Living Up?

As Congress marks another session, NPR Politics examines whether today's legislative body fulfills the ideals of its revolutionary predecessor.

By James Callahan · Friday, July 3, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Hegseth Hosts DC Ceremony Alongside National Guard to Mark America 250

Defense secretary highlights Trump administration's D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force during sesquicentennial celebrations, drawing mixed reactions from Capitol Hill.

By Diane Park · Friday, July 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

Justice Barrett Faces Conservative Backlash After Birthright Citizenship Ruling

The Supreme Court justice joined a 6-3 majority striking down President Trump's executive order, drawing criticism from fellow conservatives.

By Eleanor Cross · Friday, July 3, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Border Agents Uncover $3.7M in Cocaine Masquerading as Cucumber Shipment at Texas Port of Entry

The 278.88-pound seizure highlights ongoing smuggling challenges despite significant drop in illegal border crossings since late 2024.

By Marcus Webb · Friday, July 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

Jack Smith Says DOJ 'Can't Do Its Job' Because of Judges' Distrust of Prosecutors

The former special counsel warns of an 'attack on the rule of law' and says he is 'very concerned' about future election integrity.

By Eleanor Cross · Thursday, July 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

Arkansas Ballot Initiative Restrictions Face Legal Challenges as Courts Side With Reform Advocates

A federal lawsuit challenging the state's rules for citizen ballot initiatives has resulted in preliminary victories for groups seeking to expand direct democracy in Arkansas.

By James Callahan · Thursday, July 2, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke Praises Mamdani-Endorsed Socialist Candidate Over Heritage Comments

Darializa Avila Chevalier, who won New York's 13th District Democratic primary, attracted praise from the former extremist leader for her comments on preserving heritage.

By Eleanor Cross · Thursday, July 2, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Extreme Heat Blankets East Coast Ahead of July 4th Celebrations; Trump Administration Issues Emergency Energy Orders

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings across multiple states as a heat dome settles over the eastern United States through the weekend.

By James Callahan · Thursday, July 2, 2026 · 3 min read