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The Iran War's Devastating Butterfly Effect

The war in Iran has had some visible consequences, like skyrocketing energy costs and higher gas prices, but the effects of this war are often far less obvious and much more serious for the world’s most vulnerable people. Today, Peter S. Goodman tells us what he learned on a rece ...  Show more

Maine Votes as Graham Platner’s Past Poses New Conundrums

On Tuesday, Maine will vote in a high-stakes primary contest for a Senate seat that Democrats think they can win back from Republicans for the first time in decades. Democrats are pinning their hopes on Graham Platner, a progressive who has faced a string of scandals. Today, Lisa ...  Show more

Recommended Episodes

Congress Won’t Let The US Default on Its Debt. Right?
Big Take

The White House and Congress are battling over raising the nation’s $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. If they don’t act and the US defaults on its debt this summer, the economic shockwaves will be felt across the nation and around the world. Even so, the conventional wisdom in many pa ...  Show more

With Big Plans And Small Margins, Can Democrats Pull Off Their Agenda?
The NPR Politics Podcast

Progressives feel as though their job compromising on the $3.5 trillion dollar budget bill is done, while Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema say the package is still too big. Looming over it all, a chance the federal government defaults on its debt as Republicans signal they wo ...  Show more

2 Legislative Wins for Biden
CNN Political Briefing

President Joe Biden spoke at the White House today about his two legislative wins this week for his “Build Back Better” plan–the bipartisan infrastructure bill & the $3.5T budget resolution. CNN National Correspondent Kristen Holmes breaks down both the infrastructure bill and bu ...  Show more

Democrats Are Running Out Of Time To Negotiate On Major Priorities
The NPR Politics Podcast

Congressional Democrats are trying to wrap up negotiations on their reconciliation package, fund the government, and deal with the debt ceiling. But with looming deadlines with big consequences, someone is going to have to compromise. The big question: who's it going to be? Plus, ...  Show more