Politics https://www.wcmu.org/politics Politics en-US Copyright Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT Is the U.S. slipping into 'Competitive Authoritarianism?' https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-13/is-the-u-s-slipping-into-competitive-authoritarianism What form of government do we have in America now? Some scholars say it is no longer liberal democracy, but "competitive authoritarianism." NPR's Frank Langfitt explains the term and its origin. Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-13/is-the-u-s-slipping-into-competitive-authoritarianism Frank Langfitt How the Trump administration has undermined the fight against public corruption https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-13/how-the-trump-administration-has-undermined-the-fight-against-public-corruption At least 15 former elected officials and co-conspirators with corruption offenses have been pardoned by President Trump in the last year, undermining the fight against public corruption. Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-13/how-the-trump-administration-has-undermined-the-fight-against-public-corruption Ryan Lucas Lawmakers question Pete Hegseth about rising cost of U.S. war against Iran https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-13/lawmakers-question-pete-hegseth-about-rising-cost-of-u-s-war-against-iran Lawmakers are pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the growing cost of the war against Iran and the administration's plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Wed, 13 May 2026 08:45:47 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-13/lawmakers-question-pete-hegseth-about-rising-cost-of-u-s-war-against-iran Claudia Grisales, Michel Martin Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., on the cost of the war in Iran https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-13/rep-rosa-delauro-d-conn-on-the-cost-of-the-war-in-iran NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut about Pentagon spending on the U.S. war against Iran. Wed, 13 May 2026 08:45:26 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-13/rep-rosa-delauro-d-conn-on-the-cost-of-the-war-in-iran Leila Fadel Powell pulls ahead in tight race for Nebraska's 2nd District https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-13/powell-pulls-ahead-in-tight-race-for-nebraskas-2nd-district Denise Powell pulled ahead Tuesday night in a close race with John Cavanaugh in Tuesday's 2nd Congressional District primary in Wed, 13 May 2026 08:45:21 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-13/powell-pulls-ahead-in-tight-race-for-nebraskas-2nd-district Molly Ashford Former private prison official to serve as acting ICE chief https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/former-private-prison-official-to-serve-as-acting-ice-chief Compared to the start of President Trump's second term, David Venturella takes over an agency with a larger workforce, more financial resources — and also a continued funding lapse. Wed, 13 May 2026 01:12:53 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/former-private-prison-official-to-serve-as-acting-ice-chief Ximena Bustillo Omaha's U.S. House race tests candidates' ability to reach beyond party lines https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/omahas-u-s-house-race-tests-candidates-ability-to-reach-beyond-party-lines Omaha, Neb., is home to a toss-up Congressional race this year. Voters have shown a willingness to vote for moderate candidates from both parties, but has the definition of a moderate now changed? Tue, 12 May 2026 21:35:49 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/omahas-u-s-house-race-tests-candidates-ability-to-reach-beyond-party-lines Clay Masters The SPLC survived firebombs and death threats. Will it survive Trump 2.0? https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/the-splc-survived-firebombs-and-death-threats-will-it-survive-trump-2-0 The Southern Poverty Law Center is facing a serious threat from the Justice Department — and comes at a time when several former and current SPLC employees say the group is already deeply vulnerable. Tue, 12 May 2026 20:29:17 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/the-splc-survived-firebombs-and-death-threats-will-it-survive-trump-2-0 Odette Yousef Southern states rush to draw new Congressional districts after Supreme Court ruling https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-12/southern-states-rush-to-draw-new-congressional-districts-after-supreme-court-ruling Across the South, some state legislatures are rushing to redraw Congressional district lines after the Supreme Court cleared the way. Black voters say their voices are at stake. Tue, 12 May 2026 20:29:03 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/politics/2026-05-12/southern-states-rush-to-draw-new-congressional-districts-after-supreme-court-ruling Debbie Elliott Alabama splits U.S. House primaries after court ruling; S.C. redistricting stalls https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/alabama-splits-u-s-house-primaries-after-court-ruling-s-c-redistricting-stalls Alabama will hold a special primary election for four of its seven congressional districts, after the Supreme Court cleared the way — and as redistricting ripples through the South. Tue, 12 May 2026 19:24:05 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/national-world-news/2026-05-12/alabama-splits-u-s-house-primaries-after-court-ruling-s-c-redistricting-stalls Benjamin Swasey