Nominees for several key Cabinet posts in the new administration of President-elect Trump caught officials in Washington off guard and ignited a firestorm of criticism — not all of it from Democrats.

Several of President Biden's efforts at loan relief are in jeopardy, including a repayment plan with millions of borrowers waiting in limbo.

Stephen Thompson on the biggest surprises, trends and questions to be found in the Grammy nominations, plus the most interesting stories to be found beyond the major categories.

The lessons of history about second-term presidents and second-term Republicans in particular are not just the stuff of textbooks. They can offer guidance and perhaps even temper expectations.

President-elect Trump has excelled at creating his own media image, from his earliest days as a real estate baron. His supporters find him entertaining and feisty, and even critics find it difficult not to talk about him.

Trump's victory gives a broader platform to critics of federal health programs. Among other moves, he may try to weaken the Affordable Care Act and cut funding for Medicaid coverage.

Harris' narrowing path to electoral victory appears to come down to the "Blue Wall" states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have both appealed to workers in this year's election. But the candidates’ stances on many issues affecting workers remain far apart.

Abortion is on the ballot in 10 states. The vote results will have consequences beyond women's reproductive rights.

Former President Donald Trump needs voters who may have misgivings about him or some of his behavior but who have deep loyalty to the Republican Party or deep aversion to the Democrats.

The key presidential states of Georgia and North Carolina were hit particularly hard by Hurricane Helene. NPR compared which counties qualify for FEMA aid with 2020 election results. The area is largely Republican.

Vice presidential candidates are unlikely to make a fundamental difference in this election, but there were some takeaways from an interesting night.

With Hassan Nasrallah dead in Israeli airstrikes, the Iran-backed militant group is facing enormous challenges as the region is yet again thrown into uncertainty.

As a historic election looms, Saturday Night Live faces an ongoing challenge to make America laugh – and process an increasingly strange political world. Jean Smart hosts the show’s 50th season premiere on Saturday.

A new review and testimony from investigators with the U.S. Government Accountability Office offer the clearest picture yet of the aid form’s troubled rollout.