Leigh Ann Caldwell • April 15, 2026

Young & The Restless

Straddling the fault line between old-school conservatism and Trump-era loyalty, Senator Todd Young joined Puck in D.C. to talk shop about Iran, his vote against a war powers resolution, and why, even if the war isn’t necessary, America can’t back down.

Abby Livingston • April 14, 2026

The Tit-for-Tat That Isn’t

Congressional departures mean special elections—but not all of them are equally safe for the incumbent party.

Leigh Ann Caldwell • April 14, 2026

Ruben Gallego on Swalwell’s “Double Life”

Inside the senator and 2028 contender’s emotional press conference, where he disavowed his former best friend and tried to soothe donors.

Peter Hamby • April 14, 2026

The Talented Mr. Swalwell

Even before the misconduct allegations that precipitated his downfall, Eric Swalwell was an attention-seeking social climber whose professed progressivism may have been his greatest lie of all.

Leigh Ann Caldwell • April 14, 2026

Jim Jordan’s FISA Flip-Flop & K Street’s Conundrum

Why the House Judiciary chair suddenly found religion on surveillance, and how lobbyists lost on reconciliation.

Abby Livingston • April 13, 2026

The Senate Oracle Speaks!

The Cook Political Report’s in-house Senate obsessive explains their new Senate ratings, the Democrats’ slightly improved chances of getting to 51, and the ongoing impacts of the crypto, A.I., and AIPAC spending sprees.

Leigh Ann Caldwell • April 12, 2026

The Dems’ Impeachment Containment Breach

For much of the past year, Democratic leaders have mostly kept a lid on threats by far-left members to impeach the president. Now, amid Trump’s unauthorized war in Iran and his increasingly erratic behavior, there’s resurgent talk of impeachment—even if it has zero chance of success.

Julia Ioffe • April 9, 2026

Hegseth’s Pentagon Purge

Under the cover of the Iran war, Pete Hegseth moved to oust Army chief Randy George, a staunch ally of his archnemesis and untouchable Pentagon rival, Dan Driscoll. Was it a well-calculated plot, a sign of his juice, or maybe a signal that J.D. Vance has lost some of his foreign policy sway?

Julia Ioffe • April 8, 2026

The Day After TACO Tuesday

A six-week, $40 billion war paused—sort of—in a self-declared U.S. victory. Except it left the Islamic Republic richer, more entrenched, and newly in control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Leigh Ann Caldwell • April 8, 2026

Dark Money for Soft Power

The Trumpily named Campaign for America First International Assistance hopes to sway conservative voters to support the kinds of programs gutted by Trump's DOGE.

John Heilemann • April 8, 2026

Jacob’s Ladder

Long before his profane breakout moment after Renee Good’s killing, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was navigating the fault lines of policing, immigration, and the art of resisting federal power in the Trump era.

Peter Hamby • April 7, 2026

Democrats Can Use YouTube, Too

The Democratic outside group Priorities USA is hoping to “take back the internet” by meeting young, politically checked-out swing voters where they are: guzzling sports clips on YouTube and commenting on video game streams. They’re starting with Ohio—and looking to ’28.

Leigh Ann Caldwell • April 6, 2026

A U.F.O. Frenzy & Senate Republicans’ Money Bomb

The truth is out there, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is demanding that the Pentagon release it.

Abby Livingston • April 6, 2026

Did Trump Just Bail Out Newsom?

Democrats were headed for a potential jungle primary disaster in California, with nearly a dozen candidates splitting the gubernatorial vote to anoint Gavin Newsom’s successor. Then Trump waded into the race…

Leigh Ann Caldwell • April 5, 2026

Crypto’s Midterm Open Marriage

Democrats have been quietly making amends with the industry after getting pummeled by pro-crypto super PACs in 2024. Meanwhile, crypto lobbyists are starting to hedge their bets as they contemplate a post-midterms landscape in which their G.O.P. allies are no longer in charge.