How Local Conversations Are Transforming Kidney Health Policy in Colorado Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Colorado could prevent costly progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and improve thousands of lives. Community-led conversations are helping bridge the gap between patients, policymakers, and health professionals to shape smarter, people-centered…

Finding Refuge From Politics: Why Deck Time Matters More Than Doomscrolling Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Most Americans thrive by keeping politics in its place and focusing on local, everyday concerns rather than 24/7 national drama. Constant political angst is emotionally exhausting and rarely improves outcomes; purposeful, periodic engagement works better. Intentional “deck time” –…

George Clooney, Donald Trump, and Hollywood’s Shifting Relationship With Politics Estimated reading time: 4 minutes George Clooney says he once had a friendly relationship with Donald Trump, describing him as “a big goofball” before politics changed everything. The article highlights how Hollywood’s stance on Trump has evolved, with more A-list support emerging during his second…

How Everyday Oregonians Shaped State Politics in 2025 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Utility watchdogs, union organizers, and protesters all played decisive roles in reshaping Oregon policy in 2025. New laws like the POWER Act and FAIR Energy Act are designed to check soaring utility bills and protect low-income households from winter rate hikes. Legal…

Cults of Personality in Indian Politics: Why Leaders Outshine Institutions Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Personality-driven politics increasingly defines India’s democracy, from national to local elections. The prime minister’s image dominates the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), shaping how voters perceive every ballot cast for the party. This leader-first mindset sidelines institutions, party structures, and collective…

Year In Review: How Project 2025 Shaped Trump’s 2025 Agenda Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation blueprint, has become a key reference point for policy in the Trump administration’s 2025 term. The NPR Politics Podcast team examines its impact across governance, from executive power to immigration and environmental rules. Career civil…

Congress, Chaos and What Probably Won’t Happen Next Year Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Congress is far more likely to remain gridlocked than to suddenly erupt into sweeping new legislation. Fears of dramatic, worst-case political scenarios are common, but history shows most of them never materialize. Incremental, less dramatic outcomes — not viral headlines —…

Why Artists Are Canceling Performances at the Newly Renamed Trump-Kennedy Center Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Key Takeaways Multiple artists have abruptly canceled upcoming shows after the Kennedy Center was renamed to include former President Donald Trump’s name. The new title, “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing…

Western Politics in 2025: Pain, Pragmatism, and Surprising Bipartisanship Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Key Takeaways 2025 was a turbulent year nationally, but western states showed pockets of pragmatic, values-based leadership across party lines. Colorado’s Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene took unexpectedly constructive positions on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. Deep-red states like Wyoming…

Inside the ‘Circus’: How Lawmakers Really Felt About the First Year of the 119th Congress Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Key takeaways Lawmakers from both parties used words like “dysfunction,” “circus,” “stupidity,” and “failure” to describe the first year of the 119th Congress. Some Republicans framed 2025 as a year of “progress,” “productivity,” and “deliberate”…