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Is Trump fueling a blue wave? Oct 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot, but he’s a major force in the midterms as the Senate battleground expands. USA TODAY National News Reporter Zac Anderson explains how Trump is shaping Republican strategy and why once-safe races are getting competitive.

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Republicans and Democrats agree on almost nothing Oct 26, 2026

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Republicans rank patriotism as the value America needs most. Democrats rank it last. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page examines what a striking new survey reveals about the values dividing the parties and why that gap could make governing after the midterms even harder.

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500 applications. Still no job. Oct 25, 2026

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One job seeker has submitted more than 500 applications over two years and still hasn't landed a permanent role. Carl Van Horn, public policy professor at Rutgers University, joins us to examine why hiring has slowed and why many qualified candidates say they're struggling to get interviews.

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New Mexico’s nuclear past collides with U.S. weapons expansion Oct 23, 2026

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In The Hidden Cost of Nuclear Deterrence, USA TODAY explores how New Mexico still lives with the legacy of the Trinity test, as the U.S. plans to expand nuclear weapons production. This project was produced by USA TODAY's Zulekha Nathoo and Lamar Salter, and was made possible by support from Outrider Foundation and Journalism Funding Partners

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The first 24 hours after deportation to Haiti Oct 22, 2026

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What happens after a U.S. deportation flight lands in Haiti? USA TODAY National News Reporter Chris Kenning explains what deportees face after arrival, from limited assistance and separation from family to gang-controlled roads, violence and a devastating humanitarian crisis.

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Can an insult change your vote? Oct 21, 2026

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Political insults aren't new, but they're becoming a central campaign strategy. Why are candidates in both parties betting on nicknames, personal attacks and viral moments? USA TODAY Senior Political Correspondent Arit John explains what makes these attacks stick, who campaigns are targeting and what voters should remember heading into the 2026 elections.

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What happens if the Colorado River keeps shrinking? Oct 20, 2026

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As water levels decline at Lake Powell, long-submerged sections of Glen Canyon are reemerging, fueling a renewed debate over the future of the dam itself. Trevor Hughes, national correspondent for USA TODAY, explores what climate change and water shortages could mean for the American West.

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Could Latino voters actually turn Texas blue? Oct 19, 2026

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Could Latino voters help turn Texas blue? Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY senior national news reporter, breaks down what she’s hearing from voters, why some Republicans may split their tickets and how the race involving James Talarico and Ken Paxton could signal a bigger political shift.

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Will Trump's Russia diesel deal actually lower prices? Oct 16, 2026

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A new diesel supply deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin aims to ease pressure on fuel markets, but will it make a meaningful difference? Daniel de Visé, personal finance reporter for USA TODAY, breaks down why economists expect only modest relief and what the move could mean for consumers and businesses.

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The ketamine blind spot on college campuses Oct 15, 2026

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Why are more people talking about ketamine? USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer explains what the drug does and why researchers say there's still limited data on its role in sexual assault cases. He also shares what experts say college students and universities may be missing about this powerful anesthetic.

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