Checks and Balance from The Economist

America sent an aircraft carrier to the waters off Venezuela, and it has blown up suspected drug boats at sea. From a president with an isolationist bent, this menacing posture is baffling. Is it all a bluff to force Nicolas Maduro to resign? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A Swiss delegation donated a gold bar and a Rolex clock to President Trump’s presidential library. Days later America’s tariff rate on Switzerland dropped by more than half. Mr Trump is running the nation’s business alongside his own—at what cost? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Immigration agents are patrolling Chicago. President Trump says they are there to clamp down on crime. He has threatened to deploy border forces to other liberal cities. Is this theatre? Or is this a new kind of presidential police force? John Prideaux hosts with Aryn Braun and James Bennet.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Democrats celebrated a string of electoral victories on Tuesday. The winners include a former spy, an ex-Navy helicopter pilot, and a democratic socialist. But finding a unifying message for that big tent may prove difficult in future elections. Will the party over-interpret the results and provide an opening for the GOP?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

New Yorkers are expected to elect Zohran Mamdani as mayor on November 4th. The Democratic Socialist has promised free childcare, a $30 minimum wage, and a rent freeze for millions. But the New Yorker in the White House has his own plans to “straighten out” America’s biggest city. John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

States across America are breaking norms and rushing to approve new congressional districts. These redrawn maps are likely to help the GOP in the midterm elections. The Supreme Court may also lend the Republicans a hand, as it reconsiders a key section of the Voting Rights Act.  Charlotte Howard hosts with James Bennet and Steve Coll. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Donald Trump has brokered a deal in Gaza. The hostages are home and the prisoners released—how can the president ensure a lasting peace? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and James Bennet.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

The government shutdown has entered its second week, and neither party appears ready to budge. The Democrats want to extend tax credits for people who use the Affordable Care Act. Political pressure appears to be building on Republicans to acquiesce. Will the politics of healthcare force them to give in? John Prideaux hosts with Stevie Hertz and Steve Coll.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.