Skip to main content

© 2026 WEKU

Lexington's Choice for NPR

Support WEKU!

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

The 1850 campaign is replacing lost federal funds one supporter at a time. Thanks to our listeners and supporters, we are now just 134 away from reaching this goal of 1850 new supporters donating at least $10 a month. Click here to join the campaign!

Tracking the hot-button issues driving this year's midterms politics

NPR | By Elena Burnett,

Domenico Montanaro, Emily Feng

Published May 9, 2026 at 5:17 PM EDT

Record high oil prices, war with Iran, and controversial immigration policies are just some of the issues for voters. NPR's Domenico Montanaro talks about covering this year's complex midterms.

Copyright 2026 NPR

Elena Burnett

[Copyright 2024 NPR]

See stories by Elena Burnett

Domenico Montanaro

Domenico Montanaro is NPR's senior political editor/correspondent. Based in Washington, D.C., his work appears on air and online delivering analysis of the political climate in Washington and campaigns. He also helps edit political coverage.

See stories by Domenico Montanaro

Emily Feng

Emily Feng is NPR's Beijing correspondent.

See stories by Emily Feng

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

War with Iran has aviation costs sky high. Are there alternatives to jet fuel?

Emily Feng, Emily Kwong, Henry Larson

As the blockade of the Straight of Hormuz has sent jet fuel costs and airplane seat prices soaring. NPR's Emily Kwong looks at the viability of alternatives such as sustainable aviation fuel.
What to know about the Canvas hack of student data

Sequoia Carrillo, Emily Feng

Millions of students in universities and K-12 districts had their data compromised this week as a hack took down Canvas, a classroom management tool used all over the country.
NPR News

Mideast war worsens conflict between elephants and villagers in Sri Lanka

Diaa Hadid

Conflict between farmers and elephants in Sri Lanka has grown worse as food and fuel are scarcer due to war in the Middle East.
Red Square V-Day parade scaled back due to Ukrainian drone strike fears

Charles Maynes, Daniel Ofman, Emily Feng

Foreign press was kept away from Russia's Victory Day Parade in Moscow amid fears of a Ukrainian strike.
It was 'gut instinct,' say The Black Keys about new album, Peaches!

Henry Larson, Emily Feng, Sarah Robbins

A conversation with eclectic rock duo, Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach of the The Black Keys, about the unique motivations behind the making of their new album, Peaches!