In a bold political move, President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to appoint Gary Shapley, the outspoken former IRS criminal investigator who publicly criticized the Justice Department's handling of the Hunter Biden investigation, as the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. This potential appointment comes after Shapley gained national attention for his allegations of deliberate delays and potential interference in the high-profile probe, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Shapley, who has become a key figure in the ongoing controversy surrounding Hunter Biden's tax and business dealings, could bring significant changes to the IRS leadership if the appointment moves forward. His selection signals a potentially dramatic shift in the agency's approach and leadership, reflecting the Trump administration's continued focus on the Biden family's legal and financial matters. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the appointment is being seriously considered and could be finalized in the coming weeks. This development underscores the ongoing political tensions and the complex dynamics surrounding federal investigations and leadership appointments. MORE...

In a poignant display of support, Jennifer Vasquez Sura stood resolute beside her husband, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, as they prepared for a critical legal proceeding. Her presence radiated a mix of determination and hope, reflecting the emotional weight of the moment. As the hearing approached, Jennifer's unwavering commitment to her husband was palpable. Her eyes, filled with a blend of concern and strength, told a story of personal struggle and solidarity. She remained composed, ready to face the challenges ahead with grace and resilience. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Jennifer spoke, her words carefully chosen to convey both support for her husband and a deep belief in the pursuit of justice. Her stance demonstrated the profound bond between them, transcending the legal complexities that surrounded their lives. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia sat nearby, drawing strength from his wife's presence. Jennifer's support was more than just moral—it was a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and partnership in the face of adversity. MORE...

In a transparent display of public accountability, the governor annually reveals her tax documents on Tax Day, providing constituents with a clear view of her financial standing. This longstanding tradition underscores her commitment to openness and ethical governance, allowing citizens to review her personal financial disclosures with complete transparency. MORE...

In a critical development, the federal judge presiding over a complex deportation case has signaled her intent to fast-track fact-finding efforts to determine whether the Trump administration is genuinely adhering to her directive to help a wrongfully deported individual return from El Salvador's notoriously harsh prison system. The judge's move comes amid growing concerns about the individual's treatment and the government's commitment to rectifying what appears to be a significant legal and humanitarian misstep. By allowing for expedited investigation, she aims to quickly uncover the full details of the administration's compliance with her previous order to facilitate the man's return. This case highlights the intricate challenges surrounding deportation procedures and the potential human rights implications when individuals are mistakenly removed from their home country. The judge's proactive approach underscores the judicial system's role in ensuring accountability and protecting individual rights, even in complex immigration scenarios. MORE...

In the days leading up to a disturbing incident, Cody Balmer's family noticed alarming changes in his behavior that raised serious concerns about his mental state. According to family members, Balmer began exhibiting increasingly erratic and troubling actions that signaled something was deeply wrong. Witnesses reported that Balmer engaged in bizarre conduct, including the inexplicable act of chewing on batteries—a behavior that shocked and worried his loved ones. Even more concerning was his tendency to suddenly vanish, disappearing for days at a time without explanation, leaving his family in a state of constant anxiety and uncertainty. These unusual patterns of behavior served as early warning signs that something was amiss, hinting at potential underlying psychological issues that would ultimately culminate in a tragic series of events. The family's observations provide crucial context for understanding the complex circumstances surrounding Balmer's actions. MORE...

Trump Defies Supreme Court in Controversial Deportation Case

In a dramatic Oval Office meeting with El Salvador's president, President Trump boldly declared that Kilmar Abrego Garcia would not be returning to the United States, directly challenging a Supreme Court decision that ordered the administration to "facilitate" his return.

The case highlights the complex dynamics of U.S. immigration policy and deportation practices, shedding light on how El Salvador has become a primary destination for individuals deported from the United States.

Behind the Story

NPR's political team dove deep into the nuances of this high-profile case, featuring insights from:

• Ashley Lopez - Political Correspondent
• Franco Ordoñez - White House Correspondent
• Ximena Bustillo - Immigration Policy Reporter

The podcast episode, meticulously produced by Bria Suggs and Kelli Wessinger, and expertly edited by Casey Morell, offers a comprehensive exploration of this contentious immigration issue.

For listeners seeking an uninterrupted, in-depth analysis, the NPR Politics Podcast+ provides sponsor-free access and exclusive bonus content at plus.npr.org/politics.

In a packed community meeting, passionate Iowa constituents challenged Senator Chuck Grassley to take a bold stand against presidential overreach. The tense town hall event on Tuesday saw frustrated citizens urging the long-serving senator to assert congressional oversight and push back against what they perceived as executive branch overstepping. The room buzzed with energy as attendees pressed Grassley to demonstrate independence and hold the presidential administration accountable. Residents demanded that the senator use his influential position to provide critical checks and balances on executive power, reflecting growing concerns about the political dynamics in Washington. Grassley, known for his long political career, found himself at the center of a passionate dialogue about the role of congressional leadership in maintaining democratic principles. The town hall highlighted the deep political engagement of Iowa voters and their expectation that their representative would fearlessly represent their interests on the national stage. MORE...

In a dramatic turn of events at the Pentagon, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was removed from the premises and placed on administrative leave on Tuesday. The unexpected development stems from an ongoing investigation into potential unauthorized information leaks, raising questions about internal security protocols within the defense establishment. Sources close to the situation suggest that the advisor's removal is part of a broader effort to identify and address potential breaches of confidential information. While specific details remain scarce, the incident highlights the sensitive nature of communications within high-level military and defense circles. The Pentagon has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, maintaining its standard approach to sensitive personnel matters. This unexpected administrative action underscores the critical importance of information security in national defense operations. As the investigation continues, speculation is mounting about the nature and extent of the alleged leaks, and what implications they might have for the Defense Secretary's team and broader departmental operations. MORE...

In a tense political standoff, senators have condemned recent statements that appear to menace lawmakers by hinting at potential exposure of confidential information. The inflammatory remarks have been widely interpreted as direct threats against legislative members, raising serious concerns about professional conduct and potential intimidation tactics. Senior lawmakers unanimously agreed that such statements cross a critical line, viewing them as deliberate attempts to undermine legislative integrity and create an atmosphere of fear. The comments, which suggest the possibility of revealing sensitive personal or professional details, have been met with swift and unified condemnation from both sides of the political aisle. Senators emphasized that these veiled threats represent more than mere political posturing—they constitute a dangerous escalation that could potentially compromise the safety and professional environment of elected officials. The statements, they argue, are designed to intimidate and silence lawmakers through implied blackmail and public exposure. The incident underscores growing tensions in the political landscape, where increasingly aggressive rhetoric threatens to erode the mutual respect and professional boundaries essential to effective governance. Lawmakers are calling for a robust response to protect the integrity of their work and ensure that such threatening communication is unequivocally addressed. MORE...

In the wake of the landmark Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the landscape of American political financing has been dramatically transformed. Wealthy donors and super Political Action Committees (PACs) have unleashed an unprecedented flood of money into the political arena, fundamentally reshaping how campaigns are funded and influenced. The Citizens United ruling opened the floodgates for unlimited corporate and individual spending, effectively granting unprecedented financial power to those with deep pockets. This seismic shift has allowed mega-donors and special interest groups to wield extraordinary influence over electoral politics, far beyond what was previously imaginable. As a result, the traditional boundaries between campaign finance and political influence have become increasingly blurred. Wealthy contributors can now channel massive resources into supporting their preferred candidates and causes, creating a political ecosystem where money speaks louder than ever before. The implications of this new financial paradigm are profound, challenging long-standing notions of democratic representation and raising critical questions about the true nature of political power in modern America. MORE...