Politics & Government

As war continues to rage in the Middle East, attention has been turned to how American Jews, Muslims, and Palestinians relate to the state of Israel. But when we talk about the region, American Christians, particularly evangelical Christians, are often not part of that story. But their political support for Israel is a major driver for U.S. policy — in part because Evangelicals make up an organized, dedicated constituency with the numbers to exert major influence on U.S. politics.

Nearly two dozen witnesses and 21 days of court later, Donald Trump's New York hush money trial is coming to a close.

Twelve New Yorkers have been listening to witnesses like adult film actor Stormy Daniels and Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen.

Today, those jurors heard closing arguments, first from the defense, and then the prosecution. Now, they have to determine whether Trump falsified business records to cover up an alleged affair with Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

What final impressions did the closing arguments leave, and what could that mean for Donald Trump?

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For this episode of Trump's Trials, we hand the mic over to Consider This. Host Juana Summers speaks with Fordham law professor Adam Shlahet.

Jurors heard closing arguments on Tuesday in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. It's now up to them to decide whether Trump falsified business records to cover up an alleged affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Topics include:
- The prosecution and defense's tactics in their closing arguments
- The impact closing arguments could have on the jury's final decision
- How long it might take the jury to reach a verdict

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Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org.

A runoff election in Texas Tuesday sees incumbent GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales facing off against Brandon Herrera, a far-right gun influencer.

As many as 10 states could hold referendums on abortion rights this fall -- possibly redrawing the map for abortion access and influencing other presidential and congressional elections on the ballot.