NPR News: 07-17-2026 11PM EDT

Dan Ronan· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Ronan. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is warning state and local election officials they could face prison time if they do not comply with President Trump's demands to change election policies. The escalation of attempts by the Trump administration to federalize elections comes just one day after Trump delivered a primetime address accusing China of interfering in the 2020 election. NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez reports some Republicans were concerned with the tone of the president's speech.

Franco Ordoñez0:35

There were a lot of concerns, actually, ahead of the speech that this could hurt Republicans and make them look out of touch. I mean, many Republicans have been clamoring for a while now that Trump should focus on the economy, especially those Republicans who are running for re-election in swing districts. But Trump has not really heeded those requests, even announcing he would not sign a very popular bill to lower housing costs out of protest, actually, for the party not doing more on this issue.

Dan Ronan· Host1:03

Members of Michigan's Republican congressional delegation are blasting Canada for not stopping hazardous wildfire smoke from pouring into the United States. Quinn Klinefelter of member station WDET reports.

Quinn Klinefelter1:18

In a letter this week, Michigan Republicans, including Congresswoman Lisa McClain, the fourth highest-ranking GOP House member, told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that, quote, "American lungs are paying the price for Canadian