Politics NPR's expanded coverage of U.S. and world politics, the latest news from Congress and the White House and elections.

Thursday

Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, Schuyler VanValkenburg canvasses a street last month in Henrico, Va. VanValkenburg is part of a surge of Democratic candidates running in Virginia this fall. Steve Helber/AP hide caption

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Steve Helber/AP

Shut Out Of Power In D.C., Democrats Try To Make Inroads In Virginia This Fall

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Wednesday

Workers begin repairs to a wall that was lost in the wake of Hurricane Harvey on Wednesday in Rockport, Texas. Most insurance policies don't cover flooding damage. Eric Gay/AP hide caption

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Eric Gay/AP

In Storm-Tossed Houston Area, Most Homeowners Lack Flood Insurance

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President Donald Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, listens to a question during a meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in the Oval Office on Monday. Tillerson, when asked Sunday whether Trump's response to violence in Charlottesville, Va., represented American values, said that "the president speaks for himself." Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

Are Trump's Foreign Policy Stumbles First-Year Growing Pains Or A Reason For Worry?

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Conservative Party politician Jacob Rees-Mogg stands in the garden of his mansion in the west of England. Known for his posh, upper-class traits, Rees-Mogg has become an unlikely hit on social media. Frank Langfitt/NPR hide caption

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Frank Langfitt/NPR

Democratic congressional candidate Regina Bateson (left) speaks with local resident Paige Stauss outside a public library in Granite Bay, Calif., following a campaign event. Aarti Shahani/NPR hide caption

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Aarti Shahani/NPR

Thinking Of Running For Office? A Website Lets You Test The Waters

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A helicopter carries an evacuee during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey on Tuesday in Houston. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Why Approving Emergency Funding For Harvey Might Not Be Easy For Congress

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Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander chairs the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee; Sen. Patty Murray is the committee's ranking Democrat. Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty hide caption

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Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty