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Don Gonyea Gonyea is NPR's National Political Correspondent, a position he has held since 2010. His reports can be heard on all NPR News programs and at NPR.org.
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Don Gonyea

'West Side Story' stars Ariana DeBose and Rachel Zegler defend their remake

Rachel Zegler as Maria in 20th Century Studios' West Side Story. Photo by Niko Tavernise/© 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. hide caption

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Photo by Niko Tavernise/© 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Culture

'West Side Story' stars Ariana DeBose and Rachel Zegler defend their remake

The original musical and film have been criticized for lack of representation in casting and hurtful stereotypes, and some critics have also questioned the new adaptation.

'West Side Story' stars Ariana DeBose and Rachel Zegler defend their remake

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Elections

Democrats need a boost. Could they find it in rural America?

Don Gonyea speaks with former Montana Governor Steve Bullock about the state of the Democratic party ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

Democrats need a boost. Could they find it in rural America?

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National

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear discusses state's recovery after storms

Don Gonyea talks with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear about storm damage in his state, and how the recovery effort is going.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear discusses state's recovery after storms

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Movie Interviews

The classic 'West Side Story' is being remade for the screen

Don Gonyea speaks with Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose, stars of the new film adaptation of "West Side Story."

The classic 'West Side Story' is being remade for the screen

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Europe

Thousands of Russian troops have massed on the border of Ukraine

Don Gonyea speaks with Angela Stent of the Brookings Institution about how the crisis on the Ukraine-Russia border can be resolved.

Thousands of Russian troops have massed on the border of Ukraine

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Economy

Consumer prices rose by 6.8% last month, the highest jump in inflation in 4 decades

Don Gonyea talks with Mark Wolfe of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association about how inflation is affecting low income Americans.

Consumer prices rose by 6.8% last month, the highest jump in inflation in 4 decades

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The Coronavirus Crisis

At-home COVID-19 tests have room for improvement

Don Gonyea speaks to Atul Grover, health policy researcher and executive director at the Association of American Medical Colleges, about the issues with at-home COVID-19 tests.

At-home COVID-19 tests have room for improvement

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National

Small towns in the Midwest are coming together to deal with storm damage

Don Gonyea talks with Kevin Cotton, Mayor of Madisonville, Kentucky, which was hard hit by this weekend's deadly storms.

Small towns in the Midwest are coming together to deal with storm damage

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Music Interviews

Neil Young's latest album got its name from where it was recorded – in a barn

Handmade music, raw and rootsy, recorded in a 19th-century log barn. That's the setting for the new album titled "Barn" by Neil Young & Crazy Horse.

Neil Young's latest album got its name from where it was recorded – in a barn

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Author Interviews

Vivian Maier, renowned 20th century photographer, was unknown until her death in 2009

Don Gonyea speaks with author Ann Marks about her biography documenting Vivian Maier's life as a street photographer who didn't gain notoriety until she after she died in 2009.

Vivian Maier, renowned 20th century photographer, was unknown until her death in 2009

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Politics

In a new book, Chris Christie says the GOP needs to move past Trump

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has emerged as a critic of ex-President Trump. We look at the pair's long and uneasy history, and what Christie's new stance may mean for the Republican Party.

In a new book, Chris Christie says the GOP needs to move past Trump

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Trump shapes North Carolina's Republican Senate primary with an early endorsement

Rep. Ted Budd speaks on June 5 at a GOP event after former President Donald Trump had just endorsed him for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat. The endorsement has shaped the early contours of the primary. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images hide caption

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Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

Politics

Trump shapes North Carolina's Republican Senate primary with an early endorsement

North Carolina is a swing state with a Senate seat coming open. On the Republican side, the former president made an early endorsement, seeming to set the positioning for the GOP hopefuls.

Trump shapes North Carolina's Republican Senate primary with an early endorsement

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Obituaries

Remembering former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has died at 84

Powell was the first Black chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, and the first Black secretary of state. His family said he died of COVID-19 complications, though he was fully vaccinated.

Remembering former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has died at 84

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Colin Powell, a former secretary of state, dies at 84

Colin Powell, a former secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs, has died at age 84. Above, Powell speaks at eBay headquarters in California in 2010. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Obituaries

Colin Powell, a former secretary of state, dies at 84

Powell's family said that he died of complications from COVID-19, although he was fully vaccinated. Powell was a former general turned statesman who served as secretary of state under George W. Bush.

Colin Powell, a former secretary of state, dies at 84

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They voted for Trump and then for Biden. Here's what these swing voters think now

President Biden campaigns for California Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month. David McNew/Getty Images hide caption

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David McNew/Getty Images

Politics

They voted for Trump and then for Biden. Here's what these swing voters think now

In a pair of virtual focus groups, a picture emerged of disappointment with Biden — but no regrets that they helped send Trump packing after one term.

They voted for Trump and then for Biden. Here's what these swing voters think now

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