The federal government on Tuesday released the annual National Crime Victimization Survey. The 2018 data show a big jump in reports of sexual assault and rape.
From the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation battle to Democrats winning back control of the House, these were the biggest political stories of the year that you picked.
Democrats have picked up 33 seats in the House and could get to 39. While some felt a letdown on election night, Democrats' House gains are their biggest since the wave election following Watergate.
There are dozens of competitive races across the country that will determine control of the House, Senate and governors' seats. Here are the pivotal seats that could unlock what happens.
The polls show a Democratic advantage in the House and a Republican one in the Senate. But be ready for anything because surprises in politics always happen.
A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds that voters are worried that the lack of a civil tone and negativity in Washington will lead to violence, but they don't agree on who to blame.
As the president and Elizabeth Warren trade jabs over her Native American roots, the Cherokee Nation secretary of state tells NPR they should instead be looking into the needs of Indian Country.
The party's chances of taking back the House were helped, especially with apparent results in California. That, plus four other takeaways from Tuesday night's elections in eight states.
The dominant storylines from the 2018 primaries so far have been that women have dominated and the president has had his own relative success — and a big impact on GOP congressional candidates.
Trump denies knowledge of a payment to a porn star to cover up a sexual encounter. Evangelical leaders, worried about the midterms, have arranged a meeting with the president at Trump's D.C. hotel.
The court decided Monday not to take up a GOP challenge to a Pennsylvania state court decision that could result in Democrats picking up a handful of House seats.
The candidates are separated by just hundreds of votes. That's a big turnaround from President Trump's 20-point victory in 2016. It has many Republicans worried about a possible Democratic wave.
Democratic enthusiasm was up in Texas, but it's still a very Republican state. Statewide, Democrats face an uphill climb, but in key suburban House races, they could make gains.
The president implored his base voters not to get "complacent" in 2018, since the party in power usually loses big league in midterms. But Trump has already proven he can defy political gravity.
Matt and Becca Hamilton will compete in PyeongChang as mixed doubles curling makes its debut at the Olympics. The brother and sister from Wisconsin say their family bond helps drive their success.
"When we come across these kids, or some are older than just kids, then deport them," Joe Arpaio told NPR. "They can do a lot of good in those countries."
An unlikely win in Alabama gives Democrats an elusive third target they may need to flip the Senate, but a difficult map remains. There are signs, however, of a blue wave forming in 2018.
With the resignation of Minnesota's Al Franken, Republicans may have just been handed a possible takeover opportunity in a state President Trump lost by just 40,000 votes.
Shutdown and debt ceiling deadlines are fast approaching four days before the Alabama Senate election, and Republicans are trying to pass a tax plan by Christmas.
"I can't defend or explain [Tuesday's] actions or timing of the firing of FBI Director James Comey," said Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, who is a top Democratic target in the 2018 midterms.
The recent spending compromise may well have just kicked the can down the road until September, when both sides may be spoiling for a fight amid the specter of a government shutdown.
