SubscribeThe Economist ProLog inSkip to contentSubscribeThe Economist ProLog inWeekly editionWorld in briefUnited StatesChinaBusinessFinance & economicsEuropeAsiaMiddle EastAmericasArtificial intelligenceCultureCartoons & gamesundefined undefinedSubscribe to The EconomistUnlock unlimited access to all our award-winning journalism, subscriber-only podcasts and newslettersSubscribe to The EconomistUnlock unlimited access to all our award-winning journalism, subscriber-only podcasts and newslettersSubscribeManage accountGift subscriptionsLog outManage accountGift subscriptionsLog out←All episodesChecks and Balance | United StatesOur weekly podcast on America. This week, why the Senate race in the Pine Tree State is so crucial May 22nd 2026|1 min readMaine is different. It’s the only state in America that Kamala Harris won in 2024 which has a Republican senator. It should be one of the easiest seats for Democrats to flip in the midterms: will it be?Guests and hosts: Already have an account? Log in Tune in to the world Expert analysis and clear perspectives with Economist Podcasts+ Subscribe now Reuse this contentMore from PodcastsPodcast The IntelligenceBig boosts to fill: SpaceX’s giant IPOAlso on the daily podcast: Young men sour on Trump and wine woes24:56Podcast Money TalksCan anything stop South Korea’s bull run? Our podcast on markets, the economy and business. This week, the AI boom comes to Seoul35:42Podcast The IntelligenceThe Peking order: Xi meets Putin after Trump Also on the daily podcast: the business of the Premier League and daredevil holidays20:38Podcast Editor’s picksDid Neanderthals have dentists?A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist05:48Podcast BabbageA tale of two outbreaksOur podcast on science and technology. How to manage hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks in a post-aid era of public health37:51Podcast The IntelligenceBibi, one more time? Israel’s election launchesAlso on the daily podcast: US anti-terror missions in Africa and Cape Verde’s first World Cup20:31