Does the idea of listening to political news freak you out?

Well, don't sweat it.

The NPR Politics Podcast makes politics a breeze.

Every episode will break down the day's headlines into totally normal language

and make sure that you walk away understanding what the day's news might mean for you.

Take a deep breath and give politics another chance with the NPR Politics Podcast,

available wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst.

Hamas says it will release an Israeli-American captive in Gaza as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire

with Israel. U.S. Mideast envoy's E. Wivcock is set to

arrive in Israel tomorrow to work out the details. That's according to an official familiar

with the matter who spoke on condition of an anonymity, rather, ahead of his arrival.

And here's Daniel Estrin has more from Tel Aviv. In a statement, Hamas said it had been

holding secret talks with the U.S. for the last several days

and that the captive Idan Alexander, quote, will be released as part of the steps taken to establish a ceasefire.

Alexander is a 21-year-old Israeli soldier with dual U.S. Israeli citizenship who was captured in the Hamas-led attacks on

Israel on October 7, 2023. He's the last remaining American citizen held by Hamas and Gaza, who is

believed to still be alive. Hamas said his release would come as part of ceasefire efforts to open

Gaza's border crossings and bring aid to Gaza after more than

10 weeks of an Israeli blockade. This comes shortly before President Trump departs for the region

to visit Arab allies in the Gulf. Daniel Estrin NPR News, Tel Aviv. The White House says

it's made, quote, substantial progress toward a trade agreement with China.

Meanwhile, President Trump's top economic advisor says a score of trade deals with other countries are also developing.

...