Up First from NPR

The U.S. is sending a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East as oil prices climb and the prospect of another attack on Iran grows.More than 19 million Americans have already voted, with strong turnout among Democrats and voters of color, but the numbers can’t tell us who will win.A judge has ordered President Trump to testify in his $10 billion defamation case against the BBC, potentially forcing him to answer questions about his finances and January 6.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to th...

Democrats are sending former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris into competitive Senate races to help the party win in Republican territory.NPR has learned the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a possible attack on Iran after the midterms, while Americans face settler violence and military arrests in the West Bank.Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a merger that could create one of the world’s largest companies and give Elon Musk even greater control over his sprawling business empire.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, pl...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to repair ties with Washington as President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff carries new peace proposals to Russia.President Trump is campaigning in North Carolina as Republicans struggle in key races and he ties federal relief promises to the outcome of the midterms.Britain is sending fighter jets to help Saudi Arabia defend against Houthi attacks as the war disrupts the kingdom’s economy and deepens the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up Firs...

1Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking his concerns about delayed U.S. weapons and intelligence directly to Congress as lawmakers in both parties question President Trump’s approach to Russia.Republicans are spending heavily to defend traditionally conservative territory as Democrats expand the midterm map two weeks before Election Day.The Justice Department has charged 28 California voters it says are noncitizens while asking a federal judge to stop thousands of other ballots from being counted.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.<br...

President Trump is easing pressure on Russia by waiving new sanctions as Ukraine continues striking Russian energy targets and tensions deepen between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Democratic candidates are outraising Republicans across many competitive midterm races, while Elon Musk pours hundreds of millions into GOP super PACs.France is facing one of its biggest political crises in years after nationwide protests erupted into violence, with thousands arrested and the unrest already shaping a presidential election six months away.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe...

Israelis will vote in national elections next week. It’s the first vote since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the Gaza war. Many Israelis call it the most important vote in their country’s history.On this episode of the Sunday Story, NPR’s Daniel Estrin reports on Israelis and how they’ve changed after three years of wars across the Middle East. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of the world’s most controversial and consequential leaders, is seeking a seventh term. A former military chief of staff is his main challenger. Now, as Israel faces a global ba...

Authorities say the 16-year-old suspect in a school shooting that killed three children and one teacher at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon was once a student there. Elon Musk has influence across the economy and politics. The major party candidates for Minnesota’s U.S. Senate seat faced off in a debate Friday on MPR News. Affordability and fallout from the Trump administration’s policies were key points. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz...

At least three children and a teacher were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, where police say a 16-year-old gunman was killed by an armed community member.As President Trump increasingly blames Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the failure of peace efforts, Russia is watching the growing divide while beginning to release diesel under its new deal with the United States.The Justice Department sued California after Los Angeles County refused to investigate a federal list of more than 20,000 voters the government says may be noncitizens.Want more analysis of the...

President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging...

President Donald Trump is campaigning across traditionally Republican states as his party tries to turn out voters in an increasingly competitive midterm map.Ukraine says U.S.-supplied Starshield satellite communications have suddenly been restricted, disrupting the drones it uses to attack Russia and defend against Russian strikes.Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck the headquarters of Saudi oil giant Aramco and are threatening more attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities as the conflict escalates.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.<br...

In a sit-down interview with NPR, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the U.S. warned it could cut intelligence sharing over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries.Pope Leo XIV is recovering from surgery after the Vatican announced he has lung cancer, as doctors wait for more test results to determine what comes next.President Trump forced out U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle after a series of misconduct allegations, raising new questions about his political appointees overseas.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to...

President Trump is ramping up campaign travel and putting himself at the center of the midterms as Republicans fight increasingly competitive races in states he won easily.Federal agents searched Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar’s home as part of a criminal investigation just weeks before the midterms, prompting her to accuse the Trump administration of political targeting.European allies are pushing back on Trump’s approach to Russia, with the E-U tightening sanctions and NATO’s top commander warning the alliance is ready to fight if attacked.Want more analysis of the most important news of the da...

President Trump is increasing pressure on Ukraine over its strikes on Russian oil refineries while again calling on Ukrainians to hold wartime elections and threatening to cut off U.S. intelligence support.President Trump is trying to show voters he is focused on affordability as record fuel prices and a controversial Russian diesel deal collide with his familiar political grievances just weeks before the midterms.Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have killed at least 20 people in the past week and repeatedly struck Riyadh’s main airport, raising new questions about the kingdom’s security and the role of its...

Aliksandria Prout had only been at the Central California Women’s Facility for a few days when a male officer stopped her at a checkpoint. “You have beautiful lips and beautiful eyes,” he said. That was just the beginning. On this episode of The Sunday Story, we feature the first episode of a new three-part series from KQED’s Snap Judgment called “We Are Jane Doe.” It follows thirteen women and their fight for justice against the jailers who sexually assaulted them. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manag...

The first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season strikes the Florida panhandle and drenches the southeast. Trump agrees to import Russian diesel, in the hopes of lowering gas prices. New York City is rattled after ICE shot a man who was driving his 5-year-old son home from school. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship pre...

Hurricane Isaias is expected to strike near the Alabama-Florida state line as communities prepare for dangerous winds, flooding and a life-threatening storm surge.Ukraine is reclaiming territory in the east with a counteroffensive that uses drones and unmanned ground vehicles to push back Russian forces.President Trump says the U.S. will not launch new strikes on Iran before the midterm elections as the unpopular war weighs on Republicans heading into Election Day.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter....

Communities along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast are preparing for Hurricane Isaias as officials warn of flooding, damaging winds and disruptions to weekend events.Democrats are targeting House districts President Trump won comfortably in 2024, while Republicans spend heavily to defend seats that would normally be considered safe.CNN, MS NOW and Politico are back in federal court challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict their reporters’ access to the White House.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Supp...

The U.S. pulled a dozen bombers out of Britain after officials identified a credible Iran-linked threat, raising new questions about how exposed American forces are to drone attacks overseas.French students are protesting teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating schools as demonstrations spread nationwide and clashes with police intensify.Germany has arrested former intelligence chief August Hanning on suspicion of attempted treason after prosecutors accused him of obtaining classified documents for a foreign spy service.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First...

With four weeks until the midterms, Democrats have the advantage in the polls and are increasingly competitive in Senate races that once looked safe for Republican.Saudi-backed forces in Yemen say they have pushed Houthi rebels back from areas around a key Red Sea shipping route, as the Houthis strike Saudi oil facilities and the fighting draws in more outside powers.Paramount and Warner Brothers complete their mega merger bringing major studios, streaming services, CNN and CBS News under one company.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun...

Investigators now believe the Flydubai co-pilot who attacked the captain intended to crash the plane into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, raising new questions about how he was cleared to fly the route.The Supreme Court begins a new term with a case that could shape whether states and cities can make energy companies pay for climate-related damage.Brazil’s presidential election is headed to a runoff after Flávio Bolsonaro finished ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, giving the right a stronger showing than expected.Want more analysis of the most important news of...

Fox News Correspondent Benjamin Hall had been accused by a colleague of taking unnecessary risks when reporting in Syria. Later, Fox News assigned Hall to cover the war in Ukraine. NPR’s David Folkenflik brings the in-depth story of a fatal reporting trip near Kyiv, where Hall was gravely wounded and two other Fox News journalists were killed. Now, the journalists’ families are suing Fox, saying the network put the story ahead of its people. One of the lawsuits says Fox gave Hall free rein to push the Fox news team into an area he’d been repeatedly warned wa...

The U.S. economy added fewer jobs than expected last month, and Black unemployment spiked. California voters will decide whether the state should charge a one-time tax on billionaires, an idea that has split Democrats. The Supreme Court begins its new term on Monday, with cases involving climate change, guns and religious rights.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plu...

The government has a sobering update on the job market, as workers face wages that fail to keep up with higher prices and borrowing costs.Tennessee has paused executions after Christa Pike survived two doses of a lethal injection drug, marking the state’s second failed execution this year.New York’s governor has appointed a special prosecutor in the Cornell sexual assault case after new questions emerged about what information campus police shared with the local district attorney.**correction note: A previous audio version of this story misstated the name of Christa Pike's attorney....

A FlyDubai flight bound for Israel made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and tried to crash the plane, with all passengers safe and investigators working to determine exactly what happened.President Trump is starting his midterm campaign push in Oklahoma and Alabama, raising questions about whether his presence would help or hurt Republicans in battleground states.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he is reshaping the military around a new “warrior ethos,” with plans to cut more senior officers and overhaul parts of the Pentagon seven months into the war with Iran...

President Trump told AI executives they can police themselves and signed an order branding the technology “super intelligence,” even as some of those same companies say the rules for keeping it safe are still a work in progress.More than two decades after the U.S. first invaded Iraq, American forces have now left the country as Iran-backed militias remain powerful and some U.S. partners warn they are being left vulnerable.The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to resume deporting some immigrants to countries they have no ties to while the justices consider whether the poli...

Five men arrested near a U.S.-used air base in Britain have been released on bail but remain under investigation, as police say they have not determined whether a foreign state was involved.The Trump administration is rolling back fuel efficiency standards for new cars, saying the change will lower sticker prices even as critics warn drivers could pay more over time in fuel and other costs.And a 2024 sexual assault case at Cornell University is now under criminal investigation as the school faces growing scrutiny over how it handled the allegations.Want more analysis o...

President Trump rejected Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal but says he remains open to talks, as questions grow over whether there is any realistic path toward ending the war.British police arrested five men on suspicion of preparing an attack near a military base used by the U.S. Air Force, as investigators work to determine whether a foreign government was involved.And President Trump’s fight with the press continues even after a judge restored White House access to three banned outlets, raising questions about whether the battle is costing him the media coverage he normally seeks....

This November, a notable number of Democrats are running for Congress who all have one thing in common: they are members of the clergy. In a moment when the party is counting on every seat it can flip, will these clergy members be able to win over the party’s secular base? NPR’s religion correspondent Jason DeRose followed four of the candidates who are running competitive races in Texas and Iowa. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Priva...

A weekend of wild weather as a couple of power storms are set to hit Hawaii and the Northeastern United States. The Supreme Court rejects the new congressional maps in Missouri that favored republicans. Mortgage rates and bond yields continue to rise, raising borrowing costs for both consumers and the government.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to ma...

President Trump hosts China's leader Xi Jinping. While their differences abound on many issues, they extend their truce on tariffs by two months. CNN and MS NOW are denied access to Trump's State dinner with Xi. And diplomats walk out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's blistering speech at the U.N.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at...

Tucker Carlson is talking about what happened behind closed doors in his very public break with President Trump.In this episode of NPR's Newsmakers, Carlson told host Steve Inskeep about a meeting with Trump in which, he says, Trump dismissed his concerns about the Iran war by saying, "We'll all die anyway."Carlson has taken the view not only that Israel influenced Trump to launch the war, but that Israel gave Trump no choice, and in fact that outside forces control both American political parties, which he described as the "uniparty," a single organization. Carlson's theories...

A federal judge ordered the White House to temporarily restore press passes for CNN, MS NOW and Politico after finding the outlets are likely to succeed on their due process claim.Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President Trump at the White House today, with Taiwan, Iran, artificial intelligence and trade among the major issues on the table.At the United Nations General Assembly, Ukraine pushed for a limited ceasefire with Russia as Iran defends its position in the war with the U.S. and Venezuela’s interim leader promises elections without giving a timetable.Want mo...

President Trump used his U.N. General Assembly speech to threaten Iran with “annihilation” while also revealing that U.S. and Iranian officials had resumed direct talks aimed at ending the conflict.A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows Democrats with a double-digit advantage over Republicans in the congressional vote as President Trump remains a major factor shaping voters’ choices ahead of the midterms.CNN, MS NOW and Politico are asking a federal judge to restore their White House access, while the Trump administration argues the bans are justified by national-security and professional-conduct concerns.Want more a...

Major news organizations are suspending use of White House pool coverage after President Trump banned reporters from CNN and two other outlets, with a court hearing set for Wednesday.President Trump addresses the United Nations this morning aiming to cast himself as a peacemaker, a day before Iran’s president speaks, with the war between them still unresolved.Paramount’s owners agreed to concessions to settle an antitrust lawsuit from a dozen states over their $111 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal critics say will not protect jobs or the independence of CBS and CNN.Want...

World leaders gather in New York for the U.N. General Assembly with the war between the U.S. and Iran dominating the agenda and questions about whether diplomacy can gain traction with Iran's president in attendance.President Trump says his planned "triumphal arch" memorial near Arlington National Cemetery will also house drones, snipers and ammunition, after a judge ordered the administration to give notice before work begins.CNN, MS Now and Politico are suing the Trump administration for banning them from the White House.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day...

This is the story of one of the biggest missing-person cases of our time. It’s been more than fourteen years since American journalist Austin Tice vanished in Syria. There have been many stories about what happened to him. His disappearance has reached the highest levels of power and yet, so little is actually known. BBC’s award-winning investigative journalist Josh Baker brings us Where is Austin Tice?, a new series from NPR’s Embedded and BBC Radio 4. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcas...

President Trump says he’s banning three news organizations – CNN, MS NOW and Politico – from the White House. Leaders in France, Poland and across the continent have warned that Russia may about to broaden its war in Europe. The warning comes after what they say is a spate of brazen Russian attacks. The Protect College Sports Act — a bill that promises to bring stability to college sports — is racing to clear some of its final hurdles.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your...

A federal judge told President Trump he cannot demolish the Kennedy Center without 30 days’ notice, after the board shut the building and Trump threatened to rip it down if his name is not on it.The president has taken a series of hits this week, from the Supreme Court blocking his mail-in voting plan to the Fed increasing interest rates against his wishes, raising questions about how much institutions are willing to push back as the midterms approach.Poland’s prime minister says Russia is planning hybrid drone and missile attacks on European countries that support Ukraine, strikes Mosc...

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years as it tries to bring down stubborn inflation, putting new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh at odds with President Trump’s calls for lower rates.Rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war are driving protests and economic pressure around the world as Saudi Arabia faces attacks on its oil infrastructure and shipping routes.European Union President Ursula von der Leyen is proposing a new “associate member” relationship with Canada as the two draw closer amid tensions with the United States, while President Trump threatens new trade pe...

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in three years as the Iran war pushes inflation higher and borrowing costs are already climbing.Two new government reports put the cost of the Iran war at more than $30 billion and reveal extensive damage to U.S. bases and growing strain on key weapons stockpiles.The Kennedy Center board voted to close the building for renovations after a federal judge again blocked President Trump’s name from being added, while Trump says he will not move ahead unless that changes.Want more an...

President Trump dismissed warnings from leading AI companies that the technology is advancing too fast, calling fears of machines taking over a hoax and framing AI development as a race with China.The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to impose new Postal Service requirements on mail-in ballots, meaning voting by mail that has already started in several states will continue under existing rules.The Kennedy Center says it is on the brink of bankruptcy, with a memo warning the building may be unsafe to occupy as soon as today while the fight over putting President Tru...

Leaders of some of the biggest AI companies say it is time to slow the pace of development after a string of incidents in which their systems went off script, even as President Trump says the United States should not ease up in the race with China.Talks between Iran and Gulf Arab states aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz were postponed as Iran-backed Houthis expand their control near another major shipping route and attacks put more pressure on Saudi oil exports.President Trump’s promise to give Americans $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress is getting a...

Last week, a judge declared a mistrial in the murder case of Lindsay Clancy, leading the public to wonder: What really went on in the jury room?On this episode of The Sunday Story, Ayesha Rascoe talks to WBUR’s Deborah Becker, who was at the courthouse for the duration of the trial. She explains why this trial ended without a verdict – and what the public interest in the case says about an evolving view of postpartum psychosis. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manag...

India hosts the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi this weekend. The crash of an Amazon cargo jet in Miami is raising concerns about the safety culture at the retail giant's air operations. Congress weighs in on potential federal tax incentives to keep film production in the United States.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your pod...

Communities across the country will gather today to mark 25 years since the September 11 attacks, remembering the nearly 3,000 people who died that day and those later killed by illnesses from the toxic air at Ground Zero.President Trump closed the Republican midterm convention last night by urging supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot, even as large sections of the arena sat empty and he suggested he might not campaign as hard as he did for himself.The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Missouri’s Trump-backed Republican congressional map, after which the state’s secretary of stat...

President Trump spoke on the first night of the Republican midterm convention, asking voters to pretend he is on the ballot and promising every adult $5,000 if Republicans keep Congress.Missouri election officials are caught between conflicting state and federal court rulings over which congressional map to use in November, with a Republican-drawn map that could help the party flip a Kansas City seat still in dispute.And Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone under new CEO John Ternus, a roughly $2,000 device that marks the company’s biggest iPhone redesign in nearly two decades.Want more analysis of...

The U.S. has destroyed eight Iranian oil tankers since Saturday, as Iran fires back at American forces and Gulf countries reconsider the risks of hosting U.S. bases.Britain, Canada and France are moving to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with Britain accusing settlers of ethnic cleansing and Israel responding with diplomatic retaliation.And Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch is retiring after nearly four decades at the institution, as the Trump administration continues criticizing the Smithsonian over exhibits it says are anti-white and too focused on negative parts of American history....

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods took effect at midnight, matching President Trump’s latest duties after talks collapsed last month.Republicans are gathering in Dallas this week for an unusual midterm convention headlined both nights by President Trump, who wants voters to pretend he is on the ballot as the party looks to energize voters ahead of the midterm election.Investigators recovered the flight recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that overran a runway in Miami, killing five people on the ground as the NTSB examines what caused the crash....

Authorities in Florida are investigating why an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing five people and injuring five more.President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, made their first wartime visit to Kyiv after talks in Moscow, offering no breakthrough as Ukraine pushes for renewed peace talks and more air defenses.And Germany’s far-right AfD more than doubled its vote in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, a result that could produce the country’s first far-right regional government since Nazi Germany.Want more analysis of the most impor...

Sunscreen may seem simple: slather it on, stay protected. But the science is more complicated than the label suggests. Why is it so hard to stay safe in the sun?On The Sunday Story, we dig into the surprisingly high-tech world of sunscreen and the questions swirling around it. Justine Paradis of New Hampshire Public Radio breaks down the new ingredients, dispels SPF myths, and points to updated guidance around sunscreen use and how it relates to skin color.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and...