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Up First from NPR

NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

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Aug 19 2026 | 00:13:18

Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming held primaries last night, with a mixed showing for progressives in Florida, including a surprise win in the Democratic Senate primary.
President Trump pushed back new tariffs on Canada by three days after saying the two countries may restart a controversial oil pipeline, though the bigger North American trade deal is still up in the air.
A major trial against Meta began in California, with states accusing the company of designing its platforms to be addictive for young users and of misrepresenting the risks.

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 plus.npr.org.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Padma Rama, Kara Platoni, Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Kaity Kline.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Eowyn Fain.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Florida Primary Results
(05:51) US-Canada Tariffs
(09:38) Meta Trial Begins

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Aug 18 2026 | 00:12:37

Jared Kushner and Prime Minister Netanyahu met for hours in Jerusalem over the future of Gaza and came out sounding hopeful, though Israel still hasn't committed to the U.S. peace plan that Hamas has already agreed to, with an Israeli withdrawal the main sticking point.
The war with Iran is draining America's military and it's being felt across the world, as the U.S. runs low on warships and interceptor missiles and no American aircraft carrier in the Pacific for the first time in years.
It's primary day in Alaska, Florida and Wyoming, with a high-stakes Senate race in Alaska that could help decide control of the chamber, millions in outside money has been pouring into the contest.

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 plus.npr.org.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, Padma Rama, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Eowyn Fain.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:50) Kushner Netanyahu Gaza Meeting
(05:32) Iran War Depleting US Military
(09:13) Florida, Alaska and Wyoming Primaries

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Aug 17 2026 | 00:13:05

The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is on its way to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at the center of concerns over crew mental health and a lack of fresh food and supplies on the ship.
Ukraine launched one of its largest attacks on Russia since the war began, sending more than 800 drones toward Moscow and other areas. At least 20 people have been killed in the fire between both sides.
President Trump's Middle East negotiator, Jared Kushner, is in Israel for talks on the future of Gaza, right after a rare face-to-face with Hamas in Egypt, as the two sides remain far apart on disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal.

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 plus.npr.org.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Brett Neely, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adriana Gallardo.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Stacey Abbott.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Relief En Route To USS Abraham Lincoln
(05:46) Ukraine's Drone Barrage On Russia
(09:31) Kushner Gaza Talks 

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Aug 16 2026 | 00:26:35

Four hundred years ago, the last of Britain’s native beavers were hunted to extinction. But in 2009, scientists began a grand experiment to bring the furry, buck-toothed rodents back. They relocated a pair of Norwegian beavers to a remote rainforest in Scotland, hoping they’d become the Adam and Eve of a new line of British beavers. Today on The Sunday Story, NPR’s Lauren Frayer travels from the wilds of Scotland to a tube station in London, to explore how these animals – beloved by some humans and loathed by others – are transforming the British landscape.

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.

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Aug 15 2026 | 00:17:18

Paychecks aren't keeping pace with rising prices, and households are feeling the squeeze. Sailors on the ships deployed to the Middle East are straining without enough clean water and fresh food. In the thick of primary season for the midterms, how reliable is polling? 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.

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Aug 14 2026 | 00:13:13

Lawmakers want the Pentagon to investigate reports of food shortages, poor sanitation and lack of mental health care for sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been out at sea for nearly 9 months. And the Trump administration says it’s gearing up for economic warfare against Iran. What will it mean for ordinary Iranians already suffocating under high inflation? Plus, Ukraine is using drones to challenge Russia’s grip on Crimea. Can Ukraine win back territory it lost more than a decade ago?

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Lindsay Totty, Arezou Rezvani, Andrew Sussman and James Hider.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Éowyn Fain.

 And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:57) Poor Conditions on USS Lincoln
(05:47) Economic Warfare on Iran
(09:45) Ukraine's Drone Campaign

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Aug 13 2026 | 00:45:37

Congressman Ro Khanna says America needs an “economic realignment.”

Fresh off a tour through his birthplace of Pennsylvania, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he is “thinking seriously” about running for president in 2028 — a race he called a “breaking point in America” that could lead to a destructive revolution or a new economic order. 

“If we don't do something dramatically different, we may break,” Khanna tells NPR’s Steve Inskeep in this episode of Newsmakers.  “Have you met these folks in their 30s? They want pitchforks and torches. They want your scalps … politically.” 

The California lawmaker — who acknowledged he sits around 2% in the Democratic presidential polls — does not have the name recognition of some other contenders, including his fellow Californians: former Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom. He has, however, steadily raised his profile through years of action on issues ranging from the Epstein files to a wealth tax. And his possible bid for president comes as the Democratic Party’s center and left-wing candidates battle over ideological differences within the party.

Khanna said Democrats need to nominate a progressive who will usher in “America’s next New Deal” and shouldn’t fear being labeled “communists” by Republican opponents, including President Trump. 

“We’ve been calling the guy a fascist for 10 years and he’s won two terms,” Khanna said. “Labels usually don’t matter in American politics.”

Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. 

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Aug 13 2026 | 00:13:08

Recent primary results were supposed to offer clues on voters’ appetite for progressive candidates. But the results — so far — paint a muddled picture. What does that mean for the party’s midterm strategy? And new inflation numbers are out and lettuce was a highlight. How are the leafy greens impacting the cost of living? Plus, rescue teams in Colombia are racing to find the nearly 500 earthquake victims still buried under rubble.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Arezou Rezvani, Alice Woelfle, Jason Breslow, Rafael Nam and Tina Kraja. 

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara. 

Our director is Christopher Thomas. 

We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:51) Democratic Party Divide
(05:38) Lettuce is Saving You Green
(09:23) Colombia Rescue Efforts

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Aug 12 2026 | 00:13:27

Results are in from primary races in six states. How did progressive candidates fare against more moderate Democrats in this run-up to the midterm elections? And President Trump has confirmed he secretly swapped planes as he left a NATO summit in Turkey last month. How unusual was this ruse? Plus, Iraq’s new leader wants to disarm the country’s Iran-backed militias that have hit U.S. military installations across the region in recent months. How challenging will that be?

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Alice Woelfle, Arezou Rezvani, Padma Rama, Rebekah Metzler and Tina Kraja.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:54) Primary Race Results
(05:35) Trump's Plane Swap Ruse
(09:48) Disarming Iraq's Iran-Backed Militias

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Aug 11 2026 | 00:12:52

A self-described democratic socialist is shaking up the race for Wisconsin governor and a progressive is up against a moderate in Minnesota. How much of an appetite do voters have for non-mainstream candidates going into the midterm elections? Primary races in six states today will offer clues. And Iran’s demand for war reparations has prompted President Trump to make a reparation demand of his own. Can Trump afford a stalemate that will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed? Plus the view from Colombia, where rescue workers and volunteers are digging through rubble for survivors of a major earthquake.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Olivia Hampton, Arezou Rezvani, Larry Kaplow, Rebecca Metzler and Miguel Macias.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara. 

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Progressives in Midwest Primaries
(05:29) Trump and Iran Stalemate
(09:37) Colombia Earthquake

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Aug 10 2026 | 00:13:33

Negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz are dragging. Is Iran stalling to sabotage the midterm elections for President Trump and his party? And new data about the cost of living comes out this week. It's expected to show the cost of living is rising faster than wages. What can the Federal Reserve do about it? Plus, a new report reveals decades of sexual misconduct at an elite arts school in Michigan.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Ally Schwietzer, Arezou Rezvani, Miguel Macias, Kara Platoni and Meritt Kennedy.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara. Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Iran Negotiations Drag
(05:39) New Inflation Report
(09:16) Sexual Abuse at Elite School

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Aug 09 2026 | 00:37:54

Rates of black lung disease amongst Appalachia’s coal miners are at the highest they’ve been in 50 years. Recent data shows that a third of veteran miners have the disease. The epidemic is also striking younger workers, too. 

On The Sunday Story, Howard Berkes investigates the devastating human cost on Appalachian families, decades of regulatory failures, and why life-saving protections from toxic silica dust remain stalled in federal court.

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.

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Aug 08 2026 | 00:14:56

Todd Blanche squeaks past a confirmation vote from the Senate. Private prison companies are making record profits from ICE detentions. Regal Cinemas announces support for the mega merger of Paramount and Warner Brothers. 

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.

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Aug 07 2026 | 00:12:10

The Supreme Court struck down the last attempt by the president to limit birthright citizenship. Now President Trump is trying again. This time with two executive orders that are narrower in scope. Iran has released details of an agreement it is finalizing with Oman, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The critical waterway wouldn’t be open to American and Israeli ships. And Trump’s public messaging about what happens next in Iran is simply not matching reality.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Emma Bowman, Kate Bartlett, Rebekah Metzler, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Ben Abrams.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange..

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:50) Trump Tries to Limit Birthright Citizenship
(05:17) Hormuz Deal
(08:29) Iran War Fallout

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Aug 06 2026 | 00:13:28

President Trump has claimed several times that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is close. Now Iran is saying it too, but in a deal that is being negotiated directly with Oman. Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed eked out a primary victory for a Michigan Senate seat. He now faces former GOP Congressman Mike Rogers in November. And President Trump traveled to Las Vegas, where he claimed the economy was fine and blamed Democrats for high prices. 

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Padma Rama, Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:59) Hormuz Negotiations
(05:43) Michigan Senate Race
(09:27) Trump Talks Economy

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Aug 05 2026 | 00:12:36

Votes in Michigan’s highly anticipated Democratic Senate primary are still being counted. But what do the results in Tuesday's other races tell us about November's election? The U.S military is running short of ammunition. NPR has learned that the Army is running out of long-range attack missiles. And the Food and Drug Administration is deciding whether to approve the first flu vaccine using mRNA technology.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Larry Kaplow, Andrew Sussman, Scott Hensley, HJ Mai and Olivia Hampton.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:49) Primary Election Results
(05:40) US Missile Stockpiles Running Low
(09:19) New Flu Vaccine

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Aug 04 2026 | 00:13:10

The Senate Judiciary Committee votes today on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general. What concerns lawmakers about the record of the president’s former personal lawyer? And five states hold primaries today. Voters in Michigan must decide between two Democrats vying for a Senate seat. What does the race reveal about the direction of the Democratic party? Plus, a man is arrested on arson charges in connection to one of the wildfires ripping through Spokane, Washington.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Jason Breslow, Jennifer Portman, Arezou Rezvani, and Lindsay Totty.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. 

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:59) Blanche and the DOJ
(05:47) Michigan Primaries
(09:36) Spokane Wildfires

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Aug 03 2026 | 00:13:01

Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, is rescinding an order to create a $1.8 billion fund for Trump’s political allies. Is that enough to persuade senators who blocked his nomination to back him? And President Trump is backing off additional attacks on Iran as negotiations resume today. Why is Trump willing to give diplomacy another go? Also, are progressive candidates poised to win big in this year's midterm election? Upcoming primaries may offer clues.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Jason Breslow, Megan Pratz, Arezou Rezvani and Lindsay Totty .

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Blanche Rescinds 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
(05:32) Iran Strikes Called Off
(09:23) Midwest Primaries

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Aug 02 2026 | 00:26:16

President Trump has repeatedly warned that the communists are coming for America. And he’s not talking about China or North Korea. He’s talking about Democratic Socialists like Zohran Mamdani and recent Congressional candidates.

This week on The Sunday Story, we bring you a conversation from our colleagues at The NPR Politics Podcast. They argue that as the midterms near, crying “communism” may be a key Republican strategy. They discuss whether there’s any legitimacy to the claim, what Republicans hope to achieve by making it, and whether voters will be convinced.  

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.

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Aug 01 2026 | 00:14:33

The president’s media company is offering investors early access to his Truth Social feed for up to $100,000 a month. Arizona, California, and Nevada share steep cuts to Colorado River water over the next decade. FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup collapses.


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Jul 31 2026 | 00:13:07

President Trump claims to have reached a breakthrough in efforts to disarm Hamas in Gaza. Hamas says it will only give up its weapons if Israel withdraws first. On the domestic front, Trump floated the idea of temporarily withdrawing his nominee for attorney general until two Republicans holdouts leave office. And a new report from the Commerce Department shows that economic growth slowed in the second quarter.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Kate Bartlett, Anna Yukhananov, Rafael Nam, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

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.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:28) Trump Says Hamas Will Disarm
(05:57) Blanche Faces GOP Pushback
(09:53) Economic Outlook

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Jul 30 2026 | 00:14:21

The U.S. launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran overnight. This was in retaliation to a foiled surprise attack on U.S. forces in Jordan. Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a contentious Senate hearing on Wednesday. And a new Trump administration rule is making it even harder to seek asylum.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Amina Khan, Anna Yukhananov, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buch and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:38) US and Iran Trade Strikes After Brief Pause
(06:53) Fauci Pleads The Fifth
(10:39) New Asylum Rule

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Jul 29 2026 | 00:12:55

President Trump hosted two foreign leaders at the White House on Tuesday. Both, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are dealing with war at home. While Trump’s relationship with Netanyahu has been increasingly strained, his ties with Zelenskyy have steadily improved. And in France, raging wildfires have force hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun?
Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:51) Trump And Zelenskyy
(05:35) Trump And Netanyahu
(09:21) France Wildfires

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Jul 28 2026 | 00:14:30

President Trump is meeting with two world leaders separately at the White House on Tuesday. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu are seeking Trump’s support amid ongoing conflicts. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians and thousands of Syrians who are in the U.S. legally are facing deportation. And new research shows that an increasing number of Americans say corruption is a problem in politics.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun?
Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Cheryl Corley, Kelsey Snell, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:57) Trump Meets Zelenskyy And Netanyahu
(05:59) TPS Update
(09:43) Political Corruption

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Jul 27 2026 | 00:13:15

At least three people are dead after a shooting at a food festival in Seattle. Four others are injured, including a 2-year-old boy.  Police say a suspect is in custody, while another is on the loose. After nearly two weeks of intense airstrikes, the U.S. and Iran have paused their attacks and started exchanging messages again. And with fewer than 100 days left until election day, some key races across the country are heating up. We'll take a look at the current state of play.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Tina Kraja, Ben Swasey, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Stacey Abbott.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Seattle Shooting
(05:25) Iran War Pause
(09:07) Midterm Elections

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Jul 26 2026 | 00:24:15

Thirty-six years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, guaranteeing civil rights for millions of Americans. But the movement that made that day possible began years earlier. One pivotal victory was won by a small, often-forgotten group of activists in Denver known as the "Gang of 19."

On The Sunday Story, NPR’s Joseph Shapiro and Colorado Public Radio’s Stephanie Wolf trace the history of the disability rights movement—from the protests that secured accessible public transit to the modern-day fight to protect the hard-won right to live independently. 

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Jul 25 2026 | 00:16:02

A recap of President Trump’s hour-long speech at the rescheduled White House Correpondents’ Dinner. Ukrainian drones have targeted Russia’s airfields and oil refineries and are now going after Wildberries, Russia’s large e-commerce retailer. Young people’s protests in India over entrance exams have resulted in the resignation of the country’s education minister today.

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Jul 24 2026 | 00:12:00

Oil topped $100 a barrel for the first time in two months after Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, opening a new front in the shipping war as President Trump says he's weighing a massive attack on Iran.
One of Trump's global tariffs expired overnight and he replaced it within the hour with a new one hitting 59 countries and the European Union, built on a different legal argument after the Supreme Court threw out his last batch.
And people in Madison, Wisconsin gathered to remember Corey Ruiz, who police shot and killed Wednesday after they say he pulled a knife during a struggle, though bystander video appears to show him on the ground when the officer fired.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, Gigi Douban, Mohamad ElBardicy and Taylor Haney.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:54) Saudi Oil Tankers Attacked
(05:24) Trump's New Tariffs
(09:19) Wisconsin Police Shooting

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Jul 23 2026 | 00:12:49

Saudi Arabia is getting American nuclear reactors and a path to enrich its own uranium, the same technology the U.S. has spent months bombing Iran to stop, which has Israel warning about a nuclear arms race.
President Trump is asking Americans to be patient about what the war is costing them, promising Iran will pay for itself the way he claims Venezuela has, but his own supporters are getting harder to convince as gas prices climb again.
And the House heads home for a month today after cramming in four big bills on the way out, none of which the Senate is likely to take up as written, even though Republicans run both chambers.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, Jason Breslow, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adriana Gallardo.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Saudi Uranium Enrichment Deal
(05:26) Trump Defends Iran War
(09:03) GOP Congress Out Of Sync

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Jul 22 2026 | 00:12:40

President Trump travels to Dover Air Force Base today to receive the bodies of service members killed in the Iran war, as he insists Iran is desperate for a deal.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got a grilling from both parties on Capitol Hill as he asked for billions more to fund a war Congress never voted to authorize, with 18 troops now dead and nearly 500 wounded.
And Arizona has picked its candidates for the fall, with Trump ally Andy Biggs, who tried to overturn the 2020 election, winning the Republican nomination for governor and setting up what could be one of the closest races in the country against Democrat Katie Hobbs.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Jason Breslow, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adriana Gallardo.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas

Our director is Christopher Thomas

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:59) Trump Receives Fallen Troops
(05:35) Hegseth Grilled On The Hill
(09:15) Arizona Primary Results

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NPR Privacy Policy

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