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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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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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Jul 21 2026 | 00:12:32

The war between the U.S. and Iran keeps widening as Yemen's Houthi rebels announce a blockade of Saudi Arabia that would choke off another key oil route, even as Iran signals it may be open to talks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth heads to Capitol Hill today to ask lawmakers for a nearly 90 billion dollar funding boost for the war with Iran, in a rare chance for senators to question him after the Pentagon admitted 100 troops were wounded in the past two weeks and hasn't briefed reporters since May.
And it's the last day of primary voting in Arizona, a swing state that's become ground zero for election denialism, with big fall races taking shape for governor, a toss-up House seat, and secretary of state.

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, Andrew Sussman, Larry Kaplow, Mohamad ElBardicy 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 Stacey Abbott.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:53) Iran And Yemen's Houthis Blockade
(05:31) Hegseth On Capitol Hill
(09:20) Arizona Primary Day

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Jul 20 2026 | 00:13:42

A third U.S. service member has been killed since Friday as the U.S. bombs Iran for a ninth straight night, with Iran vowing not a drop of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz while the attacks continue.
House Republicans have one week left before the August recess as Speaker Mike Johnson tries to advance defense funding, a stock trading ban for lawmakers, and President Trump’s election integrity bill amid high voter anxiety over the cost of living.
And the United Kingdom has a new prime minister this morning as Andy Burnham replaces Keir Starmer, becoming the country’s seventh leader in just ten years.

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, Brett Neely, Tara Neill, 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 Carleigh Strange.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:54) US-Iran War Escalates
(05:24) Congress To-Do List
(09:08) UK Has A New Prime Minister

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Jul 19 2026 | 00:32:14

What defines a family? For a group of strangers, that question took on a profound, unexpected meaning after DNA tests revealed a hidden, decades-old deception. They discovered they were all half-siblings conceived through artificial insemination in the mid-20th century. Their biological father was not the man who raised them, but Dr. Charles Charny, a Philadelphia fertility specialist.

In this week's episode of The Sunday Story, Frank Langfitt follows this unique family as they piece together their strange creation tale and decide to become a family.


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Jul 19 2026 | 00:42:24

Hunter Biden says he has nothing left to hide. He’s been all over the internet in recent months, including appearances with some of his harshest critics, such as ultra-conservative podcasters Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes. In May, he reactivated his long-dormant X account, writing, “You've never actually heard from me.” 

Since then, he’s posted an average of 23 times per day — weighing in on politics, news and culture. After his private life and struggle with addiction was made public through leaks in the media, congressional investigations and federal prosecutions, Biden now says being ‘stripped naked in the public square’ was, in a way, a gift. 

In this episode of NPR's Newsmakers, Scott Simon sat down with Biden, who opened up about that public shaming, why President Joe Biden decided to pardon him after tax and gun convictions and why he didn’t want his father to run for reelection in 2024 – but didn’t tell him at the time.

Newsmakers
is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. New episodes drop as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. To stay caught up, follow the show on Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, or find Newsmakers on the NPR app.

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Jul 18 2026 | 00:16:09

The latest on two fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers in Texas and Maine. An unprecedented rescue mission to save a valuable space observatory before it burns up in Earth's atmosphere. A preview of the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey between Spain and Argentina.

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Jul 17 2026 | 00:13:40

President Trump gave a primetime address on election integrity, releasing documents he said proved widespread fraud in the 2020 election, but experts say there’s nothing new, just a rehash of old claims.
Trump used his speech to pressure Congress on a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, while also laying the groundwork to question the legitimacy of the midterms if Republicans underperform.
And catastrophic flooding has hit Texas again, with at least two people dead and hundreds rescued, just one year after last summer’s deadly floods that killed more than 130 people.

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 Ben Swasey, Megan Pratz, Acacia Squires, Mohamad ElBardicy 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 Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:38) Trump Rehashes Election Fraud Claims
(06:52) Politics Of Trump's Speech
(10:39) Texas Flooding

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Jul 16 2026 | 00:13:57

Most senators didn't question Todd Blanche's qualifications to lead the Justice Department at his confirmation hearing, they questioned whether the man who spent years as President Trump's personal lawyer would serve the president or the country.
President Trump notified Congress that the U.S. is back at war with Iran, starting a new 60-day clock for military action, though the clock that may matter most is the midterms as gas prices ripple through the economy.
And Trump's pick for intelligence chief, Jay Clayton, wouldn't acknowledge the results of the 2020 election at his hearing, leaving Democrats to ask why a man with no intelligence experience won't give a straight answer.

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, Kelsey Snell, Andrew Sussman, Alice Woelfle, and Mohamad ElBardicy.

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 deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:35) Blanche Confirmation Hearing
(06:30) Iran War And Midterm Politics
(10:24) Clayton ODNI Hearing 

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Jul 15 2026 | 00:13:21

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will be on Capitol Hill today for his high-stakes confirmation hearing to lead the Justice Department permanently. 
President Trump has talked about the US fully controlling the Strait of Hormuz. But for the US military that means much more than imposing yet another blockade on the key waterway. 
The third fatal ICE shooting in a week is now prompting a policy shift at the agency. According to Senator Angus King, ICE will now suspend most vehicle stops during enforcement operations.

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 Andrew Sussman, Anna Yukhananov, Alina Hartounian, Mohamad ElBardicy, Alice Woelfle, and Ziad Buchh.

It was produced by Paige Waterhouse 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
(1:49) Blanche confirmation hearing
(5:38) US and the Strait of Hormuz
(9:32) ICE Vehicle stops

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Jul 14 2026 | 00:12:57

The US and Iran have resumed hostilities, despite last month's memorandum of understanding. President Trump says the military will once again blockade the Strait of Hormuz.
For the second time in a week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed an immigrant. A 26-year-old Colombian man was killed yesterday in Maine. Some Maine elected officials say the victim wasn't the target of an ICE warrant.
And a dozen states, led by California, are suing to block Paramount from buying Warner Bros. Discovery after the Justice Department cleared the deal.
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 Eric Westervelt, Emily Kopp, Miguel Macias, Alice Woelfle, Mohamed ElBardicy and Ziad Buchh.

It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Chris 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
(1:50) Memorandum Of Misunderstanding
(5:26) Fatal ICE Shooting
(9:13) Paramount Merger Suit

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Jul 13 2026 | 00:12:18

The U.S. and Iran are continuing to fight over control of the Strait of Hormuz after a weekend of heavy strikes, with the U.S. hitting dozens of Iranian targets and Iran firing at American bases in the Middle East.
Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71, the South Carolina Republican was a committed advocate of U.S. military intervention abroad and a close ally of President Trump.
And as Congress returns from recess, Republican are facing tighter voting margins than before with Senator Graham’s death and Senator Mitch McConnel's absence.

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, Anna Yukhananov, Jason Breslow, Ziad Buchh, Mohamad ElBardicy and HJ Mai.

It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain.

Our technical director is Damian Herring.

(0:00) Iran War latest
(1:52) Iran attacks
(5:42) Graham & Senate
(8:28) Congress returns

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Jul 12 2026 | 00:18:51

From climate change to the rise of AI - it’s hard not to feel like human civilization could be nearing the end. What threats are really worth worrying about? And what can we do to survive a global catastrophe? Today on The Sunday Story, Ben Bradford, host of the new NPR Network podcast Are We Doomed?, tells us what he’s learned about the end of the world.

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Jul 11 2026 | 00:13:52

Kalshi's new plan to prevent political campaign staffers from betting on their own campaigns is hardly foolproof. The disability community has concerns about moving special education oversight from the Education Department to the Department of Health and Human Services. Influencers are questioning the guidance to throw away leftover breast milk in a bottle after two hours.

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Jul 10 2026 | 00:14:12

It's not clear if peace talks are still on as the funeral for Iran's former supreme leader wrapped up after days of mourning, and the tit-for-tat strikes appear to have stopped in what could be another lull, though Israel says it's ready to go back to war at any moment.
More than 300,000 Haitians and thousands of Syrians are about to lose their right to work in this country, and with the work permit goes the driver's license, leaving people in places like Springfield, Ohio waiting to see what happens next. 
The family of Nolan Wells speaks out today, weeks after the Black teenager was found dead on a Mississippi barrier island following a Fourth of July trip with friends, a case that's drawn national attention now that the family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

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 Kate Bartlett, Cheryl Corley, Susanna Capelouto, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas

Our director is Christopher Thomas

We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain .

Our technical director is Damian Herring.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:54) Iran and US Pause Fighting Again
(05:35) TPS Work Permits
(10:50) July 4th Teen Death Investigation

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Jul 09 2026 | 00:12:17

President Trump keeps swinging between threats and flattery, calling Iran's leaders rational and smart three weeks ago and scum this week, and he's a similar tactic with NATO allies, going from freeloaders to friends in a single summit.
The U.S. struck Iran for a second straight night, hitting some 90 military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran fired back at American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, putting Israel's military on full readiness and leaving the region bracing for more. 
And Graham Platner has suspended his Senate campaign in Maine, still denying the rape allegation that brought him down, and now Democrats have until the end of the month to pick someone new for a race they think they can win.

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, Tina Kraja, Jason Breslow, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas

Our director is Christopher Thomas

We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain and our technical director is Damian Herring.

Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Trump's Whiplash Foreign Policy
(05:31) Iran War Escalates
(09:10) Graham Platner Drops Out

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Jul 08 2026 | 00:12:33

President Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran over at the NATO summit this morning, after the two sides traded heavy strikes overnight.
Maine Democrats appear ready to move on from Graham Platner, who still hasn't said whether he'll drop his Senate bid after an accusation of sexual assault he denies, as party leaders scramble to line up a replacement before a fast-approaching deadline.
And the International Olympic Committee has lifted its ban on Russia, opening the door to the 2028 Los Angeles Games even as Russian missiles kill civilians in Ukraine, a decision that has Ukrainians furious.

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, Megan Pratz, Jennifer Portman, Alice Woelfle, and Mohamad ElBardicy.
 
It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.

Our Supervising Producer is HJ Mai.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Iran Ceasefire Over
(05:35) Platner Replacements Emerge
(09:27) Olympic Committee Lifts Russia Ban

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Jul 07 2026 | 00:14:17

Maine Democrat Graham Platner is facing growing calls to drop out of his Senate race after Politico published a former girlfriend's allegation of sexual assault, which he denies, in a blow to a party that saw the seat as key to retaking the Senate.
NATO leaders are gathering in Turkey with President Trump among them, as he presses allies to spend more on their own defense while they look for reassurance that the U.S. still stands behind the alliance.
And the U.S. men’s team’s World Cup run is over after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, capping Team USA's tournament full of promise and political controversy.

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, Russell Lewis, Alice Woelfle, and Mohamed ElBardicy

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:51) Platner Pressured To Drop Out
(05:54) NATO Summit In Turkey
(09:34) US Out Of World Cup

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Jul 06 2026 | 00:14:44

America celebrated its 250th birthday against a backdrop of deep division, with white nationalists marching in Washington DC, counter protesters filling the Mall, and President Trump delivering a speech attacking Democrats as communists.
Huge crowds are marching through Tehran for the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader as U.S.-Iran talks sit frozen until the mourning ends, while Israel's prime minister heads to Washington to talk with President Trump about Iran and the shaky ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza.
And the U.S. faces Belgium tonight in the World Cup, but the bigger story is off the field, after President Trump called FIFA's president about a red card and the American player's suspension was suddenly lifted.

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 Kelsey Snell, Tina Kraja, Russell Lewis, Mohamed ElBardicy and Lindsay Totty.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott and Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Holiday Weekend Politics
(06:47) Iran Mourns Supreme Leader
(10:27) US Vs Belgium World Cup Drama 

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Jul 05 2026 | 00:28:03

Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the birth of a new nation. But if you read the Declaration closely, it’s not just about creating something new;  it’s about ridding itself of something unwanted. It’s a break-up text, announcing secession from the British Crown. Today, that same spirit is fueling a modern-day movement in Illinois.

A growing number of rural counties want to secede from Illinois and create a  51st state called “New Illinois.”  Driven by frustration over the dominance of Chicago politics,  they are organizing for a new future. This week on The Sunday Story, reporter Connor Towne O'Neill takes us inside the movement to split Illinois, and the challenges facing a modern secessionist movement in the land of Lincoln.


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Jul 04 2026 | 00:15:13

President Trump’s speech at Mount Rushmore turns dark. Despite the heat, Americans are finding ways to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Two former Trump allies want to start a new political party. And after four months, Iranians officially mourn Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, killed in Israeli/U.S. airstrikes.

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Jul 03 2026 | 00:12:12

The United States turns 250 tomorrow, but a brutal heat wave is already forcing cities to cancel parades and fireworks, and Washington D.C. will decide this morning whether the public can even attend its July Fourth events.
Russia hit Kyiv with one of the deadliest strikes of the war overnight, firing nearly 600 missiles and drones that killed at least 27 people, Moscow says it's payback for Ukraine's attacks on its oil facilities.
And Democrats are hoping to take back the House this fall, but infighting is getting in the way as progressive upsets energize blue-city voters while raising doubts about whether that message plays in the places the party actually needs.

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 Luis Clemens, Tina Kraja, Jason Breslow, Mohamed ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:50) July 4th Heat Wave
(05:11) Russian Strikes On Ukraine
(09:03) Future Of Democratic Party 

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Jul 02 2026 | 00:13:23

President Trump and his family brought in more than a billion dollars last year, much of it from cryptocurrency ventures that have dwarfed his real estate business and raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Democratic socialists scored another big win in Colorado as Melat Kiros upset longtime Congresswoman Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary, the latest in a string of progressive victories that Republicans are already using to paint the whole party as too extreme.
And the U.S. men’s team advanced to the World Cup round of 16 with their first knockout win in 24 years against Bosnia-Herzegovina, though they’ll be without their top scorer after a red card in a match played under dangerous heat in the East.

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 Jan Johnson, Russell Lewis, Jason Breslow, Alice Woelfle and Mohamed ElBardicy

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:54) Trump's Crypto Earnings
(05:43) Democratic Socialists Rising
(09:26) USA Advances In World Cup

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Jul 01 2026 | 00:13:25

The Supreme Court closed out its term with a major loss for President Trump, upholding birthright citizenship, though the justices handed him plenty of power elsewhere over the course of the year.
Democratic socialist Melat Kiros pulled off a stunning upset in Colorado's primary, unseating a 15-term congresswoman in the third such win for the left in a week, while an anti-Washington mood also cost longtime Senator Michael Bennet his bid for governor.
And the World Cup enters its knockout rounds as a brutal heat wave grips the East, putting more than 100 million people under extreme heat warnings and setting up some of the biggest games to be played in dangerous conditions.

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, Padma Rama, Barrie Hardimon, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:07) SCOTUS Upholds Birthright Citizenship
(05:54) Colorado Primary Results
(09:35) World Cup Heats Up

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Jun 30 2026 | 00:20:18

The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its term with three consequential decisions, upholding birthright citizenship guarantees, striking down campaign finance limits and allowing trans athlete bans.

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

This bonus episode of Up First was produced by Ana Perez, Lilly Quiroz, and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman and Damian Herring.

Our deputy executive producer is Kelley Dickens and our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

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Jun 30 2026 | 00:12:46

The U.S. and Iran are set to meet in Qatar today after a weekend of trading fire that strained their fragile ceasefire, though the two sides can't even agree on whether the meeting is happening, while in Lebanon a deal meant to end the fighting is drawing fierce backlash from people who say their government sold them out.
It's the last day of the Supreme Court's term, with a long-awaited ruling on birthright citizenship that could decide whether every child born on U.S. soil is automatically an American citizen, a major test of the 14th Amendment and President Trump's immigration agenda.
And it's primary day in Colorado, where the races offer clues about the national mood with a democratic socialist on the rise, a fight for Latino votes, and rural voters who feel left behind by 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 Tina Kraja, Larry Kaplow, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:53) US & Iran In Qatar For Talks
(05:17) SCOTUS Birthright Ruling
(09:02) Colorado Primary Preview

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Jun 29 2026 | 00:13:51

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is barely holding after a weekend of strikes, with the U.S. hitting Iran and Iran firing back at American bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, though talks are still set to resume and Israel and Lebanon have reached a deal of their own.
Search and rescue efforts continue across Venezuela five days after two powerful earthquakes, with the death toll approaching 1,500 and thousands still missing as families dig through rubble themselves.
And President Trump's immigration agenda just got a boost from the Supreme Court, with hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians now told to find new legal status or leave the country, even as a bigger ruling on birthright citizenship is still to come.

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, Miguel Macias, Tara Neill, Dana Farrington, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adam Bearne.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott and our technical director is Zac Coleman.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) US-Iran Strikes Test Talks
(05:36) Venezuela Quake Search & Rescue
(09:24) Trump's Immigration Wins

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Jun 28 2026 | 00:30:46

What happens to famous works of art when they are stolen from museums and private art collections? In the Netherlands, museums and collectors reach out to Arthur Brand, a self-styled art detective who works to track down art that has gone missing and fallen into the criminal underworld.  

This week on The Sunday Story, when a famous Van Gogh painting is stolen from a museum, Brand teams up with an unlikely partner – art thief Octave Durham. Together, the pair work to rescue a masterpiece from the underground market and return it to its museum home.


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