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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.

Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst

Episodes

Hamas Leader Killed, Shifting Battleground States

The political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Iran. The event touches everything from the war in Gaza to U.S. relations with Iran. And President Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race has shifted the states that are considered up for grabs in November, as the campaigns turn their attention to the Sun Belt. Want more comprehensive 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 e...

Jul 31, 202415 min

Arizona Primary, Trump Shooter Latest, Olympics Roundup

The GOP is hoping to flip a Democratic House seat in Arizona with donations from heavy hitters in the crypto industry. The FBI has new information about the 20-year-old shooter who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump, and the latest from day four of the Paris Olympics. Want more comprehensive 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, Russell Lewis, Janaya Willi...

Jul 30, 202413 min

Israel And Hezbollah, Venezuela Election Results, Trump/Vance Campaign

Want more comprehensive 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 James Hider, Tara Neill, Krishnadev Calamur, Janaya Williams, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Zac Coleman. Tensions are high between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah after a rocket hit a s...

Jul 29, 202413 min

The Sunday Story: Fighting for Trans Rights in Uganda

This past spring, in the east African nation of Uganda, the country's highest court upheld The Anti-Homosexuality act. It calls for tough sentences-sometimes even the death penalty - for LGBTQ+ people. On this episode of The Sunday Story , the tale of a trans woman in Uganda who calls herself Rihanna Mukasa. Rihanna was one of the first to be brought to court under the Anti-Homosexuality Act. As she fought a convoluted legal battle, she was brutalized in prison for nine months. After her release...

Jul 28, 202436 min

Olympics Open, TikTok Battle Continues, Brand Name Goods

Paris pulls off its opening ceremonies despite security risks. The U.S. government responds to TikTok's efforts to stay operating under its current owner. Consumer companies notice shoppers shying away from high prices. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 27, 202415 min

Sinaloa Cartel Capture, VP Harris' Gaza Speech, Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Two alleged kingpins of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel were arrested in El Paso, Texas. Vice President Kamala Harris strikes a different tone than President Biden in a speech on the conflict between Israel and Gaza, and the 2024 Summer Olympic Games are underway in France. Want more comprehensive 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, Roberta Rampton, Russell Lewis, Janaya William...

Jul 26, 202413 min

Biden's Oval Office Address, Harris and Gaza, Pennsylvania Voters

In a speech from the Oval Office, President Biden explained his reasons for declining to run for a second term. Vice President Kamala Harris has staked out her own approach to Israel and Gaza, and voters in Western PA share their thoughts on the campaigns and candidates. Want more comprehensive 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 Roberta Rampton, Gabriel Spitzer, Dana Farrington, Janaya...

Jul 25, 202413 min

Netanyahu Visit, VP Harris On The Trail, New Election Poll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress. Vice President Harris has started campaigning for President, and a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows a surge in the number of undecided voters. Want more comprehensive 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, Roberta Rampton, Dana Farrington, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced...

Jul 24, 202413 min

Harris Campaign Latest, GOP Legal Challenges, Secret Service Testimony

Vice President Kamala Harris paid tribute to President Biden and rallied staff on Day One of her push to cement her place at the top of the Democratic ticket. Republicans are warning of possible legal obstacles to the Harris nomination, and the head of the Secret Service was on Capitol Hill answering questions about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today's ep...

Jul 23, 202414 min

Biden Exits The Race, New Nominee Process, GOP Reaction

President Biden is dropping out of the Presidential race. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's new nominee, but it is unclear how Democrats will proceed. Republicans are attempting to tie her to Biden's biggest troubles, including immigration and inflation. Want more comprehensive 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 Krishnadev Calamur, Megan Pratz, Janaya Williams...

Jul 22, 202412 min

The Sunday Story: The Invisible Hand of Fear

Fear can be a powerful weapon. Gao Zhi, a 44-year-old Chinese man, knows this well. In 2020, after criticizing the Communist Party on social media, he left China and gained asylum in the Netherlands. But after Wang Jingyu, a Chinese celebrity dissident, moves into Gao's home, things start to go terribly wrong. Gao fears he and his family are now in the crosshairs of the Chinese Communist Party. On this episode of The Sunday Story, NPR's Global Democracy Correspondent Frank Langfitt and a reporti...

Jul 21, 202446 min

RNC Revisited, Global Tech Meltdown, Latest From Israel

Former President Trump secured the nomination from the Republican Party, but the identity of his opponent grew more uncertain. A software flub caused havoc. A drone evaded Israeli air defenses and killed one in Tel Aviv. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 20, 202414 min

Trump RNC Speech, Biden Campaign Uncertainty

Donald Trump formally accepts the Republican presidential nomination, in a more subdued speech than his usual fare, as he aims to widen his support. And pressure mounts on President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid. Want more comprehensive 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 Megan Pratz, Padma Rama, Krishnadev Calamur, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Lilly Quiroz...

Jul 19, 202412 min

Vance and Trump Speak, Congress Probes Secret Service, Biden COVID

Republican vice presidential pick J.D. Vance welcomed by party faithful. Lawmakers plan a series of hearings next week over Trump's assassination attempt. And President Joe Biden has COVID, amid mounting questions over his reelection bid. Want more comprehensive 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, Krishnadev Calamur, Roberta Rampton, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was ...

Jul 18, 202413 min

Republican Crime and Safety Platform, Democrats' Plans To Keep Biden Off Ballot

Republicans vow to "make America safe again," but the statistics contradict their claims of growing crime. And Democrats who want to keep President Joe Biden off the ballot are opposing an obscure party rule. Want more comprehensive 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 Ravenna Koenig, Alfredo Carbajal, Roberta Rampton, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben ...

Jul 17, 202413 min

JD Vance, Secret Service, Biden Campaign

Donald Trump has picked Senator J.D. Vance as his vice presidential nominee. The U.S. Secret Service is in crisis following the attempted assassination of Trump. And President Joe Biden is shifting his campaign. Want more comprehensive 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 Megan Pratz, Roberta Rampton, Kelsey Snell, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abra...

Jul 16, 202413 min

Trump Shooting Investigation, Disinformation and Extremism, RNC

Details emerge about the person who allegedly tried to assassinate Donald Trump. Conspiracy theories abound over the event that left Trump hurt. And the attempted assassination will impact the tenor of the Republican National Convention and speeches there. Want more comprehensive 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 Krishnadev Calamur, Padma Rama, Brett Neely, Andrew Sussman, Olivia Hamp...

Jul 15, 202415 min

The Sunday Story: The love that shaped Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is an icon of entertainment. She's played many roles in Hollywood, and she has perhaps been most inspirational for the way she has shown up as herself. But before the acclaim, Whoopi Goldberg was known as Caryn Johnson and in her own words, "A little bit different.. and out there." In her new memoir, "Bits and Pieces," she dives into her upbringing with her mother, Emma, and brother, Clyde, and how her relationships with them shaped her sense of herself. In this episode of The Su...

Jul 14, 202422 min

Democratic Divisions, Hezbollah On Gaza Ceasefire Talks, Big Weekend for Soccer

President Biden continues to work to overcome calls from within his own party to step aside. A Hezbollah spokesman says the Lebanese militant group will follow Hamas' acceptance or rejection of any potential ceasefire agreement with Israel. Two major international soccer tournaments electrify fans this Sunday. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 13, 202416 min

Biden Press Conference, Presidential Poll, Gaza City Evacuation Orders

President Biden held a press conference on the sidelines of the NATO summit and his performance was closely watched by Democratic lawmakers, European allies and the American public. A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll measured public opinion about President Biden post-debate, and Israel ordered hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza City to evacuate. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today's episode of...

Jul 12, 202413 min

Kamala Harris, Project 2025, Houston After Beryl

President Biden is facing more calls to step down, putting Vice President Kamala Harris under fresh scrutiny from Republicans and others. Donald Trump is attempting to distance himself from Project 2025, a controversial plan for the conservative overhaul of government. And Houston residents are recovering after Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to more than two million homes and businesses. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to th...

Jul 11, 202413 min

Biden's NATO Speech, Ukraine Hospital Strike, Texas Execution Drugs

President Biden spoke to world leaders at the NATO summit in Washington and sought to reassure them about the strength of the alliance and of his Presidency. Ukrainians are condemning a deadly missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv, and an NPR investigation tracked down one source of execution drugs in Texas. Want more comprehensive 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 Roberta R...

Jul 10, 202413 min

GOP Platform Released, NATO Summit Begins, Advancements In Organ Donation

The Republican Party has released its Trump-inspired platform for 2024. European leaders are meeting in Washington, D.C. for the 75th NATO summit, and a new method for organ harvesting is raising legal and ethical concerns. Want more comprehensive 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 Nick Spicer, Will Stone, John Helton, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, B...

Jul 09, 202413 min

Biden's Next Steps, French Election Results, Boeing To Plead Guilty, Beryl Hits Texas

More Congressional Democrats have called for President Joe Biden to step down, but he is receiving unwavering support from others in his administration. France's far right party fell short in legislative elections yesterday, Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to fraud charges stemming from the crashes of two 737 Max jets, and Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Texas. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Tod...

Jul 08, 202417 min

The Sunday Story: Is this what democracy looks like?

This week on The Sunday Story , a new series from NPR's Embedded podcast that explores what happens when one political party has near-complete control. Supermajority , hosted by WPLN reporter Meribah Knight, follows three conservative moms in Tennessee over the course of a year as they learn to navigate their Republican-controlled state legislature. Reeling from a mass shooting at their kids' school, the three moms become advocates for gun control. But this isn't a story about gun control. It's ...

Jul 07, 202448 min

Biden Campaign Damage Control, Kansas Abortion Ruling, Iran Election

At a rally in Wisconsin and in an interview with ABC News, President Biden pushed back against calls for him to step down; Kansas' top court affirms the right to abortion in that state; Iranians elect a reformist presidential candidate. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 06, 202415 min

UK Election Results, Colorado River Crisis, Florida Climate Change

Britain's Labour Party won the UK general election by a landslide, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule. The US government is using new tactics to address the problem of critically low water levels in the Colorado River, and Republican voters in Florida reject the idea of man-made climate change despite Florida being among the states most vulnerable to climate disasters. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First new...

Jul 05, 202412 min

Biden Meets With Democrats, Israel Expands in the West Bank, Phoenix Heat Update

President Joe Biden met with Democratic governors at the White House as they tried to manage the fallout from his bungled debate. Israel is working to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and Phoenix is headed for another record-breaking year of heat-related deaths. Want more comprehensive 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 Krishnadev Calamur, Sadie Babits, Andrew Sussman, HJ Ma...

Jul 04, 202414 min

Expanding Presidential Power, OSHA Heat Proposal, Cyberattacks On Car Dealerships

The Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling will have a profound effect on the power wielded by future American presidents. The White House has proposed new rules to protect workers from extreme heat, and a devastating ransomware attack on U.S. and Canadian car dealerships is the latest in an ongoing global crisis. Want more comprehensive 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 Krishna...

Jul 03, 202413 min

Trump Wins Broad Immunity, Beryl Makes Landfall, First Millennial Saint

The Supreme Court has granted Donald Trump broad immunity for his official actions as President. Hurricane Beryl is causing extensive damage in the Caribbean, and the first ever millennial saint has been approved for canonization. Want more comprehensive 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 Krishnadev Calamur, Rachel Waldholz, HJ Mai, Janaya Williams and Olivia Hampton. It was produced b...

Jul 02, 202412 min