Why is it so complicated to save the Everglades ? The Everglades is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere and a sanctuary for over three dozen endangered and threatened species. It also provides fresh water, flood control, and a buffer against hurricanes and rising seas for about 9 million Floridians. But climate change, pollution, agriculture and rapid development are causing potentially irreversible damage . In 2000, the state of Florida and the federal government st...
Mar 03, 2024•28 min•Ep. 2294
The latest in U.S. politics, from presidential border visits to an averted government shutdown. Oregon's state legislature votes to recriminalize drug possession, overhauling what may be the U.S.'s most progressive drug policy yet. Thousands vied for a seat in Iran's parliament on Friday, but voter turnout was low. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Mar 02, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2293
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is being laid to rest after dying in prison for charges widely seen as politically motivated. Gaza health authorities say more than 100 civilians were killed trying to get food from aid trucks, though Israel says that number is much lower. And scientists have started cloning genetically modified pigs with organs designed to be transplanted into people. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to ...
Mar 01, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2292
The Supreme Court will decide if Donald Trump is immune from prosecution for his official actions as president. Mitch McConnell plans to step down as Senate Republican leader at the end of the year. And the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 30,000. 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 was edited by Krishnadev Calamur, Kelsey Snell, Hannah Bloch, HJ Mai and Ben Adler. It was produced by Clai...
Feb 29, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2291
President Joe Biden celebrated an easy win in Tuesday's Michigan primary. But it came with a warning on Gaza. Hunter Biden testifies today in the House GOP impeachment probe into his father. And could the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that gave fertilized eggs the same rights as children spur other states to do the same? 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 was edited by Megan Pratz, Kelsey...
Feb 28, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2290
Michigan is holding its presidential primaries today, and some Democrats say they're voting uncommitted instead of President Biden. Some Michigan voters warn Biden to change course on the Israel-Hamas war. What's the president hearing from voters who delivered the state in 2020? Also, the United States goes to court to stop a grocery megamerger. Kroger and Albertsons propose to combine. What does it mean for your neighborhood supermarket? Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important ne...
Feb 27, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2289
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to move ahead with a ground offensive in the border city of Rafah, even though a ceasefire deal may delay the operation. The battle over free speech on social media reaches the U.S. Supreme Court, and Congress faces yet another government shutdown deadline this week. 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 Ca...
Feb 26, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2288
In the sleepy town of Asebu, a few miles inland from the Atlantic along Ghana's Cape Coast, a serene 5,000 acre rural settlement is rising out of the palm forests and farmland. Pan-African Village is envisioned as an idyllic haven for settlers from the African diaspora. It was established in 2019, after a local chief announced that anyone from the diaspora could have plots for free. Hundreds of people, largely from North America and the Caribbean, have accepted the offer and are in the midst of ...
Feb 25, 2024•30 min•Ep. 2287
As the Russia-Ukraine War heads into its third year, we look at the state of the conflict. Also, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has spent millions in her home state and sharpened her attacks on former President Donald Trump, hoping to chip away at his support. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Feb 24, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2286
Lawmakers in Alabama are working on a legislative solution to a recent state Supreme Court decision which ruled that a frozen embryo has the same rights as a child. How do lawmakers want to fix the issue? Tomorrow will mark the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We'll check with NPR's Joanna Kakissis to hear how people in Ukraine feel about the future. And a data leak from a Chinese technology company is giving the world a glimpse into the Chinese cyber spying ecosystem. Want ...
Feb 23, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2285
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is ramping up her attacks on former President Donald Trump, but her path to winning the GOP nomination remains very narrow at best. Why is she staying in the race? A key witness in the Republican-led impeachment inquiry against President Biden has been charged with lying about an alleged bribery scheme. And a new study shows that nearly half of all American adults know someone who died from an overdose. How is this affecting the people who are closest to th...
Feb 22, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2284
The Supreme Court today hears a challenge to the EPA's authority to regulate air quality. Three GOP-led states want the court to freeze a plan that limits air pollution that crosses state borders. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has vowed to stay in the presidential race through Super Tuesday. But Saturday's primary in her home state is shaping up to be another decisive victory for former President Donald Trump. What's her case for staying in the race? And Alabama's Supreme Court rule...
Feb 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2283
WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange will be in a London courtroom today. He's trying to stop his extradition to the United States. A planned Israeli invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza may force Palestinians into Egypt despite its objections. What will it mean for the more than 1 million Palestinians in Rafah displaced by Israel's war against Hamas? And Louisiana's legislature is in a special session that threatens to undo some of the state's recent criminal justice reforms. Lawmakers will consider ...
Feb 20, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2282
Russia has taken control of a frontline city in Ukraine only days before the war's second anniversary. With supplies running low, will Ukraine's defense forces be able to withstand a Russian assault? Despite international pressure, Israel seems set on a ground invasion of Rafah. Its stated goal is to destroy Hamas, but the city is filled with over a million displaced civilians searching for safety. And Texas plans to build a new military base in the border city of Eagle Pass. It's the latest esc...
Feb 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2281
Mass shootings in America are now regular news. The latest happened days ago, at a Super Bowl parade for the Kansas City Chiefs. After the chaos and shock, the same question gets asked, "How did we get here?" In looking for an answer you can go all the way back to the founding of the nation and the birth of the relationship between the gun industry and the American government. Today on The Sunday Story producer Andrew Mambo talks to reporter Alain Stevens of The Trace and host of WBUR 's podcast...
Feb 18, 2024•24 min•Ep. 2280
Family and allies of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny say he was murdered. A New York judge ordered Trump Organization leaders to pay $364 million for fraud. President Joe Biden's tough words on Israel raise questions over the extent of his influence. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Feb 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2279
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison. An Atlanta judge will decide if the prosecutor on Trump's Georgia election interference case, should be removed for a conflict of interest stemming from a romantic relationship. Israel plans to push Palestinians out of Southern Gaza as Israeli forces raid the region's largest hospital. And, two juveniles are in custody related to the Kansas City shooting as public looks for answers. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important ne...
Feb 16, 2024•17 min•Ep. 2278
22 people were shot including children during the Kansas City Super Bowl parade, at least one person has died. Sources believe National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will brief top lawmakers on the threat of Russian antisatellite nukes. And, migrant crossings at the southern border have dropped by 50% after reaching record numbers in December. 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 Fi...
Feb 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2277
House Republicans voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Aljandro Mayorkas accusing him with refusal to comply with immigration laws and breach of public trust. Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Germany to reassure NATO allies that they can rely on U.S. support. And exit polls show Indonesia's defense minister will be the new president of a country that plays a role in the South China Sea security. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fu...
Feb 14, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2276
As Israel plans an offensive in Rafah, negotiators are meeting in Cairo to discuss a path towards a ceasefire in Gaza. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Ukraine meeting with NATO allies with be virtual after cancelling his trip Brussels due to health complications. And after nearly nine years away, Jon Stewart returns to The Daily Show just in time for the presidential campaign. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First...
Feb 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 2275
Israel is telling 1.4 million Palestinians sheltering in Southern Gaza to evacuate, as attacks continue in Rafah. Former President Donald Trump threatened to abandon NATO allies if they don't spend more on defense. And, after sinking a bipartisan bill to handle the border crisis, Republicans are calling on President Joe Biden to use executive action to solve the problem. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newslette...
Feb 12, 2024•18 min•Ep. 2274
What happens when you put friendship at the center of your life? NPR's Rhaina Cohen has been thinking about this question for years. It started when she met someone. This someone was not a lover, but a friend. As their relationship deepened, Cohen began to wonder why there wasn't a special term for a platonic relationship that felt romantic, or an understanding of partnerships that went beyond the status of "best friend." In today's episode of The Sunday Story , host Ayesha Rascoe sits down with...
Feb 11, 2024•26 min•Ep. 2273
Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion of the southern end of Gaza. The failure of a border control measures shows the waning power of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to win their second consecutive NFL championship. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Feb 10, 2024•15 min•Ep. 2272
A special counsel report says President Joe Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his tenure as vice president, but stopped short of recommending charges. Ukraine is replacing it's top general amidst stalled progress in the war with Russia. And, federal authorities seize former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's passport as he faces allegations of plotting a coup. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to...
Feb 09, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2271
The Supreme Court is set to rule on Colorado's controversial decision to disqualify Donald Trump from the primary ballot, a case with significant implications for the 2024 presidential election. A U.S. drone strike in Baghdad targets a senior commander of an Iran-backed militia, raising questions of escalation in the Middle East. Pakistan is on edge as a contentious election is underway amidst an economic and political crisis. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the da...
Feb 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2270
Secretary of State Antony Blinken lands in Israel with Hamas' first public response to a ceasefire deal, which Qatari negotiators describe as "generally positive." Democrats blame former President Donald Trump for sinking a bipartisan Senate bill meant to address the crisis at the border. And, there's more attention on the legal responsibilities of parents with guns after a Michigan jury found the mother of the 2021 Oxford Highschool shooter guilty of manslaughter. Want more comprehensive analys...
Feb 07, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2269
Widespread flooding in southern California is turning hillsides into rivers of mud, as a slow-moving storm brings life threatening conditions to the Los Angles area. Both Democrats and Republicans will head to the polls in Nevada on Tuesday to vote for their party's presidential nominee, but many Republicans won't have all the choices on the ballot. And Dartmouth college is reinstating standardized testing requirements in admissions, citing research that shows it might help disadvantaged student...
Feb 06, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2268
The U.S. carried out more strikes on Iranian-backed groups as Secretary Antony Blinken heads to the Middle East to try and avoid further escalation. The Senate unveiled a $118 billion bipartisan Immigration bill meant to address national security at home and abroad, but House Republicans say it's dead on arrival. And, torrential rainfall in Los Angles, California didn't stop Taylor Swift from making history winning her 4th Album of the Year Grammy Award. Want more comprehensive analysis of the m...
Feb 05, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2267
Since its debut in 2008, NPR's Tiny Desk has become a must-stop destination for music superstars like Taylor Swift and Alicia Keys but also for lesser-known musicians, including those who compete in the annual Tiny Desk contest. Today on The Sunday Story host Ayesha Rascoe talks to senior producer Bobby Carter about the Tiny Desk series, how it has evolved over time and how the Tiny Desk contest has opened the door to the music industry for many artists. Learn more about sponsor message choices:...
Feb 04, 2024•31 min•Ep. 2266
The U.S. attacked 85 targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the deaths of three American servicemembers last weekend. Tech executives were grilled at a Capitol Hearing. And the scene at a park in Eagle Pass, Texas, where federal and state authorities are each seeking control over the border. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Feb 03, 2024•15 min•Ep. 2265
