Two airstrikes in the last 24 hours are drawing new scrutiny to Israel's military actions in the Middle East. Florida's Supreme Court has pretty much ensured that abortion will be the issue on the state's November ballot. And it turns out Google's "incognito" web browsing mode hasn't been incognito after all. 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 Ryland Barton, Mar...
Apr 02, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2324
The United Nations' main judicial body says Israel must allow more aid into Gaza, but can the court's order be enforced? Many California fast food workers get a big raise Monday, but restaurant owners say the increase to $20 an hour puts them in a bind. And March Madness does it again: a Cinderella Final Four men's team, and an epic women's showdown Monday night. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today...
Apr 01, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2323
In China, a man has been playing the piano outdoors, often in places of great sadness—the epicenter of an earthquake, a dam that submerged villages, a street emptied during a COVID lockdown. He plays just one song: "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence," by the late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. In the fall of 2022, one of his performance videos goes viral, tapping into years of unexpressed collective grief. In this episode of The Sunday Story , NPR correspondent John Ruwitch asks: who is the piano man, an...
Mar 31, 2024•39 min•Ep. 2322
Some car companies are looking for workarounds to get their vehicles from ships to dealers after the Baltimore bridge collapse. Demonstrations turn violent in Europe as farmers protest European Union environmental policies and cheap Ukrainian imports. Chocolate lovers will have to pay more for treats as cocoa prices skyrocket. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Mar 30, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2321
If you paid enough money Thursday night, you could get your picture taken with three presidents — all at once. Reopening the Port of Baltimore will be a Herculean effort, as crews must clear six million pounds of steel out of the Patapsco River. And Russia's government isn't trying to hide that the four suspects on trial for last week's Moscow terrorist attack have been tortured. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First ...
Mar 29, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2320
We now have an initial timeline — minute by minute — of how a massive cargo ship came to crash into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. Sam Bankman-Fried, the Crypto Wunderkind convicted of fraud, will be sentenced Thursday to a prison term that could last decades. And the Walt Disney Company and Gov. Ron DeSantis appear to have both realized that Florida is a small world after all. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up F...
Mar 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2319
At the site of Baltimore's Key Bridge, rescue efforts have turned to recovery. In Gaza, families are so desperate for food that 12 people drowned trying to retrieve airdropped aid boxes from the sea. And after a newsroom revolt at NBC, the network has ousted its newest contributor, former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel. 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 Eric Westerve...
Mar 27, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2318
A one-and-a-half mile bridge in Baltimore has collapsed a large container ship crashed into it and caught fire, with several vehicles falling into the waters below. Israel has canceled a high-level delegation to Washington, after the U.S. declined to block a United Nations resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. And a challenge to FDA regulations that make abortion pills more accessible reaches the Supreme Court. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little f...
Mar 26, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2317
Israel's Defense Minister is in the U.S. today at a moment of tension between the two allies. An offshoot of the Islamic State claims responsibility for Friday's mass shooting in Moscow, while Russian authorities point instead to Ukraine. And two of Donald Trump's legal battles collide today — one criminal, one civil, both in New York City. 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 ...
Mar 25, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2316
This week the EPA released new rules for vehicle emissions, which will push the auto industry to speed up the transition to electric vehicles. It's expected that electric vehicles will make up over 50% of new cars by 2032. For now EVs account for less than 10% of vehicle sales and drivers still have lots of questions about them and how they really affect the environment. We asked The Sunday Story listeners to share their questions about EVs and the response was overwhelming. So to answer those m...
Mar 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 2315
Russian authorities say they've arrested several people responsible for the attack at a large concert venue on the Moscow outskirts, where more than 100 people were killed. House Speaker Mike Johnson passes spending bills with the help of Democrats, and now some Republicans are threatening his job. Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces after weeks out of the public eye that she is receiving treatment for cancer. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy...
Mar 23, 2024•15 min•Ep. 2313
Secretary of State Tony Blinken visits Israel as Gaza braces for famine. Donald Trump is ready to take Truth Social public — and it's not just his diehard supporters who want to buy stock. And the Justice Department hits Apple with an antitrust lawsuit for monopolizing the smartphone market. 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 Mark Katkov, Julia Redpath, Alice Wo...
Mar 22, 2024•12 min•Ep. 2312
The Biden administration gives electric vehicles a jolt — with new EPA rules that aim to make two-thirds of new cars, trucks and SUVs electric or hybrid by 2032. Alabama follows other conservative states by banning public schools and universities from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion. And some of Reddit's most loyal users are so upset the company is going public, they might try to bet against its stock. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plu...
Mar 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2312
Migrants in Texas are waking up to a new day of anxiety after a whirlwind of court orders about a controversial immigration enforcement law. Six former Mississippi police officers who pleaded guilty to torturing two Black men are being sentenced this week in federal court. And Ohio Republicans nominate the candidate endorsed by Donald Trump for a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscr...
Mar 20, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2311
The United Nations says famine is imminent in Northern Gaza. In one state that has banned abortion, maternal health care now looks very different. And it's Primary Day in five more states — including Arizona, one of a handful of states likely to decide the election this fall. 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 Mark Katkov, Carrie Feibel, Megan Pratz, Dana Farrin...
Mar 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2310
An outcome never in doubt: Russia's electoral commission says Vladimir Putin has won yet another term as president. Donald Trump once again defends the January 6th protesters who stormed the Capitol. And two voter concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris as she campaigns for President Biden: his age and her readiness. 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 S...
Mar 18, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2309
The Israeli government currently prohibits foreign journalists from entering Gaza. NPR's Leila Fadel found another way of reporting from inside the territory. This week on The Sunday Story , we bring you an episode from NPR's Embedded podcast. Fadel speaks with host Kelly McEvers about voice memos she's been receiving from a Palestinian college student trying to survive as bombs fall around her in Gaza. And we hear from a Palestinian American family that escaped the war–only to find that it has ...
Mar 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 2308
Haitians wait for the arrival of a peacekeeping force from Kenya, as violence continues there. After a judge's ruling in Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis remains on the election interference case against former President Donald Trump. The judge said either she or the special prosecutor with whom she had a romantic relationship needed to step aside. Israel gears up for a planned offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
Mar 16, 2024•15 min•Ep. 2307
In Russia, nothing happens without some intrigue — even a presidential election in which Vladimir Putin is a near-lock to win a fifth term. We get a first-hand glimpse of the chaos in Haiti, as our correspondent finally makes it across the border. And Chicago pulls an about-face — from welcoming migrants seeking asylum to evicting them. 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 ...
Mar 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2306
Many Haitians are troubled by an international plan to impose a transitional government. European Union lawmakers have approved the world's first comprehensive regulations on artificial intelligence. And as we barrel toward a presidential election with two unpopular candidates, third-party bids are scrambling to get on the ballot. 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...
Mar 14, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2305
A House vote today takes aim at TikTok — and its Chinese parent company. Conspiracy theories about noncitizens voting are back this election year, and they're taking even deeper hold with many Republicans. And with Israel blocking most aid shipments to Gaza by land, aid groups are turning to the sea to feed starving people. 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 Kel...
Mar 13, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2304
Haiti's armed gangs have gotten their wish: The prime Minister says he plans to resign. On this primary day in Georgia, we hear from a Democrat skeptical about Joe Biden and a Republican fed up with Donald Trump. And a temperature check on inflation, as gas prices begin their usual spring surge. 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, Kelsey Snell, Rafae...
Mar 12, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2303
Muslims are making the start of Ramadan today — and there is, as yet, no ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to stop the war during this holy month. In Haiti, police say they are "on their knees" as the coordinated attacks from armed gangs enter their second week. And in a moment of global conflict, a movie about the creation of the atomic bomb sweeps the Academy Awards. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter...
Mar 11, 2024•14 min•Ep. 2302
Barbenheimer was the summer blockbuster phenomenon of 2023 around the movies Barbie and Oppenheimer . Both movies made a box office splash and now Oppenheimer is leading in the Oscar nominations race with 13 nods. But there are plenty of lesser known films in the running, including three primarily in a foreign language, vying for best picture. To help understand which films and stars are the favorites to win we are joined this week by Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts Aisha Harris and Linda Holmes. L...
Mar 10, 2024•22 min•Ep. 2301
President Biden and former President Trump both hold campaign events in Georgia today. For Biden, it's part of his post-State of the Union tour of swing states. The humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza, with no ceasefire before Ramadan. Nigerian officials say more than 250 students were abducted from school. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Mar 09, 2024•16 min•Ep. 2300
President Biden takes on his age — and, without saying his name, his opponent. Donald Trump is poised to install loyalists atop the Republican National Committee. And a surreal standoff in Haiti continues, between the government and armed gangs. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Up First was edited Roberta Rampton, Megan Pratz, Tara Neill, Lisa Thomson and Ben Adler. It was produced by Julie Depenbrock...
Mar 08, 2024•15 min•Ep. 2299
President Biden gives his election-year State of the Union address tonight as polls show him trailing former President Donald Trump. Alabama passes a law protecting in vitro fertilization clinics from civil and criminal liability. And how Israel's fractious society has been united by the war in Gaza, five months in. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Up First was edited Roberta Rampton, Susanna Capelout...
Mar 07, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2298
NPR has confirmed Nikki Haley is due to suspend her presidential campaign after a big win on Super Tuesday for Donald Trump. Why a prominent California Democratic Senate candidate spent millions of dollars to boost a Republican opponent. And, how a cyberattack on an obscure but critical U.S. health care company has disrupted our entire system. Correction: In the broadcast version of this story, the reporter incorrectly refers to a United Health Care subsidiary as "Optus." The correct name is "Op...
Mar 06, 2024•19 min•Ep. 2297
Super Tuesday is here — with more voters casting ballots than any other day. The Supreme Court says states like Colorado can't kick Donald Trump off the primary ballot for his actions on January 6. And a United Nations report has found "reasonable grounds to believe" Israelis were victims of sexual violence during the October 7 Hamas attack. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Up First was edited by Mega...
Mar 05, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2296
Vice President Kamala Harris calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as the U.S. begins airdropping food into Gaza. In an apparent effort to depose Haiti's prime minister, armed gangs stormed two prisons and let thousands of inmates escape. And France moves to not just bolster the right to an abortion, in contrast to the U.S., but to enshrine that right into the country's constitution. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? S...
Mar 04, 2024•13 min•Ep. 2295
