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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

The Dark Side of Rooftop Solar

Today on The Sunday Story we feature an episode from the NPR podcast Planet Money about the inner workings of the residential solar industry and how the business practices of some companies have soured customers on the promise of this renewable energy. And the team looks into where the residential solar industry is headed in the future. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 29, 202428 min

Israel Kills Hezbollah Leader; Helene Floods North Carolina

Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed on Friday, when a series of blasts targeting Hezbollah rip through Beirut. His killing and the attack on the capital signal a major escalation in the fighting between Israel and Lebanon. Plus, Hurricane Helene might've been downgraded to a tropic storm, but it still managed to drench North Carolina - we'll have the latest on the storm's impact. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 28, 202414 min

Hurricane Helene Makes Landfall, Netanyahu Addresses UN, Sudan Civil War

Hurricane Helene has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but when it made landfall late last night as a Category 4 hurricane, it packed a dangerous one-two punch of high winds and a storm surge. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, and the Sudanese army has launched a major offensive to take back the capital. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsle...

Sep 27, 202413 min

Ukraine's Victory Plan, New York Mayor Indictment, Hurricane Helene

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has a plan to defeat Russia. He's in Washington on Thursday to discuss this plan with President Biden. New York Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted, according to media reports, and Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Helene. 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 Rebecca Rosman, Andrea de Leon, Russell Lewis, HJ ...

Sep 26, 202413 min

Keeping Iran From Engaging, FAFSA Fiasco, Death Penalty

As the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah intensifies, concern grows about the potential involvement of Iran. Last year, there were a number of issues with the form to get federal student aid. A new investigation is detailing what went wrong with FAFSA, and Missouri executed a man even though the office that worked to convict him says they made a mistake. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up ...

Sep 25, 202414 min

Fleeing From Israeli Attacks, Harris' Policy Priorities, Plastic Recycling Lawsuit

Tens of thousands of people in Lebanon are fleeing from Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. Vice President Harris wants to make it easier to restore abortion rights. She spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio about her policy priorities, and California is suing ExxonMobil alleging the oil giant knowingly misled the public about the effectiveness of plastic recycling. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. To...

Sep 24, 202413 min

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates, UN General Assembly, Alabama Mass Shooting

Israel's military has warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate homes used to store weapons for Hezbollah. This comes after last week's explosion of Hezbollah communication devices and multiple strikes. World leaders gather in New York this week to discuss the biggest geopolitical issues and crisis, and the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, is calling for action after a mass shooting. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up F...

Sep 23, 202413 min

When Water Turns to Sand

In Central Asia, the world's youngest desert occupies a basin that once held a vast saline lake. The Aral Sea. Up until the 1960s, the sea spanned more than 26 thousand square miles across two countries. It supported thriving fishing communities along its shores. But then, in the name of progress and development, much of the river water that fed the sea was diverted for agriculture. Now the Aral Sea has all but disappeared, shrunk to about tenth of its original size. The UN Environment Programme...

Sep 22, 202430 min

Latest in U.S. Politics; Escalation in Conflict Between Hezbollah and Israel

Serious allegations against a Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina and tensions in Georgia over the counting of ballots are just two of this week's top political headlines - we'll bring you the latest. Plus, Israel turned pagers and two-way radios used by Hezbollah and civilians in Lebanon into mini bombs - we'll look at what that move, plus another air strike, could mean in the context of wider regional tensions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adcho...

Sep 21, 202414 min

Election Workers Voice Concerns, Influencers In Springfield, Sickle Cell Treatments

Former President Donald Trump tried to overturn the election results and slander election workers in 2020. Less than two months before this year's election, officials are preparing for new conspiracy theories. Online influencers are trying to find evidence of debunked events in Springfield, Ohio, and many people with sickle cell disease are slow to sign up for new genetic treatments. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up Fi...

Sep 20, 202413 min

More Explosions In Lebanon, Israeli Covert Operations, Teamsters Won't Endorse

People in Lebanon are unplugging electronics and turning off their phones after a second day of exploding devices. Israel, which has not publicly acknowledged any responsibility for the attacks, has a long history of covert operations, and one of the largest unions in the United States is staying on the sidelines of this year's presidential election. 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...

Sep 19, 202414 min

Hezbollah Pager Explosions, Fed Interest Rate Decision, Drug Overdose Deaths

Electronic pagers carried by members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday. The incident killed at least a dozen people and injured thousands more. The Federal Reserve is set to announce a long-awaited rate cut. And drug overdose deaths in the U.S. are falling sharply. 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 Vincent Ni, Rafael N...

Sep 18, 202413 min

Details Emerge On Alleged Gunman, Rumors Impact Community, Rupert Murdoch's Empire

Before his alleged attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump, a gunman had a different attention-grabbing cause. Ryan Wesley Routh said he was recruiting soldiers for Ukraine. Springfield, Ohio, which has been in the news after Trump and his running mate promoted a false story about immigrants, has canceled a festival celebrating cultural diversity. And Rupert Murdoch aims to change his will to affect who controls Fox News. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news o...

Sep 17, 202413 min

Trump Apparent Assassination Attempt, Venezuela Accuses CIA, TikTok Appeal

A man is in custody for what the FBI describes as an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club. Venezuela's government claims the CIA plotted to kill President Nicolás Maduro. And a court weighs the future of TikTok in the U.S. 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 Russell Lewis, Tara Neill, Julia Redpath, HJ Mai and A...

Sep 16, 202414 min

Men, Beef and a Climate Solution

Eating less beef could make a large dent in Americans' climate pollution. But data show it's men who are disproportionately eating beef. Now food and climate researchers are thinking about how to impact climate pollution through the lens of gender. But for many U.S. men, eating fewer burgers or steaks can require overcoming some big obstacles. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 15, 202429 min

U.S. Missile Policy for Ukraine; UAW Strike Anniversary; Civilian Space Tourism

Ukraine has been asking for permission to use Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. The Biden administration has not given Ukraine the green light on that — we'll look at what that means in this protracted conflict. Also, it's been a year since a massive and coordinated United Auto Workers Strike secured better pay for workers - but a year on, workers are worried about job security. Plus, a new era in space tourism, with a civilian taking a space walk. He ...

Sep 14, 202417 min

Post-Debate Campaigning, Boeing Strike, Transatlantic Tension, Gas Stove Warning

Former President Donald Trump said he wont debate Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidates hit the campaign trail in key swing states. Boeing is facing a major strike after more than 30,000 machinists overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer, adding to the airline maker's ongoing struggles with safety and financial challenges. President Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer may decide to give Ukraine long-range weapons when they meet at the White House today. And, California is moving f...

Sep 13, 202417 min

Inside War-torn Sudan, Corporate Grocery Profits, Memphis Officers On Trial

NPR gets a rare look inside Sudan where fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces has left millions displaced and struggling for survival. As grocery prices remain high, new data examines whether profits are outpacing rising costs. And the trial of three Memphis police officers begins with disturbing footage of the fatal traffic stop of 29 year-old Tyre Nichols. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First n...

Sep 12, 202413 min

Morning After Debate, Congress Spending Bill, Blinken In Kyiv

Vice President Kamala Harris took the fight to former President Donald Trump as they faced off in their first presidential debate, clashing over the economy, abortion, immigration, and other issues. Congress is heading towards a potential government shutdown as House Republicans push a controversial bill, which faces opposition from both Democrats and some within their own party. And, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the UK's foreign secretary are in Kyiv, discussing lifting restrictions on...

Sep 11, 202416 min

Presidential Debate Preview, Gaza Strike, NFL Player Arrest Bodycam

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to face off in their first, and possibly only, debate of the presidential campaign. An Israeli airstrike killed dozens and wounded many in a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the escalating conflict. And bodycam footage shows NFL star Tyreek Hill being forcibly removed from his car by Miami police before Sunday's game. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important ne...

Sep 10, 202417 min

Georgia School Shooting Investigation, Venezuela Opposition, NFL Player Arrested

New details have emerged about the Georgia school shooting, including a phone call from the alleged gunman's mother warning the school just before the attack. Venezuela's opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, believed to have won the presidential election, has fled to Spain. And, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained by police just hours before the first Sunday of the NFL season, raising questions about his treatment during the encounter . Want more comprehensive analysis of the mo...

Sep 09, 202413 min

Wilderness in the Age of Climate Change

Wilderness is a designation of an area intended to be free from human intervention unless it's deemed absolutely necessary. But as climate change increases the frequency and severity of wildfires when does it become necessary for land stewards to intervene? In Sequoia National Park this question of whether or not to intervene has land managers and environmentalists at odds with one another. Host Ayesha Rascoe talks with reporter Marissa Ortega-Welch about her new podcast series How Wild . In a s...

Sep 08, 202430 min

Glitchy Starliner Returns Without Its Crew; Foreign Policy in The Elections

What can NASA and Boeing engineers are learn from the trouble-plagued Starliner capsule, which has just returned back to Earth without its crew? Plus, a look at where Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump stand on key foreign policy issues. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 07, 202417 min

Arlington Cemetery Incident, Georgia School Shooting, Jobs Report Preview

While former President Donald Trump denies the incident, NPR has confirmed new details about the altercation at Arlington National Cemetery involving two of his campaign staffers. The father of the teenager accused in the Georgia school shooting now faces charges for allowing his son access to a firearm. And, the August jobs report is expected to shed light on whether strong hiring is driving up inflation, something the Federal Reserve is closely monitoring. Want more comprehensive analysis of t...

Sep 06, 202413 min

School Shooting Investigation, Trump Trial, Swing States, Russian Propaganda In US

Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old is charged with killing four people and wounding nine others. Donald Trump's legal team heads to court today, with key decisions about his January 6th trial expected ahead of the November election. Candidates are heavily focusing on swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia as the 2024 election nears its final stretch. And, two Russian nationals are accused of using U.S. influencers...

Sep 05, 202415 min

Netanyahu Faces Opposition, Russia Strikes Ukraine, Top New York Aide Spying

A major government reshuffle is underway in Ukraine as intensifying Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities kills dozens and injures hundreds. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from protesters and political rivals accusing him of prioritizing his political survival over Israel's security. And, a longtime New York political aide is accused of secretly working for the Chinese government, sparking concerns over foreign influence in U.S. policymaking. Wa...

Sep 04, 202414 min

Final Stretch Of Presidential Campaign, Venezuela Turmoil, Disney & DirecTV

The 2024 presidential election campaign is entering its final stretch as the candidates mobilize and prepare for next week's debate. Venezuelan courts issued an arrest warrant for opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez after he claimed victory in July's presidential election, he's accused of conspiring against President Nicolas Maduro's government. And Disney, which owns ESPN, ABC, and Disney-Plus, pulled it's programming from DirecTV over a public contract dispute. Want more comprehensive analys...

Sep 03, 202413 min

Protests In Israel, Unions In 2024 Election, Candidates Housing Plans

A nationwide strike is underway in Israel Massive protests in several Israeli cities are putting pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government following the military's recovery of six hostages killed in Gaza. Unions are getting extra attention this election cycle as candidate hope to win over swing states with strong union support. And both presidential candidates have put America's housing issues on their agenda, but they have very different and vague plans to fix it. Want more comprehensive anal...

Sep 02, 202413 min

A Haunted Revenge with Gabino Iglesias

By the time he was in middle school, writer Gabino Iglesias gravitated toward stories that unsettled him. Stories that scared him enough that he needed to turn on a light. Now a Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Iglesias writes this type of fiction himself. Today on The Sunday Story, Iglesias talks to host Ayesha Rascoe about his new novel, House of Bone and Rain, which centers on a group of friends determined to avenge a murder. Iglesias describes how he uses supernatural elements to make a sto...

Sep 01, 202421 min

Campaigning In Georgia, Vaccinations In Gaza, Judicial Reform in Mexico

Both presidential campaigns are aggressively courting voters in Georgia. Beginning this weekend, the United Nations is undertaking a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. Experts urge caution as Mexico seeks to reform its judiciary. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 31, 202415 min