More than 150 missiles and drones fell on Ukrainian cities on Friday, hitting a shopping mall and a maternity hospital. President Zelensky says there will be payback. The Israeli army says it will ramp up its offensive in Gaza, all while artillery exhanges between Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Israel also increase. Three special counsels will be investigating former President Trump, President Biden, and Biden's son, Hunter. But some at the Department of Justice think they may be overused. L...
Dec 30, 2023•14 min•Ep 2230•Transcript available on Metacast The Israeli offensive in Gaza continues as new evacuation orders are issued. Around 1,000 trucks wait at the Ukraine-Poland border as a Polish truckers blockade protests the lack of shipping regulations. A Georgia judge rules in favor of newly drawn congressional maps that give republicans an advantage. 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 Susanna Capeluto, Michae...
Dec 29, 2023•14 min•Ep 2229•Transcript available on Metacast The World Health Organization warns that disease could kill more people in Gaza than the bombings, if living conditions and health care systems do not improve. The New York Times sues the makers of ChatGPT, saying the chatbot threatens the digital news industry. Plus, 2023 is likely to be the hottest year on record and some scientists say we're not prepared for what's coming. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First news...
Dec 28, 2023•13 min•Ep 2228•Transcript available on Metacast Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Mexico to discuss immigration policy as a caravan of thousands of migrants travels towards the southern border. Militias backed by Iran are targeting American and Israeli forces in several Middle Eastern countries. And the U.S. economy is showing signs of recovery, but President Biden isn't always getting credit for it. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Toda...
Dec 27, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Mexico to discuss immigration policy as a caravan of thousands of migrants travels towards the southern border. Militias backed by Iran are targeting American and Israeli forces in several Middle Eastern countries. And the U.S. economy is showing signs of recovery, but President Biden isn't always getting credit for it. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Toda...
Dec 27, 2023•14 min•Ep 2227•Transcript available on Metacast Despite U.S. calls to protect Palestinian civilians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to intensify attacks on Gaza until Hamas is defeated. India's external affairs minister is meeting with his counterpart in Moscow to strengthen relations between the longtime allies. And, after some big wins in 2023, the United Auto Workers union is setting its sights on foreign automakers with plants in the south. Today's episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Michael Sullivan, Palla...
Dec 26, 2023•14 min•Ep 2226•Transcript available on Metacast Christmas in Bethlehem is somber this year. In the wake of the war in Gaza, church leaders are canceling traditional celebrations. The 2024 presidential election year is upon us and it's promising to be unlike any we've seen before. And, although little legislation was passed this year, Congress has seen plenty of action. Today's episode of Up First was edited by Michael Sullivan, Roberta Rampton, Kelsey Snell and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Julie Depenbrock and Mansee Khurana. We get ...
Dec 25, 2023•13 min•Ep 2225•Transcript available on Metacast As China's economy slows and optimism fades, aging workers who've spent decades of their lives building up Chinese cities find themselves in a difficult position. They're facing mandated retirement, but have little to show for years of backbreaking work. In this episode of The Sunday Story , NPR correspondent Emily Feng tells the story of migrant workers in China, and brings us the voices of two construction workers who labored in hopes of achieving the Chinese dream, but found it out of reach. ...
Dec 24, 2023•27 min•Ep 2224•Transcript available on Metacast The UN Security Council agreed on a resolution pressing for more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. In the territory itself, people are suffering from lack of food and water and intermittent communications blackouts. A jury found two paramedics guilty in the death of Elijah McClain while he was in police custody. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 23, 2023•13 min•Ep 2223•Transcript available on Metacast In the U.N. Security Council, negotiators try to win U.S. support for a resolution in Gaza. Violet rhetoric swirls online after Trump ballot decision in Colorado. Leaders in Michigan say Chicago is experiencing a migrant 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 Cheryl Corley, Ally Schweitzer, Michael Sullivan, Andrew Sussman, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced...
Dec 22, 2023•12 min•Ep 2222•Transcript available on Metacast Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are underway with Egypt helping to broker a deal. European Union leaders hail a breakthrough agreement on migration. Intense rain events are getting more common, say climate scientists. 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 Neela Banerjee, Ally Schweitzer, Michael Sullivan, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Claire Murashima...
Dec 21, 2023•13 min•Ep 2201•Transcript available on Metacast The Colorado Supreme Court blocks Donald Trump from that state's 2024 presidential primary, citing the 14th Amendment. The latest from the war between Israel and Hamas. Nearly 40 million Congolese vote for a new president. 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 Ally Schweitzer, Michael Sullivan, Ben Swayse, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Claire Murashima, Dav...
Dec 20, 2023•12 min•Ep 2200•Transcript available on Metacast The U.S. announces Operation Prosperity Guardian in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Texas criminalizes border crossings at the state level. Catholics react to the Vatican allowing priests to bless same-sex couples. 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, Cheryl Corley, Michael Sullivan, Ally Schweitzer, and Alice Woelfle. It was...
Dec 19, 2023•13 min•Ep 2219•Transcript available on Metacast Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urges a wind-down in Israel's major combat operations. Republicans in Congress seek tighter border controls in exchange for Ukraine and Israel aid. Newspaper founder Jimmy Lai goes on trial in Hong Kong. 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 Dana Farrington, Ally Schweitzer, and Michael Sullivan. It was produced by Claire Murashima, D...
Dec 18, 2023•13 min•Ep 2218•Transcript available on Metacast Today on The Sunday Story host Ayesha Rascoe explores the media's challenge in covering Donald Trump. As he campaigns for a second term as President, Trump is increasingly threatening retribution and violent acts if he's reelected. Rascoe speaks with a journalist and a scholar who both believe the media is failing to convey the danger Trump poses to American democracy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 17, 2023•23 min•Ep 2217•Transcript available on Metacast The Israeli military said it accidentally killed three hostages held in Gaza. In a statement, the army said it mistook them as a threat and fired. Just because inflation is cooling down doesn't mean prices are also going down - and they won't be any time soon. Two former police officers face murder charges after the fatal shooting of a mentally ill woman last June in San Antonio, Texas. Advocates there hope for mental health and police reform. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastcho...
Dec 16, 2023•13 min•Ep 2216•Transcript available on Metacast Disagreements emerge between U.S., Israeli, Palestinian and Gulf leaders and activists over who should be in charge of the Gaza Strip after the war. Criminal prosecutors across Ohio broke rules in the courtroom that are supposed to protect the rights of defendants on trial, all in an effort to get convictions. Hunter Biden is being investigated for using his ties to influential people to make business deals and allegedly using shell companies to hide millions of dollars in earnings; GOP congress...
Dec 15, 2023•12 min•Ep 2215•Transcript available on Metacast Russian President Vladimir Putin traditionally ends most years with an extended press conference. What does Putin say as another year ends with his country still at war in Ukraine? The Supreme Court will hear its first abortion case since overturning of Roe v. Wade. Lower courts delivered mixed rulings on mifepristone. What does this mean for women who receive abortion pill in the mail? Also, the civil fraud trial against former President Trump is done. Want more comprehensive analysis of the mo...
Dec 14, 2023•13 min•Ep 2214•Transcript available on Metacast The Republican-controlled House is set to vote on formalizing its impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden. Biden makes some of his most critical comments to date about Israel's response to the October 7 Hamas attack. And Alabama plans to execute a prisoner in January using nitrogen hypoxia, a process so novel and untested that state officials required the man's spiritual adviser to sign a waiver that said he could be exposed to the deadly gas. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most impo...
Dec 13, 2023•14 min•Ep 2213•Transcript available on Metacast A Texas woman has left the state, whose highest court ruled she does not meet the exception to the abortion ban, to have the procedure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets President Biden in Washington as the pair makes a last-ditch plea to Congress for funding. And the Supreme Court has been asked to fast track a case that centers on whether former President Donald Trump should be shielded from criminal prosecution. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the da...
Dec 12, 2023•12 min•Ep 2212•Transcript available on Metacast World policy leaders meeting in Qatar discuss the Gaza war and its impact on regional security. Donald Trump plans to skip testifying for a second time in the New York civil fraud trial against him and his company. And Argentine President Javier Milei is inaugurated after promises of big changes to his country struggling with an economic 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 F...
Dec 11, 2023•14 min•Ep 2211•Transcript available on Metacast Today on The Sunday Story host Ayesha Rascoe explores the growing crisis of medical debt in America. Nationwide, 100 million people have health care debt, according to a KHN-NPR investigation , which has documented a crisis that is driving Americans from their homes, draining their savings, and preventing millions from accessing care they need. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Dec 10, 2023•23 min•Ep 2210•Transcript available on Metacast Images of Palestinian men stripped to their underwear prompt outrage. Genetic editing leads to new treatments for blood ailment. Income-based plan zeroes out payments for millions of borrowers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 09, 2023•15 min•Ep 2209•Transcript available on Metacast The Justice Department has charged President Biden's son on nine counts related to his failure to pay federal taxes. Israeli military soldiers and Hamas militants fight in urban combat. And the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and The University of Pennsylvania face backlash over comments made during a House hearing on campus antisemitism. 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 ed...
Dec 08, 2023•13 min•Ep 2208•Transcript available on Metacast Republican presidential candidates take to the stage for the fourth primary debate. Israeli officials blast the international community for its response to allegations of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas. And former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy decides to leave Congress . 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 and Padma Rama. It was produced by Lilly...
Dec 07, 2023•12 min•Ep 2207•Transcript available on Metacast Some U.S. lawmakers question whether aid to Ukraine should continue amid a battlefield stalemate. Sen. Tommy Tuberville drops his hold on more than 400 military promotions. And four Republican presidential candidates prepare for a fourth debate in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Clarification: A previous version of this episode did not make clear that Congressional Republicans have additional border policy requests including proposed requirements for asylum cases and ways to curtail illegal crossings. Want mor...
Dec 06, 2023•13 min•Ep 2206•Transcript available on Metacast The Justice Department accuses former U.S. ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha of working as a "clandestine agent" on behalf of Cuba. The Pentagon says that Houthi rebels from Yemen attacked an American naval destroyer and three commercial ships in the Red Sea. And South Africa marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Nelson Mandela. Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kirshnadev Calamur, Andrew Sussman and Miguel Macias. It was produced by Lilly Quiroz, Mansee Khurana and Lindsay Totty. We g...
Dec 05, 2023•13 min•Ep 2205•Transcript available on Metacast Israel says it expanded its ground offensive against Hamas to all parts of Gaza. This includes the occupied territory's southern areas, where people fled to in the early days of the war. What does this mean for the civilians in Gaza? The Supreme Court on Monday hears arguments for and against a bankruptcy settlement. It involves Purdue Pharma, maker of the pain medication OxyContin. And former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney warns about the threat of a second Trump presidency. Up First was edit...
Dec 04, 2023•13 min•Ep 2204•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's episode , Ayesha shares the latest series out of NPR's Embedded. In " All The Only Ones," Laine Kaplan-Levenson unearths the little-known and often neglected history of trans youth in America. The series follows the lives of young transgender people today and travels back in time to the turn of the 20th century to meet some of the earliest trans youth documented in American history. You can listen to the 3-part series on the Embedded feed here . Learn more about sponsor message ch...
Dec 03, 2023•43 min•Ep 2203•Transcript available on Metacast Fighting between Israel and Hamas has resumed after a seven-day pause. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. Sandra Day O'Connor is remembered as a champion of women in the law. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
Dec 02, 2023•15 min•Ep 2202•Transcript available on Metacast 
