Episodes
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...
Published 04/02/24
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...
Published 04/01/24
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...
Published 03/31/24
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
Published 03/30/24
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...
Published 03/29/24
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...
Published 03/28/24
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...
Published 03/27/24
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...
Published 03/26/24
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...
Published 03/25/24
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 ...
Published 03/24/24
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...
Published 03/23/24
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,...
Published 03/22/24
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,...
Published 03/21/24
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?...
Published 03/20/24
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...
Published 03/19/24
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...
Published 03/18/24
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...
Published 03/17/24
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:...
Published 03/16/24
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...
Published 03/15/24
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...
Published 03/14/24
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...
Published 03/13/24
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,...
Published 03/12/24
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...
Published 03/11/24
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...
Published 03/10/24
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
Published 03/09/24