Up First

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in three years as the Iran war pushes inflation higher and borrowing costs are already climbing. Two new government reports put the cost of the Iran war at more than $30 billion and reveal extensive damage to U.S. bases and growing strain on key weapons stockpiles. The Kennedy Center board voted to close the building for renovations after a federal judge again blocked President Trump’s name from being added, while Trump says he will not move ahead unless that changes. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rafael Nam, Andrew Sussman, Steve Drummond, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin. (0:00) Introduction (01:54) Federal Reserve Interest Rates (05:29) Reports Reveal Iran War Costs (09:36) Kennedy Center Closure See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump dismissed warnings from leading AI companies that the technology is advancing too fast, calling fears of machines taking over a hoax and framing AI development as a race with China. The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to impose new Postal Service requirements on mail-in ballots, meaning voting by mail that has already started in several states will continue under existing rules. The Kennedy Center says it is on the brink of bankruptcy, with a memo warning the building may be unsafe to occupy as soon as today while the fight over putting President Trump’s name on it continues in the court. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Ben Swasey, Steve Drummond, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo vanGinhoven. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson. (0:00) Introduction (01:55) Trump Downplays AI Risks (05:52) SCOTUS Mail-In Voting Ruling (09:42) Kennedy Center Bankruptcy See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Leaders of some of the biggest AI companies say it is time to slow the pace of development after a string of incidents in which their systems went off script, even as President Trump says the United States should not ease up in the race with China. Talks between Iran and Gulf Arab states aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz were postponed as Iran-backed Houthis expand their control near another major shipping route and attacks put more pressure on Saudi oil exports. President Trump’s promise to give Americans $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress is getting a mixed response inside his own party, as Republicans head into the midterms with high prices, the Iran war and Trump’s low approval ratings weighing on them. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rafeal Nam, Anna Yukhananov, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and HJ Mai. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. (0:00) Introduction (01:54) AI Development Slowdown (06:00) Gulf States Postpone Iran Talks (09:27) Republican Midterm Strategy See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Last week, a judge declared a mistrial in the murder case of Lindsay Clancy, leading the public to wonder: What really went on in the jury room? On this episode of The Sunday Story, Ayesha Rascoe talks to WBUR’s Deborah Becker, who was at the courthouse for the duration of the trial. She explains why this trial ended without a verdict – and what the public interest in the case says about an evolving view of postpartum psychosis.  See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

India hosts the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi this weekend. The crash of an Amazon cargo jet in Miami is raising concerns about the safety culture at the retail giant's air operations. Congress weighs in on potential federal tax incentives to keep film production in the United States. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Communities across the country will gather today to mark 25 years since the September 11 attacks, remembering the nearly 3,000 people who died that day and those later killed by illnesses from the toxic air at Ground Zero. President Trump closed the Republican midterm convention last night by urging supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot, even as large sections of the arena sat empty and he suggested he might not campaign as hard as he did for himself. The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Missouri’s Trump-backed Republican congressional map, after which the state’s secretary of state was found in contempt but said local officials will now use the old districts, leaving Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver favored to keep his seat. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jennifer Portman, Megan Pratz, Larry Kaplow, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Robert Rodriguez. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. (0:00) Introduction (01:58) Remembering 9/11 (05:44) Republican Midterm Convention Wraps (10:01) SCOTUS Missouri Redistricting See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump spoke on the first night of the Republican midterm convention, asking voters to pretend he is on the ballot and promising every adult $5,000 if Republicans keep Congress. Missouri election officials are caught between conflicting state and federal court rulings over which congressional map to use in November, with a Republican-drawn map that could help the party flip a Kansas City seat still in dispute. And Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone under new CEO John Ternus, a roughly $2,000 device that marks the company’s biggest iPhone redesign in nearly two decades. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Larry Kaplow, Kara Platoni, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens. (0:00) Introduction (01:54) Trump Convention Speech (05:30) Missouri Contempt And Redistricting (09:04) Apple's Foldable iPhone See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The U.S. has destroyed eight Iranian oil tankers since Saturday, as Iran fires back at American forces and Gulf countries reconsider the risks of hosting U.S. bases. Britain, Canada and France are moving to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with Britain accusing settlers of ethnic cleansing and Israel responding with diplomatic retaliation. And Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch is retiring after nearly four decades at the institution, as the Trump administration continues criticizing the Smithsonian over exhibits it says are anti-white and too focused on negative parts of American history. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Tina Kraja, Clare Lombardo, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Robert Rodriguez. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin. (0:00) Introduction (01:55) US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers (05:45) Israeli Settlements Sanctions (09:20) Smithsonian Head Retires See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods took effect at midnight, matching President Trump’s latest duties after talks collapsed last month. Republicans are gathering in Dallas this week for an unusual midterm convention headlined both nights by President Trump, who wants voters to pretend he is on the ballot as the party looks to energize voters ahead of the midterm election. Investigators recovered the flight recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that overran a runway in Miami, killing five people on the ground as the NTSB examines what caused the crash. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, James Hider, Martha Ann Overland, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson. (0:00) Introduction (02:25) Canada's Retaliatory Tariffs On US (06:25) Trumpapalooza Convention (10:02) Miami Cargo Plane Crash See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Authorities in Florida are investigating why an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing five people and injuring five more. President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, made their first wartime visit to Kyiv after talks in Moscow, offering no breakthrough as Ukraine pushes for renewed peace talks and more air defenses. And Germany’s far-right AfD more than doubled its vote in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, a result that could produce the country’s first far-right regional government since Nazi Germany. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Lindsay Totty. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Julie Depenbrock. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Robert Rodriguez. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. (0:00) Introduction (01:56) Miami Plane Crash (05:32) Witkoff & Kushner Visit Ukraine (08:59) Far-Right AfD Wins In Germany See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Sunscreen may seem simple: slather it on, stay protected. But the science is more complicated than the label suggests. Why is it so hard to stay safe in the sun? On The Sunday Story, we dig into the surprisingly high-tech world of sunscreen and the questions swirling around it. Justine Paradis of New Hampshire Public Radio breaks down the new ingredients, dispels SPF myths, and points to updated guidance around sunscreen use and how it relates to skin color. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

U.S. envoys arrived in Moscow today to revive efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The administration is rushing to build a triumphal arch overlooking Arlington National Cemetery despite legal efforts to stop it. Wildfires have burned more than 8,000,000 acres this season. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow new Postal Service requirements for mail ballots just as midterm voting begins, despite warnings from election officials that the plan could disrupt voting. The I.R.S. is proposing to revoke the tax-exempt status of private schools and universities with programs designed to benefit students based on race, potentially affecting thousands of institutions. An ICE officer is facing federal charges for allegedly lying about a shooting in Minneapolis after video evidence contradicted his account, in a rare prosecution of a federal immigration officer under the Trump administration. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Jennifer Portman, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. (0:00) Introduction (01:59) Midterm Mail-In Voting Starts (06:16) IRS Targets DEI In Schools (10:07) ICE Officer Charged See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The Pentagon is losing experienced leaders under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raising concerns about depleted weapons stockpiles and the military’s ability to manage a prolonged war with Iran. President Trump says Venezuela isn't ready for elections, while his Energy Secretary signs new oil deals in Caracas with the unelected government. In Massachusetts, jurors in the Lindsay Clancy trial told the judge they are deadlocked after five days of deliberations, raising the possibility of a mistrial in the case of a mother accused of killing her three children. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Tara Neill, Carmel Wroth, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens. (0:00) Introduction (01:57) Pentagon Exodus Under Hegseth (05:41) Venezuela Oil and Democracy (09:23) Clancy Trial Deadlocked See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The U.S. launched a second day of strikes on Iran after Tehran tried to put sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran firing back at American bases across the Gulf and claiming an American strike hit a wedding. Trump is under pressure to bring down gas prices before the midterms, touting a Venezuela oil deal and a meeting with energy executives even though neither is likely to deliver relief by November. And in Massachusetts, Senator Ed Markey held off a younger primary challenger while other races tested whether Democratic voters want to keep incumbents or push the party further left. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, Megan Pratz, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Supervising Producer is Reena Advani. (0:00) Introduction (01:58) War In Iran Ramps Up (05:43) Trump Pressured By Gas Prices (09:26) Massachusetts Primary Results See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The Supreme Court is allowing construction on the White House ballroom to continue, handing President Trump a victory on the emergency docket without deciding whether the project is legal. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned after 18 months on the job amid growing tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, part of a wider churn at the Pentagon as the war with Iran continues. Finance ministers from the world’s biggest economies are meeting in North Carolina, where the U.S. is pressing them to tighten the squeeze on Iran even as some countries question whether Washington is a source of stability or instability. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Andrew Sussman, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson. (0:00) Introduction (01:59) SCOTUS Allows Ballroom Construction (05:49) Army Secretary Resigns (09:35) G20 Summit in North Carolina See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump announced a new oil partnership that would give the U.S. majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan reserves, even as the deal raises questions about Washington’s goals for democracy there. The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire for the first time in nearly a month after American forces struck Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz and Iran retaliated against U.S. bases in Jordan and the UAE. The House is back for one week with midterms approaching, aiming to keep the government funded through Election Day while Republicans look for a message that can cut through high prices and an unpopular president. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Willem Marx, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adam Bearne. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. (0:00) Introduction (01:57) Trump Venezuela Oil Deal (05:42) US & Iran Renew Strikes (09:23) House Back From Recess See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Country singer and rapper Shaboozey is probably best known for his features on Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album, or for his viral, chart-topping single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Now he has returned to the scene with a new, star-studded record about an outlaw out to avenge her father’s death.  It’s a genre-defying concept album that fuses hip hop with country, spoken-word and ballads – and that features Jamie Foxx, Kehlani, Leon Bridges, Gunna and Sam Elliott. On The Sunday Story, Shaboozey joins Ayesha Rascoe to talk about the inspiration – and intentions – behind “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales.” Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

An unusually strong El Niño is disrupting the weather around the globe, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's anti-vaccination crusade is muddled after two deaths from measles complications, and it's been six ugly months since the U.S. and Israel launched a war with Iran. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The flood disaster on the Nepal-Tibet border is far worse than first known, with hundreds now dead and more than a thousand missing, including dozens of Americans, as a lake swelling behind the debris raises fears of a second flood and rescuers race to reach survivors. Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh gives a speech in Wyoming today after disappointing investors last month with talk of curbing inflation, leaving markets eager to know what he'll actually do about high prices. And a federal judge is weighing whether President Trump can put his name on the Kennedy Center, where the board wants a sign up within two weeks calling it restored by Trump, even though a court already ruled that renaming the memorial takes an act of Congress. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rafael Nam, Steve Drummond, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Julie Depenbrock and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. (0:00) Introduction (01:56) Nepal-Tibet Flood Rescue (05:56) Fed Chair Speech (09:50) Kennedy Center Renaming Hearing See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy