Up First from NPR

Epstein Files Subpoena, Columbia $221 Million Settlement, 'Woke' AI

The White House is pushing against the wave of questions around the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, Columbia University agreed to pay over $220 million to the federal government in order to resolve investigations and restore access to federal research funding, and President Trump signed an executive order instructing tech companies to address what he labeled "woke AI."<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Steve Drummond, Brett Neely, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Epstein Troubles In Congress, 2016 Election Interference, Columbia Student Discipline

House Republicans went home early for summer recess to avoid dragging out a fight over the Jeffrey Epstein saga, President Trump's spy chief published Obama-era emails claiming a conspiracy, and dozens of Columbia students are being suspended or expelled for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Krishnadev Calamur, Denice Rios, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Troops In Central Gaza, Military Detention Centers, Harvard Hearing

Israel has expanded its military ground operation into central Gaza, the US Homeland Security Department is preparing to use military bases in New Jersey and Indiana for immigration detention, and attorneys for Harvard University are in federal court over the administration's attempt to cut billions of dollars in research funding and contracts. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Anna Yukhananov, Steve Drummond, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Gaza Aid Violence, Harvard On Trial, Congress Redistricting

Many Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military fire as they try to get food aid, the Trump administration is in court pushing Harvard University to comply with its demands, and lawmakers in Texas are heading into a special session to try to redraw voting districts for Congress.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Steve Drummond, Ben Swasey, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.</em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

The Talk

It's been five years since George Floyd was murdered, yet for many Black families, the fear remains unchanged. In this episode of <em>The Sunday Story</em>, Ayesha Rascoe sits down with Ryan Ross and his teenage son Gavin to discuss "The Talk" — the painful but necessary conversation Black parents have to prepare their children for encounters with police. From childhood memories of Tamir Rice to fatherly rules for surviving traffic stops, we take a look at how Black parents explain to their sons how to navigate interactions with law enforcement. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Epstein Conspiracies, US Drug Manufacturing, Student Loan Overhaul

The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to unseal more records relating to Jeffrey Epstein, but will this satisfy conspiracy theorists? President Trump is using tariffs to put pressure on pharmaceutical companies to move production back to the U.S. The recently signed spending and tax law includes major changes to the student loan system. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Rescission Vote, Trump And The Wall Street Journal, Trump's Health

House Republicans passed a rescissions bill taking back $9 billion in funding for public media and foreign aid. President Trump says he intends to sue the Wall Street Journal after they published an article about his relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and President Trump was diagnosed with a common medical condition affecting the veins in his legs.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Gerry Holmes, Padma Rama, Jane Greenhalgh, Janaya Williams and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from David Greenburg. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Public Media Cuts, Trump And Fed Chair, Israel Strikes Syria

Senate Republicans voted to take back billions of dollars in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, President Trump has been threatening to fire Fed chair Jerome Powell before his term ends next year, and Israel launched airstrikes into Syria's capital of Damascus. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Gerry Holmes, Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Janaya Williams and Mohamad ElBardicy.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from David Greenburg. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. </em><br><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Tariffs And Inflation, Epstein Conspiracy Theories, Public Broadcasting Cuts

Escalating import tariffs are beginning to show up in the prices that consumers pay. The President has backtracked on his promise to release government's files on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the Senate has approved a cut of more than one billion dollars for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting – which provides money to NPR, PBS and their member stations.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rafael Nam, Brett Neely, Gerry Holmes, Janaya Williams and HJ Mai. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from David Greenburg. And our technical director is Zo van Ginhoven. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Moscow On Trump, Supreme Court On Education Department, Epstein Files

President Trump threatened Russia with heavy tariffs if a ceasefire deal with Ukraine is not reached by September, and he promised Ukraine billions of dollars worth of military equipment. The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can continue to dismantle the Education Department, and the President is facing backlash from his supporters over his handling of the so-called Epstein files.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe </em></a><em>to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Ryland Barton, Lauren Migaki, Megan Pratz, Janaya Williams and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Damian Herring. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.</em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Tariffs View From The EU, Ukraine Weapons Plan, Texas Flood Update

President Trump sent letters to leaders of the European Union and Mexico threatening to impose higher import sanctions. The President has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and says he will cut a deal coordinating arms shipments to Ukraine. And, as flood recovery efforts continue in central Texas, the magnitude of the disaster is coming into clearer focus.<br><em><br>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="http://ttps://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe </em></a><em>to the Up First newsletter.<br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Ryland Barton, Russell Lewis, Janaya Williams and Lisa Thomson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Damian Herring. And our technical director is Zo van Ginhoven. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Chinese manufacturing meets Small Town, USA

The Trump administration is pushing to bring manufacturing back to America. But what happens when one multinational company actually tries to set up shop in Small Town, USA? <br/><br/>Today we bring you the <em>Planet Money</em> story of how a battery factory ignited a political firestorm over what kind of factories we actually want in our backyard. And what happens when the global economy meets small town democracy.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

President Trump Visits Texas, Immigration Raids Ruling, New Antidepressants Study

President Trump visits Texas a week after the devastating floods. Questions are now being raised whether cuts to FEMA hampered the rescue response. Also, a federal judge orders a stop to indiscriminate immigration raids in Los Angeles. Plus, a new study on antidepressants sheds light on the severity of withdrawal when people come off the medications.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Trump Visits Kerr County, Trump And Putin, DOGE And Farmers' Data

President Trump is visiting Kerr County, Texas to meet with first responders and families affected by the flash floods. The cozy relationship between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may be turning sour, and an NPR investigation reveals that DOGE recently got high-level access to a database that controls loans and payments to American farmers. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news "target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/><em>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Andrew Sussman, Janaya Williams and Adriana Gallardo. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.</em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Texas Vigil, Flood Danger Zones, Ukraine Air Defenses

Hundreds of mourners gathered in the football stadium at Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas to remember those who died in last week's flash floods. An NPR investigation finds that flood risk data from FEMA is out of date, and Russia is intensifying its attacks against Ukraine.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Alfredo Carbajal, Barrie Hardymon, Jane Greenhalgh, Janaya Williams and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Zac Coleman. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Texas Storm Toll, Trump's Foreign Policy, Supreme Court Allows Federal Layoffs

Rescue and recovery efforts trudged on for a fifth day after devastating floods hit central Texas, President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House as they worked to make a Gaza deal, and the Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to move forward with plans to lay off hundreds of thousands of federal employees.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Alfredo Carbajal, Dana Farrington, Krishnadev Calamur, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange</em>. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Texas Flooding Update, Tariff Limbo, Health Groups Sue RFK, Jr.

Crews continue their search and rescue efforts in Central Texas, the Dow tumbled on Monday after President Trump threatened stiff new import taxes, and prominent health organizations filed a lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Alfredo Carbajal, Rafael Nam, Jane Greenhalgh, Janaya Williams and Lisa Thomson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Zo van Ginhoven.</em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Texas Flooding Update, Trump And Netanyahu Meeting, Tariff Plans

In central Texas, crews are continuing the search for victims of last week's flash flooding, and local officials have been fielding questions about why residents were not warned to evacuate. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with President Trump to advance a cease-fire deal for Gaza and see Hamas release some hostages, and the President says his administration is on the verge of many new deals with countries regarding tariff rates.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. </em><br/><br/><em>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Miguel Macias, Dana Farrington, Janaya Williams and Lisa Thomson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Claire Murashima and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.</em> <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

When News Broke

Just a few decades ago most people used — and trusted — the same news sources. Now, Americans are siloed in separate ecosystems, consuming conflicting depictions of reality. Misinformation runs rampant. Conspiracy theories flourish. And extremism grows. Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em> from <em>Up First</em>, reporter Ben Bradford brings us back to the moment when the first crack formed in America's news media. And how that crack widened and widened, until we split into separate worlds. <br/><br/>To hear more check out <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510376/landslide"target="_blank" >"Engines of Outrage"</a>, a mini-series from the <em>Landslide</em> podcast, distributed by NPR. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Texas Flash Floods, Trump's Next Priorities, Buy Now-Pay Later and Credit Scores.

Several months' worth of rain fell in Texas in just a few hours, leading to flash floods that killed at least two dozen people. With his "big, beautiful bill" now law, what's next on President Trump's agenda? And FICO will start considering Buy Now, Pay Later loans in credit scores. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Trump's Victory Lap, Ukraine Weapons, Immigration And The Economy

President Trump is having an Independence Day ceremony to celebrate the signing of his domestic policy bill, the U.S. has decided to withhold some weapons from Ukraine, and a new forecast predicts a net loss of immigrants to the U.S., a shift that is likely to take a toll on the economy. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. </em><br/><br/><em>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Rafael Nam, Ryland Barton, Janaya Williams and Lisa Thomson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

GOP Megabill Latest, Tax Cuts And Debt, Sean Combs Conviction

House Republicans are racing to pass President Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill and have it to his desk by July 4th. Budget analysts say it would add trillions of dollars to the government's debt. And, Sean Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but on the more serious charges, the jury found him not guilty. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Kelsey Snell, Kevin Drew, Rafael Nam, Jacob Ganz, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.</em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

One-on-One with Zohran Mamdani

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Zohran Mamdani about his vision for New York City and his surprise win in the Democratic primary for mayor. <br><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.<br>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Arezou Rezvani and produced by Mansee Khurana and Lilly Quiroz. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.</em> <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Tax And Spending Bill, Medicaid Concerns, Gun Tracing Fund

The Senate approved President Trump's megabill, which includes tax cuts and boosts border security and defense programs. Cuts to Medicaid in the bill are unpopular with some Senators and the general public. Also, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is planning to loosen or eliminate some gun regulations. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Carrie Fiebel, Gigi Douban, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.</em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Megabill Wrangling, State Of Democracy Poll, USAID Ends

Republican leaders must find a fragile balance in the reconciliation bill between making deep cuts and protecting programs for the vulnerable. Also, an overwhelming majority of Americans say democracy is under serious threat, and USAID officially ends today.<br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. <br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Dana Farrington, Rebecca Davis, Janaya Williams and Lisa Thomson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Claire Murashima and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. And our technical director is Zac Coleman</em>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Senate Spending Bill, Ukraine Airstrikes, Idaho Firefighter Shootings

Several Senate Republicans are attacking the cuts to Medicaid in the President's massive tax and spending bill, Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones across Ukraine, and two firefighters are dead in North Idaho after an ambush by a sniper. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. </em><br/><br/><em>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Ryland Barton, Kevin Drew, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Destinee Adams and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. And our technical director is Zac Coleman. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

America is Changing Lanes on EVs

In 2025 America's car industry is encountering a new reality and has quickly shifted priorities to reflect changing winds in politics and the market. While the Biden administration was fully invested in electric vehicles and incentivized manufacturers to increase EV production, the Trump administration has set out to put all those policies in reverse. <br/><br/>Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em>, NPR's Camila Domonoske explains how the car industry is navigating the country's changing priorities and what's next for electric vehicles in America. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

SCOTUS Rulings, Trump Megabill, Israeli PM Denies IDF Deliberately Fired on Gazans

The Supreme Court rules that individual judges don't have the authority to issue nationwide injunctions, but the court did not clarify the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. The Senate has a timeline to advance Trump's so-called "big, beautiful bill." Israel's prime minister denies a newspaper report that Israeli troops have been firing at will on hungry Gazans at aid distribution centers. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Supreme Court Decision on Nationwide Injunctions

The Supreme Court has come to a highly anticipated decision in the case related to birthright citizenship. The issue before the court was how lower courts should handle President Trump's executive order declaring that the children of parents who enter the U.S. illegally or on a temporary visa are not entitled to automatic citizenship. A conservative supermajority sided with the Trump administration's request to limit universal injunctions issued by federal courts. <br/><br/>This episode was edited by Krishnadev Calamur, Natalie Winston, Ally Schweitzer, Lisa Thomson. It was produced by Claire Murashima, Kaity Kline, and Lilly Quiroz. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange and our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" ><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. </em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>