Up First from NPR

Is America becoming an autocracy?

Hundreds of U.S.-based scholars say the United States is swiftly heading away from liberal democracy and towards some form of authoritarianism. In this episode of <em>The Sunday Story</em>, NPR's Frank Langfitt speaks to people who have fled authoritarian regimes for America. They say some of the Trump administration's tactics remind them of home.<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>

Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections

Deadly storms and tornadoes tore through several states overnight. In Kentucky, a local mayor says more than 20 people were killed. Also, the Supreme Court says the Trump administration cannot deport a group of Venezuelans while their cases are being litigated in the courts. Plus, it's a big weekend for elections in Europe with voters in both Poland and Romania going to the polls. <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>

Birthright Citizenship Arguments, Trump's Mideast Trip, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial

The U.S. Supreme Court seemed divided as justices heard arguments debating how lower courts should handle President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship. Trump heads back to Washington after four days of pomp in the Middle East. The first week of the federal criminal trial of Sean Combs featured testimony alleging a pattern of control and violence.<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 Krishnadev Calamur, Jacob Ganz, Roberta Rampton, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.</em> <em>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>

Syria's Relationship With Israel, Birthright Citizenship, Trump's Big Bill

President Trump did not make normalizing relations with Israel a condition for dropping sanctions against Syria, raising questions about how the two neighbors must navigate an unclear future. The Supreme Court hears historic arguments in a case challenging the constitutional provision guaranteeing birthright citizenship. House Republicans are still negotiating the details of a wide-ranging legislative package they hope to advance by the end of next week.<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 Krishnadev Calamur, Carrie Kahn, Kelsey Snell, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.</em> <em>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>

Trump Meets Syria's President, Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks, RFK Jr. On Capitol Hill

President Trump is meeting with Syria's new leader as the administration prepares to lift sanctions on the country. Could he also participate in Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Turkey? Plus, on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to defend his sweeping changes at the Department of Health and Human Services.<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, Diane Webber, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.</em> <em>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>

Seesawing Tariffs, Trump's Middle East Agenda, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial

Companies are rushing to import merchandise while a temporary trade deal between the U.S. and China is in place, but what happens after the 90-day arrangement expires is unclear. As President Trump visits the Middle East, economic opportunities and security issues top the agenda. Jurors hear often graphic testimony on the first day Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial.<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 Carrie Kahn, Jacob Ganz, Rafael Nam, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Contributing reporting by</em> <em>Ximena Bustillo.</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>

Trump In The Middle East, Hamas Hostage Release, Mulling Medicaid Cuts

President Trump chose Saudi Arabia - again - for the first state trip of his second term. What does that say about his foreign policy? Hamas says it will release the last living American hostage held in Gaza, Edan Alexander. And as Republicans look for massive budget cuts, what could happen to Medicaid? <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, Krishnadev Calamur, Carrie Kahn, Kelsey Snell, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from David Greenberg, 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 Trial of Sean Combs

Sean Combs who was once at the forefront of hip-hop music and fashion is now on trial for sex trafficking. The hip-hop mogul launched the careers of numerous stars and grew his business empire to a reported $1 billion dollars in 2022. A fortune that has since shrunk considerably as he faces multiple civil lawsuits, a crumbling media empire and the prospect of years behind bars. <br/><br/>With his trial set to begin tomorrow, today on <em>The Sunday Story</em> NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmineto shares how Sean Combs went from music intern to media mogul and how it all came crashing down. <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>

India and Pakistan Agree Ceasefire, Food Stamps Data, Nuclear Reactor Watchdog

India and Pakistan agree to a full and immediate ceasefire. It follows US-led talks. Plus, NPR learns that the Department of Agriculture is demanding states hand over the personal data of those receiving food stamps. Critics fear the information could be used to carry out deportations. Also, the Trump administration tightens its control over the independent agency regulating America's nuclear reactors.<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>

Scene From Vatican City, Life Of Pope Leo XIV, China Trade Talks

People traveled to the Vatican from all over the world to witness the election of a new pope. What more do we know about the life of the Chicago-born pontiff who also holds Peruvian citizenship? Also, negotiators from the US and China will meet this weekend in Switzerland for talks about the trade war between the two countries.<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 Daniel Burke, Ryland Barton, Padmananda Rama, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. 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>

India And Pakistan Latest, Libya Deportations, The Fed And Interest Rates

Pakistan's defense minister warned that hostilities between his country and India could escalate into a nuclear confrontation, the White House plans to add Libya to the list of countries where it sends deportees, and the Federal Reserve voted to keep interest rates unchanged, for now.<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, Anna Yukhananov, Rafael Nam, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.</em> <em>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>

India And Pakistan Conflict, Papal Conclave Begins, Transgender Military Ban

India struck multiple targets across Pakistan in the most extensive strikes in more than 50 years, the papal conclave to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic church begins today, and the Supreme Court has allowed a ban on transgender people serving in the military. <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, Daniel Burke, Krishnadev Calamur, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas 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>

Canada's Prime Minister Meets Trump, Abortion Lawsuit Surprise, Film Tariffs

President Trump will meet with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, who won his election on an anti-Trump platform. In a surprise move, the Justice Department asked for a lawsuit against the abortion medication mifepristone to be dismissed, and the global film industry is reeling after President Trump announced plans to hike tariffs on movies produced outside of the U.S. <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 Roberta Rampton, Diane Webber, Jane Greenhalgh, Ciera Crawford, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. 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>

Trump And The Constitution, Gaza Food Aid Plan, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial Begins

President Trump says he "doesn't know" if it's his job to defend the US Constitution when it comes to providing immigrants due process. Israel approved a plan to take control of the distribution of food aid inside Gaza, and the trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering begins 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 Krishnadev Calamur, Carrie Kahn, Jacob Ganz, Janaya Williams, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. 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>

Syria's Missing Children

In Syria during the 14-year civil war, many children were detained with their mothers. Then, security forces separated them. Thousands of these children have never been found.<br/><br/>Since the fall of the Assad regime, parents of disappeared children have continued to search for answers. In this episode of <em>The Sunday Story</em>, NPR correspondent Diaa Hadid investigates: what happened to the disappeared children of Syria?<br/><br/><em>This episode includes mentions of rape and torture.</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>

President Trump's 2026 Budget, Gloomy Economic Outlook, Secretary of State's New Role

President Trump proposes major cuts to several federal agencies in next year's budget, but he wants defense and border security spending to increase. The budget plan comes after the economy shrank during the first three months of this year. We'll have the latest on the state of the economy. Plus, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has added the title of national security adviser to his growing roster of roles. But will he have the bandwidth to do both jobs?<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, Waltz Out As National Security Advisor, Alien Enemies Act Ruling

A new executive order aims to cut federal subsidies to PBS and NPR. President Trump is nominating national security adviser Mike Waltz as his ambassador to the United Nations, and a federal judge ruled that the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan immigrants from the US is "unlawful." <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, Roberta Rampton, Eric Westervelt, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. </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>

Steve Bannon on Trump's First 100 Days

Steve Inskeep speaks with War Room Podcast Host and Trump ally Steve Bannon about the changes the U.S. President has introduced in his first months in office in 2025 and where he sees things heading.<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 to the Up First newsletter</em></a><em>.<br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Reena Advani and produced by Barry Gordemer.<br></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>

Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension

The US economy shrank in the first three months of the year and economists say the months ahead could also be challenging. Ukraine signed a deal with the US to jointly invest in Ukraine's minerals and natural resources, and tensions are high between India and Pakistan after last week's deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.<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 to the Up First newsletter.<br></em></a><em><br>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rafael Nam, Ryland Barton, Vincent Ni, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. <br>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>

Trump Marks 100 Days, Steve Bannon On Trump's Presidency, The "Big Beautiful Bill"

President Trump celebrated 100 days of his second term at a rally in Michigan and called his policy changes the "most profound" in generations. Steve Bannon weighed in on the first 100 days of the Trump presidency, and Congressional Republicans return from recess aiming to pass the President's so-called "big beautiful bill" before Memorial Day.<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 to the Up First newsletter</em></a><em>.<br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Reena Advani, Kelsey Snell, Vincent Ni, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle.<br>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>

Grading Trump's First 100 Days, Presidential Retaliation, Detained Student Speaks

In a new poll, voters graded President Trump's first 100 days in office. An NPR analysis finds more than 100 people and groups the President targeted for retribution in his second term, and NPR traveled to Vermont to speak with a Columbia University student detained by the Trump administration.<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 Megan Pratz, Barrie Hardymon, Jan Johnson, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. <br/><br/>Editor's note: After this segment aired, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, responded to our request for comment. She said: "It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America. When you advocate for violence, glorify and support terrorists that relish the of killing Americans, and harass Jews, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country."</em> <em>McLaughlin did not respond to NPR's request that the government provide evidence for its allegations that Mahdawi's actions amounted to antisemitism and led to violence. Mahdawi and his lawyers say those allegations are false.</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>

Continued Crackdown on Illegal Immigration, Canada Votes, Measles Outbreak

The Trump administration continues to crack down on US immigrants without legal status. The Canadian election has been dominated by President Trump's trade war and threatening rhetoric, and a measles outbreak is especially bad in Texas, where two of every three Americans with the virus live. <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 Russell Lewis, Tara Neill, Alfredo Carbajal, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from David Greenburg. 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>

A Whistleblower Takes on DOGE

NPR's cybersecurity correspondent Jenna McLaughlin recently broke a story about a whistleblower inside the federal government who says DOGE representatives appear to have taken sensitive data, then covered their tracks. Daniel Berulis works for the National Labor Relations Board and he has shared evidence that DOGE engineers disabled security protocols, exported reams of sensitive data and used a "hacker's toolkit" to hide their activities. And he thinks his agency is not alone. Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em>, what this possible breach could mean for the private data of millions of Americans. <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>

Pope Francis's Funeral Ceremony; Gaza Goes Hungry Under Israeli Blockade

We report live from St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, where Pope Francis's funeral is taking place. Plus, the U.N.'s food agency says it is running out of food to distribute to people in Gaza two months into an Israeli blockade.<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>

Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed

Ukraine says a ceasefire must be in place first before it will accept a peace deal with Russia, President Trump claims it's not possible for all of the people he wants to deport to get a trial, and after two years of brutal fighting, Sudan's once-vibrant capitol city of Khartoum is in ruins.<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 Tara Neill, Anna Yukhananov, Ryland Barton, Janaya Williams and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. 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>

Trump Changes Tone On Tariffs, Russia And Ukraine, Education Executive Orders

President Trump is now saying tariffs on China will come down substantially, striking a very different tone from the tough talk of a few weeks ago. The President lashed out at Ukrainian President Zelenskyy after he rejected U.S. terms to end the war with Russia, and in a series of executive actions President Trump targeted foreign funding and DEI initiatives at universities and K-12 schools.<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 to the Up First newsletter</em></a><em>.<br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Ryland Barton, Steve Drummond, Janaya Williams and Arezou Rezvani. <br>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman. 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>

Global Economic Forecast Dims, Ukraine Peace Talks, Pope Francis Lies In State

Economists warned about an economic slowdown on the horizon for most countries around the world in the wake of century-high US tariffs. European, Ukrainian and U.S. officials meet in London for peace talks on Russia's war on Ukraine, and crowds began lining up at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to pay their last respects to Pope Francis.<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, Kevin Drew, Ryland Barton, Janaya Williams and Arezou Rezvani. <br>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>

Defense Department Leak, Mourning Francis, SCOTUS Considers Opting Out

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continues to find himself mired in controversy. Also — tributes have poured in from around the world remembering Pope Francis as a leader who advocated for the poor and the dispossessed, and the Supreme Court considers a case brought by parents who want to pull their kids out of public school classes because of objections to some learning materials. <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 to the Up First newsletter.</em></a><em><br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Ryland Barton, Krishnadev Calamur, Arezou Rezvani and Janaya Williams.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. 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>

Pope's Life And Legacy, What Happens Now In Rome, Reaction From South America

Pope Francis has died at age 88. He was one of the most popular popes in decades and lent his voice to almost every modern issue facing the world, often taking the side of the marginalized and vulnerable. A look at funeral plans, the selection process for the next Pope, what happens next in Rome, and the reaction from South America. <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 to the Up First newsletter.</em></a><em><br/><br/>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, James Doubek, Miguel Macias, Arezou Rezvani and Janaya Williams.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>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>

The Girls Who Were Sent Away

Before <em>Roe v. Wade</em>, when a young, unmarried girl got pregnant, she was often sent away – to a place called a maternity home. There, she would give birth in secret, surrender her baby, and return to her life as if nothing had happened. That shadowed history is the setting of Grady Hendrix's latest horror novel, <em>Witchcraft for Wayward Girls</em>. Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em> from <em>Up First</em>, Ayesha Rascoe talks with Hendrix about the truth that inspired his timely fiction — and what happens when people with little choice, discover a new kind of power. <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>