Up First from NPR

Election Day is here, with control of Congress hinging on unexpectedly competitive races in states including Iowa, Arkansas and Mississippi.
President Trump sounded unusually subdued in his final campaign appearance, acknowledging the historical odds against the president’s party in midterm elections.
Iran has spent months using the Strait of Hormuz and high gas prices to pressure President Trump back toward negotiations, but Election Day could instead mark the start of another round of war.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, 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
(01:52) Election Day
(05:32) Trump's Closing Message
(09:24) Iran War And The Midterms

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Michigan Democrats are in open conflict on the eve of the election after Haley Stevens revoked her endorsement of Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and backed his Republican opponent.
Republicans are defending unexpectedly competitive races across traditionally red territory, from Alaska to Kansas and South Carolina, as the political map continues shifting toward Democrats.
Qatar is pushing a new diplomatic plan to stop Iranian attacks on ships and reopen talks with the U.S. as Gulf states try to prevent another round of war.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Brett Neely, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Taylor Haney.

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
(02:11) Michigan Democrats Feud
(06:07) Midterm Map Shifts
(09:54) US-Iran Diplomacy Efforts

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Millions of Americans have already cast their votes early ahead of Tuesday’s midterms. On this episode of The Sunday Story, NPR’s senior political correspondent Tamara Keith discusses the turbulent and unpredictable political landscape of this years’ midterm election. Rising costs and unpopular foreign policy decisions have some experts anticipating a blue wave. President Trump is predicting the opposite. But voters on both sides of the aisle share one commonality: they’re not happy. How will a dissatisfied electorate decide the future of America?

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Oil companies are reporting sky-high profits this quarter. Hackers stole $6.3 billion in cryptocurrency this week, in the largest digital heist ever. It’s been just over two years since the rise of Make America Healthy Again. Has the Trump administration made good on the MAHA agenda? 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 http://plus.npr.org/.

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President Trump is changing his final campaign strategy as Republicans try to close an early-voting gap and hold off Democratic gains in competitive races across the country.
Alaska’s tight Senate race is facing new scrutiny after allegations that Democrats helped recruit a spoiler candidate with the same name as the Republican incumbent, while Mary Peltola denies knowing about the effort.
Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who was briefed on possible new U.S. strikes on Iran, is warning that the plan could trigger a major escalation as American forces continue building up in the region.

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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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Miguel Macias, Andrew Sussman, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.

Our technical director is Ariel Lopez.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(0:53) Final Campaign Days
(4:30) Alaska Senate Race
(8:23) Iran War Plans

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Ad spending in Kansas’ Senate race has jumped tenfold in weeks as Democrats pour money into Republican-heavy districts in the final days before the midterms.
The economy appears to be growing at a solid pace, but inflation is still running ahead of wages and leaving many Americans feeling worse off financially.
Israel still has no governing majority after its election, leaving Benjamin Netanyahu in office during coalition talks as questions remain about whether the country could launch another strike on Iran.

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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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Rafael Nam, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.

Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:14) Introduction
(2:07) Midterm Latest
(5:56) GDP and Inflation
(9:25) Israel Election and Iran

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President Trump rallied for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas, but his personal grievances kept competing with his party’s closing message ahead of the midterms.
Israel’s election remains too close to call, with Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot both short of a governing majority and Arab-led parties potentially holding the balance of power.
Investors expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady today, even as prices rise faster than wages and squeeze household budgets.

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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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.

Our technical director is Ariel Lopez.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:54) Texas Messaging
(5:39) Israel Election Results
(9:33) Fed Interest Rates

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A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll gives Democrats an eight-point lead on the congressional ballot, but lagging enthusiasm among young voters and independents could complicate their push to win Congress.
Democrats are preparing legal and political responses to possible election challenges from President Trump as he offers million-dollar rewards for tips leading to voter fraud convictions.
Israelis vote in a closely fought election that could determine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, with tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad returning home to cast their ballots.

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.

Our technical director is Ariel Lopez.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:54) New NPR Poll
(6:09) Democrats and Election Protection
(9:46) Israel Election

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Republicans redrew 15 House districts hoping to protect their majority, but most have become competitive races as the party’s redistricting strategy falls short of expectations.
Brazil’s leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won reelection after trailing in the first round, but far-right rival Flávio Bolsonaro is demanding the result be thrown out.
Youth-led protest movements are reshaping politics across Europe, from mass demonstrations in France to Serbia, where a student-led movement defeated the longtime ruling party in parliamentary elections.

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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 http://plus.npr.org/.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Tina Kraja, Tara Neill, Mohamad ElBardicy and Olivia Hampton.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Kaity Kline.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.

Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:57) GOP Redistricting
(5:52) Brazil Election
(9:33) Europe Protests

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The Midwest used to be known as an affordable place to live. Lately, though, many people there are having a hard time making ends meet. In this episode of The Sunday Story, Holly Edgell and Daniel Wheaton from NPR’s Midwest Newsroom bring us the voices of Midwesterners. We hear about how people in the region are struggling financially, and how the affordability crisis is impacting their votes in the midterms.

You can hear more of the “Costly” series here

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

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AI discovered a vulnerability in part of the internet's architecture, called PHP2SHELL. Security researchers rushed to fix it, but the news leaked and hackers have swooped in. France deploys hordes of police as another wave of protests begin. Netflix is regrouping after the release of its latest quarterly earnings this week.
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 http://plus.npr.org/.

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The U.S. is sending a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East as oil prices climb and the prospect of another attack on Iran grows.
More than 19 million Americans have already voted, with strong turnout among Democrats and voters of color, but the numbers can’t tell us who will win.
A judge has ordered President Trump to testify in his $10 billion defamation case against the BBC, potentially forcing him to answer questions about his finances and January 6.

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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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Megan Pratz, Emily Kopp, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.

Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:53) U.S. Iran War
(5:38) Early Voting
(9:08) Trump vs. BBC Deposition

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Democrats are sending former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris into competitive Senate races to help the party win in Republican territory.
NPR has learned the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a possible attack on Iran after the midterms, while Americans face settler violence and military arrests in the West Bank.
Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a merger that could create one of the world’s largest companies and give Elon Musk even greater control over his sprawling business empire.

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Tina Kraja, Kara Platoni, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.

Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:52) Campaign Surrogates
(5:22) Israel Attack Plans
(9:05) Musk Explores Merger

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to repair ties with Washington as President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff carries new peace proposals to Russia.
President Trump is campaigning in North Carolina as Republicans struggle in key races and he ties federal relief promises to the outcome of the midterms.
Britain is sending fighter jets to help Saudi Arabia defend against Houthi attacks as the war disrupts the kingdom’s economy and deepens the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Megan Pratz, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.

Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:54) Zelenskyy U.S. Relationship
(5:29) Trump in NC
(9:14) Saudi Yemen Crisis

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1Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking his concerns about delayed U.S. weapons and intelligence directly to Congress as lawmakers in both parties question President Trump’s approach to Russia.
Republicans are spending heavily to defend traditionally conservative territory as Democrats expand the midterm map two weeks before Election Day.
The Justice Department has charged 28 California voters it says are noncitizens while asking a federal judge to stop thousands of other ballots from being counted.

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Megan Pratz, Shannon Bond, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.

Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:54) Trump Russia Ukraine
(5:36) Midterm Latest
(9:20) CA DOJ Election Feud

See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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President Trump is easing pressure on Russia by waiving new sanctions as Ukraine continues striking Russian energy targets and tensions deepen between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Democratic candidates are outraising Republicans across many competitive midterm races, while Elon Musk pours hundreds of millions into GOP super PACs.
France is facing one of its biggest political crises in years after nationwide protests erupted into violence, with thousands arrested and the unrest already shaping a presidential election six months away.

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Padma Rama, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Lindsay Totty.

It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.

Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:56) Russia Ukraine U.S.
(5:33) Campaign Finance Latest
(9:29) France Protests

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Israelis will vote in national elections next week. It’s the first vote since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the Gaza war. Many Israelis call it the most important vote in their country’s history.

On this episode of the Sunday Story, NPR’s Daniel Estrin reports on Israelis and how they’ve changed after three years of wars across the Middle East. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of the world’s most controversial and consequential leaders, is seeking a seventh term. A former military chief of staff is his main challenger.

Now, as Israel faces a global backlash for its destructive war in Gaza, Israelis must decide: will they vote for change?

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Authorities say the 16-year-old suspect in a school shooting that killed three children and one teacher at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon was once a student there. Elon Musk has influence across the economy and politics. The major party candidates for Minnesota’s U.S. Senate seat faced off in a debate Friday on MPR News. Affordability and fallout from the Trump administration’s policies were key points. 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 http://plus.npr.org/.

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At least three children and a teacher were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, where police say a 16-year-old gunman was killed by an armed community member.
As President Trump increasingly blames Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the failure of peace efforts, Russia is watching the growing divide while beginning to release diesel under its new deal with the United States.
The Justice Department sued California after Los Angeles County refused to investigate a federal list of more than 20,000 voters the government says may be noncitizens.

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Tina Kraja, Ben Swasey, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott and Robert Rodriguez.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Oregon School Shooting
(05:21) Russia's View On US-Ukraine Split
(09:06) DOJ Sues California

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President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”

The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'

“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”

In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.

“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”

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 http://plus.npr.org/.

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