In the last few years, more than a dozen states have enacted laws that ban almost all abortions. Some include exceptions for rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother. But a small, vocal group of anti-abortion activists say even these exceptions are morally wrong. They want to see a ban not only on all abortions but also on some fertility treatments, including IVF. They believe an embryo deserves the same rights as any human.On this episode of The Sunday Story from Up First, NPR's Sarah McCammon takes us to a protest outside an IVF clinic and talks to activists who call themselves "abortion abolitionists." These activists say their goal is to turn their beliefs into policy and are heartened by the progress they've made.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel attacked northern Lebanon for first time in year-long conflict. Strong job numbers recalibrate the U.S. economic outlook. Rescue efforts struggle to reach mountainous areas.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The strike by dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts is suspended, after the two sides reached a tentative agreement on wages. The Harris campaign tries to show it's on top of October surprises. A federal jury in Memphis convicts three ex-police officers in the beating death of Tyre Nichols.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Pallavi Gogoi, Russell Lewis, Roberta Rampton, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Iman Ma'ani, Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Perez. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Prosecutors reveal new details about their election interference case against former President Donald Trump. A defiant Hezbollah offers journalists tours of its bombed-out Beirut stronghold. A federal jury deliberates in the police brutality case against officers accused of killing Tyre Nichols.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, James Hider, Russell Lewis, Vincent Ni, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Iman Maani, Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Perez. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel has promised retaliation after the Iranian missile attack, launched after Israel invaded southern Lebanon. What went right and wrong for the VP candidates in last night's debate. In parts of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, efforts to clean up from flooding after Tropical Storm Helene are slow-going.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Vincent Ni, Megan Pratz, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Iman Maani, Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Perez. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel says it has launched a "limited" ground operation into Southern Lebanon, launching a major escalation in its conflict with Hezbollah. Plus, what to listen for during tonight's vice presidential debate.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Vincent Ni, Megan Pratz, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Iman Maani, Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Perez. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lebanon prepares to bury Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In North Carolina, damage from flooding is "widespread and catastrophic," according to Gov. Roy Cooper. The two candidates for vice president are both veterans. How do their campaigns approach vets' issues? And for NPR's new series on stress reduction, we consider the benefits of "positive reappraisal."Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Vincent Ni, Andrew Sussman, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Iman Maani, Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Perez. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange, and our technical director is Andie Huether.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel's assassination of Hassan Nasrallah — who led Hezbollah for more than 30 years — has been met with mixed reactions in the region. In Israel, there have been celebrations, even as people prepare for the possibility of retaliation. In Ramallah, in the West Bank, streets filled with Palestinians chanting promises to continue resistance against Israel. Nasrallah's death raises questions about who will fill a power void at the top of what the US considers a terrorist organization. For more coverage, and for differing views and analysis of the conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Denise Couture, Shannan Rhoades, Julia Redpath, Vincent Ni, and James Hider. It was produced by Brent Baughman, Martin Patience, Michael Radcliffe, and Samantha Balaban. Our senior supervising editor is Evie Stone. Engineering support from Neisha Heinis, Arthur Laurent, and Andie Huether. Our technical director is Hannah Gluvna.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Today on The Sunday Story we feature an episode from the NPR podcast Planet Money about the inner workings of the residential solar industry and how the business practices of some companies have soured customers on the promise of this renewable energy. And the team looks into where the residential solar industry is headed in the future.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed on Friday, when a series of blasts targeting Hezbollah rip through Beirut. His killing and the attack on the capital signal a major escalation in the fighting between Israel and Lebanon. Plus, Hurricane Helene might've been downgraded to a tropic storm, but it still managed to drench North Carolina - we'll have the latest on the storm's impact.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hurricane Helene has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but when it made landfall late last night as a Category 4 hurricane, it packed a dangerous one-two punch of high winds and a storm surge. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, and the Sudanese army has launched a major offensive to take back the capital.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Tara Neill, Donald Clyde, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Iman Maani, Nia Dumas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange, and our technical director is Andie Huether.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has a plan to defeat Russia. He's in Washington on Thursday to discuss this plan with President Biden. New York Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted, according to media reports, and Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Helene.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rebecca Rosman, Andrea de Leon, Russell Lewis, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Iman Maani, Nia Dumas, Brianna Joseph and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

As the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah intensifies, concern grows about the potential involvement of Iran. Last year, there were a number of issues with the form to get federal student aid. A new investigation is detailing what went wrong with FAFSA, and Missouri executed a man even though the office that worked to convict him says they made a mistake.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by James Hider, Nicole Cohen, Cheryl Corley, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Iman Maani, Nia Dumas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tens of thousands of people in Lebanon are fleeing from Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. Vice President Harris wants to make it easier to restore abortion rights. She spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio about her policy priorities, and California is suing ExxonMobil alleging the oil giant knowingly misled the public about the effectiveness of plastic recycling.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Vincent Ni, Padma Rama, Robert Little, HJ Mai and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Iman Maani, Nia Dumas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel's military has warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate homes used to store weapons for Hezbollah. This comes after last week's explosion of Hezbollah communication devices and multiple strikes. World leaders gather in New York this week to discuss the biggest geopolitical issues and crisis, and the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, is calling for action after a mass shooting.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Vincent Ni, Tara Neill, Russell Lewis, HJ Mai and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Iman Maani, Nia Dumas and Julie Depenbrock. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In Central Asia, the world's youngest desert occupies a basin that once held a vast saline lake. The Aral Sea. Up until the 1960s, the sea spanned more than 26 thousand square miles across two countries. It supported thriving fishing communities along its shores. But then, in the name of progress and development, much of the river water that fed the sea was diverted for agriculture. Now the Aral Sea has all but disappeared, shrunk to about tenth of its original size. The UN Environment Programme has called the Aral Sea's destruction quote "one of the most staggering disasters of the 20th century." On this episode of The Sunday Story, Above The Fray Fellow Valerie Kipnis takes us to the Aral Sea to try to understand what went wrong and whether anything can be done to save the little water that's left.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Serious allegations against a Republican gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina and tensions in Georgia over the counting of ballots are just two of this week's top political headlines - we'll bring you the latest. Plus, Israel turned pagers and two-way radios used by Hezbollah and civilians in Lebanon into mini bombs - we'll look at what that move, plus another air strike, could mean in the context of wider regional tensions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Former President Donald Trump tried to overturn the election results and slander election workers in 2020. Less than two months before this year's election, officials are preparing for new conspiracy theories. Online influencers are trying to find evidence of debunked events in Springfield, Ohio, and many people with sickle cell disease are slow to sign up for new genetic treatments.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Ben Swasey, Brett Neely, Scott Hensley, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Iman Maani, Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

People in Lebanon are unplugging electronics and turning off their phones after a second day of exploding devices. Israel, which has not publicly acknowledged any responsibility for the attacks, has a long history of covert operations, and one of the largest unions in the United States is staying on the sidelines of this year's presidential election. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Vincent Ni, Andrew Sussman, Megan Pratz, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Iman Maani, Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Electronic pagers carried by members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday. The incident killed at least a dozen people and injured thousands more. The Federal Reserve is set to announce a long-awaited rate cut. And drug overdose deaths in the U.S. are falling sharply. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Vincent Ni, Rafael Nam, Andrea de Leon, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Iman Maani, Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Before his alleged attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump, a gunman had a different attention-grabbing cause. Ryan Wesley Routh said he was recruiting soldiers for Ukraine. Springfield, Ohio, which has been in the news after Trump and his running mate promoted a false story about immigrants, has canceled a festival celebrating cultural diversity. And Rupert Murdoch aims to change his will to affect who controls Fox News. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Lisa Thomson, Emily Kopp, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Iman Maani, Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A man is in custody for what the FBI describes as an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club. Venezuela's government claims the CIA plotted to kill President Nicolás Maduro. And a court weighs the future of TikTok in the U.S.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Tara Neill, Julia Redpath, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Chris Thomas and Mansee Khurana. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Eating less beef could make a large dent in Americans' climate pollution. But data show it's men who are disproportionately eating beef. Now food and climate researchers are thinking about how to impact climate pollution through the lens of gender. But for many U.S. men, eating fewer burgers or steaks can require overcoming some big obstacles.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ukraine has been asking for permission to use Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. The Biden administration has not given Ukraine the green light on that — we'll look at what that means in this protracted conflict. Also, it's been a year since a massive and coordinated United Auto Workers Strike secured better pay for workers - but a year on, workers are worried about job security. Plus, a new era in space tourism, with a civilian taking a space walk. He didn't have any NASA astronaut training, but we'll tell you what he DID have.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Former President Donald Trump said he wont debate Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidates hit the campaign trail in key swing states. Boeing is facing a major strike after more than 30,000 machinists overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer, adding to the airline maker's ongoing struggles with safety and financial challenges. President Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer may decide to give Ukraine long-range weapons when they meet at the White House today. And, California is moving forward with a bill that requires health warning labels on gas stoves, raising concerns about the impact of cooking emissions on air quality.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Don Clyde, Megan Pratz, Neela Bannerjee, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Iman Maani, Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Chris Thomas and Ana Perez.We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

NPR gets a rare look inside Sudan where fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces has left millions displaced and struggling for survival. As grocery prices remain high, new data examines whether profits are outpacing rising costs. And the trial of three Memphis police officers begins with disturbing footage of the fatal traffic stop of 29 year-old Tyre Nichols.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rebecca Rossman, Susana Capeluto, Emily Kopp , Mohamad El Bardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Iman Maani, Nia Dumas, Lindsay Totty and Chris Thomas.We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Vice President Kamala Harris took the fight to former President Donald Trump as they faced off in their first presidential debate, clashing over the economy, abortion, immigration, and other issues. Congress is heading towards a potential government shutdown as House Republicans push a controversial bill, which faces opposition from both Democrats and some within their own party. And, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the UK's foreign secretary are in Kyiv, discussing lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons as Ukrainian leaders push to strike military targets in Russia.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Kelsey Snell, Miguel Macias, Mohamad El Bardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Iman Maani, Nia Dumas, Lindsay Totty and Chris Thomas.We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to face off in their first, and possibly only, debate of the presidential campaign. An Israeli airstrike killed dozens and wounded many in a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza, raising concerns about civilian casualties and the escalating conflict. And bodycam footage shows NFL star Tyreek Hill being forcibly removed from his car by Miami police before Sunday's game.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Vincent Ni, Russell Lewis, Mohamad El Bardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Iman Maani, Nia Dumas, Lindsay Totty and Chris Thomas.We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Zac Coleman.In a previous version of this episode, our host quoted the death toll reported by the Associate Press and in the Official Palestinian Press Agency as 40 killed. That number was corrected to 19 by the Gaza Health Ministry.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

New details have emerged about the Georgia school shooting, including a phone call from the alleged gunman's mother warning the school just before the attack. Venezuela's opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, believed to have won the presidential election, has fled to Spain. And, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained by police just hours before the first Sunday of the NFL season, raising questions about his treatment during the encounter . Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Tara Neill, Donald Clyde, Mohamad El Bardicy, and Lisa Thomson.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Iman Maani, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty.We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Wilderness is a designation of an area intended to be free from human intervention unless it's deemed absolutely necessary. But as climate change increases the frequency and severity of wildfires when does it become necessary for land stewards to intervene? In Sequoia National Park this question of whether or not to intervene has land managers and environmentalists at odds with one another. Host Ayesha Rascoe talks with reporter Marissa Ortega-Welch about her new podcast series How Wild. In a segment from the first episode Marissa asks: with increasing wildfires threatening giant sequoias, known as some of the world's oldest trees, should we intervene or leave the wilderness to evolve on its own?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What can NASA and Boeing engineers are learn from the trouble-plagued Starliner capsule, which has just returned back to Earth without its crew? Plus, a look at where Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump stand on key foreign policy issues.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

While former President Donald Trump denies the incident, NPR has confirmed new details about the altercation at Arlington National Cemetery involving two of his campaign staffers. The father of the teenager accused in the Georgia school shooting now faces charges for allowing his son access to a firearm. And, the August jobs report is expected to shed light on whether strong hiring is driving up inflation, something the Federal Reserve is closely monitoring.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Susanna Capeluto, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty.We get engineering support from Phil Edfors and our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old is charged with killing four people and wounding nine others. Donald Trump's legal team heads to court today, with key decisions about his January 6th trial expected ahead of the November election. Candidates are heavily focusing on swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia as the 2024 election nears its final stretch. And, two Russian nationals are accused of using U.S. influencers to secretly spread Kremlin propaganda online, already reaching millions ahead of the election.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Roberta Rampton, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Jan Johnson.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Hannah Gluvna.A previous version of this episode incorrectly said that the FBI visited the alleged shooter's home in 2023. In fact, it was local law enforcement that visited the suspect.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A major government reshuffle is underway in Ukraine as intensifying Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities kills dozens and injures hundreds. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from protesters and political rivals accusing him of prioritizing his political survival over Israel's security. And, a longtime New York political aide is accused of secretly working for the Chinese government, sparking concerns over foreign influence in U.S. policymaking. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Carrie Kahn, Rebecca Rossman, Luis Clemens, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Jan Johnson.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The 2024 presidential election campaign is entering its final stretch as the candidates mobilize and prepare for next week's debate. Venezuelan courts issued an arrest warrant for opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez after he claimed victory in July's presidential election, he's accused of conspiring against President Nicolas Maduro's government. And Disney, which owns ESPN, ABC, and Disney-Plus, pulled it's programming from DirecTV over a public contract dispute.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Luis Clemons, Jan Johnson, and Mohamad ElBardicy.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty.We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Stacy Abbott.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A nationwide strike is underway in Israel Massive protests in several Israeli cities are putting pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government following the military's recovery of six hostages killed in Gaza. Unions are getting extra attention this election cycle as candidate hope to win over swing states with strong union support. And both presidential candidates have put America's housing issues on their agenda, but they have very different and vague plans to fix it.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Carrie Kahn, Megan Pratz, Catherine Laidlaw, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Jan Johnson.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Chris Thomas and Lindsay Totty.We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Stacy Abbott.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

By the time he was in middle school, writer Gabino Iglesias gravitated toward stories that unsettled him. Stories that scared him enough that he needed to turn on a light. Now a Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Iglesias writes this type of fiction himself. Today on The Sunday Story, Iglesias talks to host Ayesha Rascoe about his new novel, House of Bone and Rain, which centers on a group of friends determined to avenge a murder. Iglesias describes how he uses supernatural elements to make a story more powerful, the redeeming parts of toxic masculinity, and the beauty and perils of unwavering loyalty.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Both presidential campaigns are aggressively courting voters in Georgia. Beginning this weekend, the United Nations is undertaking a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. Experts urge caution as Mexico seeks to reform its judiciary.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In her first major interview as the presidential nominee Kamala Harris was forward-looking while also defending Biden's policies. Donald Trump has been speaking in more moderate terms about reproductive rights. A deadly food-borne bacteria linked to deli meat has killed at least nine people a hospitalized dozens more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

French authorities move to hold the CEO of tech giant Telegram responsible for serious crimes committed on the messaging app. Trump faces criticism for using slain troops at Arlington National Cemetery in campaign material. Some U.S. citizens are being targeted by GOP-led efforts to prevent noncitizens from voting.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A new indictment against the former president in the January 6th case. Trump campaign staff had an altercation with an official at Arlington National Cemetery. Thousands of athletes with disabilities from all over the world gather for the Paralympics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Arguments over food prices are central to efforts to halt a 25 billion dollar grocery store merger. A rare and deadly mosquito borne illness has public parks in Massachusetts shut down at dusk. The Israel-Lebanon border is calm for now and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The IDF and Hezbollah fired a major barrage of rockets across the Israel-Lebanon border. With just over two months left in the presidential race, what does the latest NPR poll tell us about where things stand? The U.S. Ambassador to India is accused of lying under oath to cover up the alleged inappropriate behavior of a close advisor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the Xinjiang region of western China, the government has rounded up and detained at least hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic groups. Many haven't been heard from in years, and others are still desperately searching for their families. Western governments have called this crackdown a cultural genocide and a possible crime against humanity. NPR Correspondent Emily Feng has been reporting on Uyghurs inside and outside of China for years. In this episode, she profiles two Uyghur men who have found themselves sometimes unwilling actors within the Chinese state's systems of control over Uyghurs. As they work to silence others, they sometimes find themselves silenced as well. Additional Context: Listen to Emily Feng's 2022 reporting, "The Black Gate: A Uyghur Family's Story" part one and part two. For more on the history of the Uyghur people, listen to the episode "Five Fingers Crush The Land" from NPR's Throughline podcast.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Now that the second of the two major political conventions is over, how are the parties positioning themselves for the rest of the campaign? An anti-trust case involving the two biggest grocery retailers starts Monday. In Afghanistan, the Taliban has codified new rules with familiar strictures.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Vice President Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for President. Former President Trump campaigned at the southern border in Arizona, and the FDA approved a new COVID-19 vaccine designed to help protect against the latest strains of the virus. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Krishnadev Calamur, Scott Hensley, Janaya Williams and Adriana Gallardo. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. Our technical director is Zac Coleman. And our Executive Producer is Erika Aguilar.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz introduced himself to the American public with a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Harris will carry on portions of President Biden's agenda but there are some key differences she will campaign on, and a new survey finds Gen Z'ers feeling optimistic about the future but unprepared and disengaged at school. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Krishnadev Calamur, Roberta Rampton, Adriana Gallardo, Nicole Cohen, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Hannah Gluvna. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On day two of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Barack and Michelle Obama took aim at former President Donald Trump. Trump and his running mate — Ohio Senator JD Vance — plan to visit vital swing states every day this week, and the final report is out in an investigation into the deadliest mass shooting in Maine's history.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Megan Pratz, Gigi Douban, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy