Podcast: Up First

Less than 90 days until the November election, both Presidential campaigns are in full force. A look back on changes in law enforcement and activism since the police killing of teenager Michael Brown, Jr. in Ferguson, Missouri a decade ago, and U.S. track and field athletes have big night at the Paris Summer Olympics. 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, Lindsay Totty, Russell Lewis, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, 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

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Gov. Tim Walz are drawing large rally crowds in the Midwest. Ukraine has received more weapons but is struggling to halt a Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine, and one year after the devastating Maui wildfires, officials want to make evacuations safer. 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, Nick Spicer, Neela Banerjee, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, 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

Vice President Kamala Harris and her new VP pick made their first campaign appearance together in Philadelphia. Walz's track record as Governor of Minnesota offers clues about his governing style, and far right rioters caused havoc in UK cities. 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, Acacia Squires, John Helton, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, 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

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Financial markets in Europe and Asia are beginning to rebound after taking a major tumble. The slide was a chain reaction sparked by fears about the health of the US economy. In a landmark antitrust case, a judge ruled that Google is a "monopolist," and Tropical Storm Debby hammered the southeastern US with deadly rain and wind.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, Rafael Nam, Julia Redpath, Susanna Capelouto, Denice Rios, Janaya Williams, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman. And our technical director is Stacey Abbott.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate as the final stage of the presidential campaign gets underway. Embassies in Lebanon urge citizens to leave as the threat of war intensifies. An American sprinter wins gold and world records fall for the U.S. women's swim team. 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, James Hider, Russell Lewis, Jan Johnson and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Julie Depenbrock. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.A previous version of this episode incorrectly said that Bryan Stern is a former Navy SEAL. In fact, he is actually an Army veteran and Navy Reserve officer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The U.S. is the largest exporter of natural gas in the world. And Louisiana's Gulf Coast is where much of America's natural gas is piped in to be liquified for export.Over the last twenty years, liquified natural gas (LNG) has been heralded as a clean and efficient "bridge fuel" for nations transitioning away from coal and oil, towards a future of renewable energy. But the promise of LNG has not reflected reality. In today's episode of The Sunday Story, WWNO reporters Halle Parker and Carlyle Calhoun talk about the impact of the LNG export industry on Louisiana's Gulf Coast. And they follow the supply chain of LNG all the way to Germany and Japan.To hear more of Halle and Carlyle's reporting on LNG, listen to their three-part series, "All Gassed Up," on the podcast Sea Change from member stations WWNO and WRKF.Part One: The Carbon CoastPart Two: The German ConnectionPart Three: The Sugar Daddy of LNGLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A weaker-than-expected jobs report sent stocks tumbling and stoked fears the Federal Reserve is working too slowly to adequately support the economy. The U.S. is sending warships to the Mideast as Israel targets militant leaders in the region. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has revoked the Pentagon's plea deal with 9/11 defendants.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Three high-profile prisoners were released by Moscow in exchange for Russian prisoners held by the U.S and its allies. Israel and Lebanon are bracing for the possibility of escalating attacks after Israel's killing of top leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah, and Simone Biles cemented her legacy as the greatest gymnast of all time at the Paris Olympics.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, Rebecca Rosman, Miguel Macias, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. 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

Former President Donald Trump participated in a tense Q&A at a convention for Black journalists in Chicago. After nearly 20 years, the case against the three alleged planners of the 9/11 attacks has concluded, and two killings of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders within 24 hours are raising fears of reprisals that could ignite a regional war in the Middle East. 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, James Hider, Barrie Hardymon, Janaya Williams and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. 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

The political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Iran. The event touches everything from the war in Gaza to U.S. relations with Iran. And President Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race has shifted the states that are considered up for grabs in November, as the campaigns turn their attention to the Sun Belt. 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, Ben Swayze, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. 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

The GOP is hoping to flip a Democratic House seat in Arizona with donations from heavy hitters in the crypto industry. The FBI has new information about the 20-year-old shooter who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump, and the latest from day four of the Paris Olympics.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, Russell Lewis, Janaya Williams, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbot. And our technical director is Zac Coleman. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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, Tara Neill, Krishnadev Calamur, Janaya Williams, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Tensions are high between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah after a rocket hit a soccer field filled with children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner of the Venezuelan Presidential election, and Donald Trump has been ramping up attacks on Kamala Harris as her campaign continues to energize Democrats.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This past spring, in the east African nation of Uganda, the country's highest court upheld The Anti-Homosexuality act. It calls for tough sentences-sometimes even the death penalty - for LGBTQ+ people. On this episode of The Sunday Story, the tale of a trans woman in Uganda who calls herself Rihanna Mukasa. Rihanna was one of the first to be brought to court under the Anti-Homosexuality Act. As she fought a convoluted legal battle, she was brutalized in prison for nine months. After her release, Rihanna found an unexpected ally in her deeply traditional and religious mother. Together, they've become outspoken critics of the government, risking their lives to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights in the country that considers them criminals.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Paris pulls off its opening ceremonies despite security risks. The U.S. government responds to TikTok's efforts to stay operating under its current owner. Consumer companies notice shoppers shying away from high prices.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Two alleged kingpins of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel were arrested in El Paso, Texas. Vice President Kamala Harris strikes a different tone than President Biden in a speech on the conflict between Israel and Gaza, and the 2024 Summer Olympic Games are underway in France. 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 Miguel Macias, Roberta Rampton, Russell Lewis, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Milton Guevara.We get engineering support from Andie Huether. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In a speech from the Oval Office, President Biden explained his reasons for declining to run for a second term. Vice President Kamala Harris has staked out her own approach to Israel and Gaza, and voters in Western PA share their thoughts on the campaigns and candidates. 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, Gabriel Spitzer, Dana Farrington, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Milton Guevara. 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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress. Vice President Harris has started campaigning for President, and a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows a surge in the number of undecided voters. 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, Roberta Rampton, Dana Farrington, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Milton Guevara. 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 paid tribute to President Biden and rallied staff on Day One of her push to cement her place at the top of the Democratic ticket. Republicans are warning of possible legal obstacles to the Harris nomination, and the head of the Secret Service was on Capitol Hill answering questions about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.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, Anna Yuhkananov, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Destinee Adams and Milton Guevara. 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

President Biden is dropping out of the Presidential race. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's new nominee, but it is unclear how Democrats will proceed. Republicans are attempting to tie her to Biden's biggest troubles, including immigration and inflation.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, Megan Pratz, Janaya Williams, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Destinee Adams and Milton Guevara. 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

Fear can be a powerful weapon. Gao Zhi, a 44-year-old Chinese man, knows this well. In 2020, after criticizing the Communist Party on social media, he left China and gained asylum in the Netherlands. But after Wang Jingyu, a Chinese celebrity dissident, moves into Gao's home, things start to go terribly wrong. Gao fears he and his family are now in the crosshairs of the Chinese Communist Party. On this episode of The Sunday Story, NPR's Global Democracy Correspondent Frank Langfitt and a reporting partner bring us the story of Gao and Wang. It's a tale of how the fear authoritarian regimes sow can be used to create a world of lies, betrayal, and manipulation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy