Up First from NPR

President Trump's special envoy heads to Moscow for talks as Russia reviews a U.S. backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. The White House is rolling back more than two dozen environmental protections regulations, a move critics warn could lead to more pollution and health risks. And, Iran's Supreme Leader rejects President Trump's effort to start nuclear talks, calling it a deceptive attempt to pressure Tehran. 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 Ryland Barton, Neela Bannerjee, Kevin Drew, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis, our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The U.S. is resuming military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after negotiators agree to a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia is now reviewing. The Trump administration is cutting nearly half of the Education Department's workforce. And, the House passes a stopgap funding bill with just days until a potential government shutdown, now it's headed for a vote in the Senate. 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 Ryland Barton, Nicole Cohen, Jason Breslow, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Damian Herring, our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

As Ukraine begins ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia, the Trump administration signals that aid could resume if Ukraine makes concessions. A steep sell-off on Wall Street followed new tariffs from China and Canada, as investors worry that Trump's trade policies could tip the U.S. into a recession. And, after an ICE arrest at Columbia University, the U.S. Education Department is warning 60 universities they could face penalties over antisemitism investigations. 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 Kevin Drew, Rafael Nam, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis, our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Canada's ruling Liberal Party has a new leader, Mark Carney, a former central banker who now faces the challenge of steering the country through economic turmoil and a tense trade relationship with the United States. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, has been arrested by ICE agents. And, House Republicans unveil a stopgap funding bill to keep the government running through September, but with Democrats opposing it, passing the bill will require almost every GOP vote. 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 Tara Neill, Kevin Drew, Krishnadev Calamur, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is David Greenberg. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

On the first day of his second term as President, Donald Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. whose parents are in the country illegally. The Trump Administration asserts that the children of noncitizens are not "subject to the jurisdiction of the United States" and therefore are not entitled to citizenship. But birthright citizenship is a Constitutional guarantee, explicitly laid out in the 14th Amendment. On this episode of The Sunday Story, we look at the origins of this right through a 1898 court case that would transform the life of one Chinese immigrant and generations to follow. You can listen to the full episode from NPR's Throughline here or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump says that his Cabinet secretaries are actually supposed to be the ones to make staffing decisions, not Elon Musk and his DOGE entity. Also, we hear from employees at the Veterans Health Administration about how they feel about DOGE emails asking them to spell out what they did last week. Plus, a look at where things stand on the treatment of Long COVID. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump has shaken up America's global alliances with policy reversals and realignments being felt around the world. How are writers, analysts, and leaders making sense of it all? Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. This bonus episode of Up First was edited Lisa Thomson, Arezou Rezvani, Reena Advani and Olivia Hampton. It was produced by Claire Murashima, Nia Dumas, Chris Thomas, Paige Waterhouse, Adam Bearne, Milton Guevara and Ana Perez. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The Labor Department is expected to show a modest uptick in hiring as part of its monthly jobs report card, but layoffs could cast a chill over the job market in coming months. The White House meets with founders and investors in the crypto industry to discuss how to grow the sector. And, rival ceasefire plans create uncertainty in Gaza, the Trump administration is demanding Hamas release hostages immediately, while holding secret talks with the group. 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 Rafael Nam, Roberta Rampton, Russell Lewis, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis, our technical director is Stacey Abbott. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

European leaders are meeting for an emergency summit to find ways to raise billions for defense and aid to Ukraine after after the U.S. cut military support. President Trump has granted a one-month exemption on new auto tariffs for Canadian and Mexican imports. And, a federal board has ordered the USDA to reinstate nearly 6,000 fired workers, ruling their dismissals were likely unlawful. 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 Nick Spicer, Kara Platoni, Padma Rama, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis, our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

In his first address to Congress of this term, President Trump criticized Democrats and highlighted his administration's policy achievements. Trump used his address to Congress to highlight his administration's aggressive immigration policies, including designating certain gangs as terrorist organizations. And, China's premier outlined the nation's economic priorities and Beijing's retaliation against new U.S. tariffs. 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, Kevin Drew, Ryland Barton, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis, our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The White House put a pause on military aid to Ukraine after a heated Oval Office exchange with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump will address Congress tonight, outlining his agenda on immigration, tax cuts, and his approach to Ukraine. And, Trump's new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China have sparked retaliation, escalating a trade war that could impact the global economy. 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, Tara Neill, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a warm welcome in London from the British prime minister and other European leaders, after a contentious meeting with President Trump in Washington. Israel and Hamas are at loggerheads over the next phase of the six-week-old Gaza ceasefire. And, an NPR investigation finds gaps in the systems to report misbehavior by federal judges and a widespread culture of fear about reporting abuse. 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, Didi Schanche, Krishnadev Calamur, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Claire Murashima and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman, our technical director is David Greenburg Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Tonight, big blockbuster films Dune: Part Two and Wicked are competing against critic favorites like The Brutalist, Nickel Boys and The Substance at the Academy Awards. With so many films out there it's hard to keep up, but the team at Pop Culture Happy Hour has seen them all and they are joining us today to share their predictions for who will be the big winners at this evening's ceremony. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Ukrainians react to the stunning events in the Oval Office that ended not with a signed minerals deal, but with shouting. Trump's Department of Justice demotes career lawyers who were involved in prosecutions of Trump allies and January 6th rioters. The Department of Agriculture announces plans to fight bird flu and high egg prices. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, says she thinks Republicans have begun making mistakes... and her party is resolved to strike back. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Susan Davis, Kelsey Snell and Reena Advani. It was produced by Adam Bearne. We get engineering support from Neil Tevault and Hannah Gluvna. Our Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The Ukrainian President is arriving in Washington to discuss a deal involving his country's rare earth minerals, social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were charged with human trafficking in Romania and have now arrived in Florida, and the Supreme Court weighed in on a case involving frozen funds at USAID. Also, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez asks the Justice Department if she is under investigation. 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 Ryland Barton, Russell Lewis, Catherine Laidlaw, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Christopher Thomas and Paige Waterhouse. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Our Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The Trump administration says it will end more than 90 percent of the U.S. Agency for International Development's foreign aid contracts. NPR spoke to two immigrants sent to Guantánamo who allege mistreatment by detainment officers, and a federal judge will hear arguments over the Trump administration's firing of probationary employees. 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 Jane Greenhalgh, Anna Yukhananov, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, and Paige Waterhouse. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

House Republicans passed a sweeping new budget plan but disagree on spending cuts. A group of civil servants on Elon Musk's DOGE team resigned, and egg farmers on the front lines of the latest bird flu outbreaks say they are losing the battle with the disease. 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, Padmananda Rama, Carrie Feibel, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Confusion remains after the "What did you do last week?" email that federal workers received, the Trump administration's break with European allies over Ukraine was reflected in several votes at the UN, funds set aside to keep the Colorado River flowing have been halted, and a surgeon in France is on trial for abusing his young patients. 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 Tara Neil, Eric Whitney, Kevin Drew, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Federal workers are experiencing confusion after receiving an email demanding a list of their work accomplishments, the French President and British Prime Minister are meeting with President Trump this week in Washington to try to sway him on Ukraine, Germany is getting a new Chancellor, and the environmental group Greenpeace is is facing a multimillion dollar lawsuit for allegedly disrupting construction of an oil pipeline. 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 Ryland Barton, Kevin Drew, Neela Banerjee, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy