A thousand miles south of Hawaii, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a series of tiny islands form an atoll, called Palmyra. Palmyra Atoll is part of four protected U.S. marine monuments, forming the country’s largest environmental conservation area. It is also home to a thriving ecosystem of birds, marine life, and one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.No people live on Palmyra full time, and it is rare for journalists to be granted access. But the Trump administration is now trying to roll back longstanding protections by opening nearby waters to commercial fishing. NPR’s Lauren Sommer was given access to visit Palmyra Atoll. Newly back from her trip, she tells host Ayesha Rascoe about everything she saw. They talk about the wildlife, the ocean, the reefs, and what the islands and offshore waters mean to native Hawaiians, conservationists, and commercial fishers.If you are interested in seeing photos from Lauren’s trip to Palmyra Atoll, you can find them 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 plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

The IndyCar Grand Prix comes to the nation's capital. And, Canada's prime minister suspended trade talks with the U.S., bringing new 50 percent tariffs on a host of Canadian imports. Plus, we'll look at the national debt, which hit $40 trillion earlier this week.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

President Trump is doubling down on economic pressure against Iran, threatening consequences for any country that provides a lifeline as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prepares to detail the plan next week.The Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on President Trump’s White House ballroom project, which a lawsuit argues needed congressional approval and the administration is now framing the ballroom as a military complex.Investors sold off both stocks and bonds as the yield on government debt hit its highest level in nearly two decades, despite efforts by the Treasury to calm the market.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 plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Emily Kopp, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.Our director is Kaity Kline.We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. Our technical director is Eowyn Fain.And our executive producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(1:54) Economic Warfare on Iran(5:47) White House Ballroom(9:44) Bond Market Warning SignsSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

President Trump is warning of economic consequences for any country that supports Iran as he tries to wind down the war, leaving Gulf allies worried about their future with their powerful neighbor.The U.S. national debt has topped 40 trillion dollars, with the government now spending more on interest than on defense and driving up the cost of everything from mortgages to small business loans.U.S. oil companies are signing deals in Venezuela for the first time in nearly two decades, eight months after American forces captured Nicolás Maduro, even as the country’s politics remain unsettled.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 plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rafael Nam, Alfredo Carbajal, Mohamad ElBardicy and Taylor Haney.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Kaity Kline.We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange and our technical director is Eowyn Fain.And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Trump Warns Economic Warfare For Aiding Iran(06:13) Federal Debt Grows(10:06) Venezuela Oil DealsSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming held primaries last night, with a mixed showing for progressives in Florida, including a surprise win in the Democratic Senate primary.President Trump pushed back new tariffs on Canada by three days after saying the two countries may restart a controversial oil pipeline, though the bigger North American trade deal is still up in the air.A major trial against Meta began in California, with states accusing the company of designing its platforms to be addictive for young users and of misrepresenting the risks.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 plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Padma Rama, Kara Platoni, Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Kaity Kline.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Eowyn Fain.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Florida Primary Results(05:51) US-Canada Tariffs(09:38) Meta Trial BeginsSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Jared Kushner and Prime Minister Netanyahu met for hours in Jerusalem over the future of Gaza and came out sounding hopeful, though Israel still hasn't committed to the U.S. peace plan that Hamas has already agreed to, with an Israeli withdrawal the main sticking point. The war with Iran is draining America's military and it's being felt across the world, as the U.S. runs low on warships and interceptor missiles and no American aircraft carrier in the Pacific for the first time in years. It's primary day in Alaska, Florida and Wyoming, with a high-stakes Senate race in Alaska that could help decide control of the chamber, millions in outside money has been pouring into the contest.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 plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, Padma Rama, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Eowyn Fain.And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:50) Kushner Netanyahu Gaza Meeting(05:32) Iran War Depleting US Military(09:13) Florida, Alaska and Wyoming PrimariesSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is on its way to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at the center of concerns over crew mental health and a lack of fresh food and supplies on the ship.Ukraine launched one of its largest attacks on Russia since the war began, sending more than 800 drones toward Moscow and other areas. At least 20 people have been killed in the fire between both sides.President Trump's Middle East negotiator, Jared Kushner, is in Israel for talks on the future of Gaza, right after a rare face-to-face with Hamas in Egypt, as the two sides remain far apart on disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal.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 plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Brett Neely, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adriana Gallardo.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Stacey Abbott.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Relief En Route To USS Abraham Lincoln(05:46) Ukraine's Drone Barrage On Russia(09:31) Kushner Gaza Talks See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Four hundred years ago, the last of Britain’s native beavers were hunted to extinction. But in 2009, scientists began a grand experiment to bring the furry, buck-toothed rodents back. They relocated a pair of Norwegian beavers to a remote rainforest in Scotland, hoping they’d become the Adam and Eve of a new line of British beavers. Today on The Sunday Story, NPR’s Lauren Frayer travels from the wilds of Scotland to a tube station in London, to explore how these animals – beloved by some humans and loathed by others – are transforming the British landscape.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 plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Paychecks aren't keeping pace with rising prices, and households are feeling the squeeze. Sailors on the ships deployed to the Middle East are straining without enough clean water and fresh food. In the thick of primary season for the midterms, how reliable is polling? 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 plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Lawmakers want the Pentagon to investigate reports of food shortages, poor sanitation and lack of mental health care for sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been out at sea for nearly 9 months. And the Trump administration says it’s gearing up for economic warfare against Iran. What will it mean for ordinary Iranians already suffocating under high inflation? Plus, Ukraine is using drones to challenge Russia’s grip on Crimea. Can Ukraine win back territory it lost more than a decade ago?Want more 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 Lindsay Totty, Arezou Rezvani, Andrew Sussman and James Hider.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Éowyn Fain. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.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 plus.npr.org.(0:00) Introduction(01:57) Poor Conditions on USS Lincoln(05:47) Economic Warfare on Iran(09:45) Ukraine's Drone CampaignSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Congressman Ro Khanna says America needs an “economic realignment.”Fresh off a tour through his birthplace of Pennsylvania, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he is “thinking seriously” about running for president in 2028 — a race he called a “breaking point in America” that could lead to a destructive revolution or a new economic order. “If we don't do something dramatically different, we may break,” Khanna tells NPR’s Steve Inskeep in this episode of Newsmakers.  “Have you met these folks in their 30s? They want pitchforks and torches. They want your scalps … politically.” The California lawmaker — who acknowledged he sits around 2% in the Democratic presidential polls — does not have the name recognition of some other contenders, including his fellow Californians: former Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom. He has, however, steadily raised his profile through years of action on issues ranging from the Epstein files to a wealth tax. And his possible bid for president comes as the Democratic Party’s center and left-wing candidates battle over ideological differences within the party.Khanna said Democrats need to nominate a progressive who will usher in “America’s next New Deal” and shouldn’t fear being labeled “communists” by Republican opponents, including President Trump. “We’ve been calling the guy a fascist for 10 years and he’s won two terms,” Khanna said. “Labels usually don’t matter in American politics.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Recent primary results were supposed to offer clues on voters’ appetite for progressive candidates. But the results — so far — paint a muddled picture. What does that mean for the party’s midterm strategy? And new inflation numbers are out and lettuce was a highlight. How are the leafy greens impacting the cost of living? Plus, rescue teams in Colombia are racing to find the nearly 500 earthquake victims still buried under rubble.Want more 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 Arezou Rezvani, Alice Woelfle, Jason Breslow, Rafael Nam and Tina Kraja. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara. 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.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 plus.npr.org.(0:00) Introduction(01:51) Democratic Party Divide(05:38) Lettuce is Saving You Green(09:23) Colombia Rescue EffortsSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Results are in from primary races in six states. How did progressive candidates fare against more moderate Democrats in this run-up to the midterm elections? And President Trump has confirmed he secretly swapped planes as he left a NATO summit in Turkey last month. How unusual was this ruse? Plus, Iraq’s new leader wants to disarm the country’s Iran-backed militias that have hit U.S. military installations across the region in recent months. How challenging will that be?Want more 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 Alice Woelfle, Arezou Rezvani, Padma Rama, Rebekah Metzler and Tina Kraja.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.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 plus.npr.org.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Primary Race Results(05:35) Trump's Plane Swap Ruse(09:48) Disarming Iraq's Iran-Backed MilitiasSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

A self-described democratic socialist is shaking up the race for Wisconsin governor and a progressive is up against a moderate in Minnesota. How much of an appetite do voters have for non-mainstream candidates going into the midterm elections? Primary races in six states today will offer clues. And Iran’s demand for war reparations has prompted President Trump to make a reparation demand of his own. Can Trump afford a stalemate that will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed? Plus the view from Colombia, where rescue workers and volunteers are digging through rubble for survivors of a major earthquake.Want more 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 Olivia Hampton, Arezou Rezvani, Larry Kaplow, Rebecca Metzler and Miguel Macias.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara. Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.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 plus.npr.org.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Progressives in Midwest Primaries(05:29) Trump and Iran Stalemate(09:37) Colombia EarthquakeSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More

Negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz are dragging. Is Iran stalling to sabotage the midterm elections for President Trump and his party? And new data about the cost of living comes out this week. It's expected to show the cost of living is rising faster than wages. What can the Federal Reserve do about it? Plus, a new report reveals decades of sexual misconduct at an elite arts school in Michigan.Want more 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 Ally Schwietzer, Arezou Rezvani, Miguel Macias, Kara Platoni and Meritt Kennedy.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Milton Guevara. Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.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 plus.npr.org.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Iran Negotiations Drag(05:39) New Inflation Report(09:16) Sexual Abuse at Elite SchoolSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy More