Up First from NPR

Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed says Americans “temporarily” put their trust and hope in Democrats. <br/><br/>But he adds that if his party doesn’t act boldly when it takes control of Congress, it may lose that trust. <br/><br/>El-Sayed is the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Senate. The 42-year-old progressive from Michigan is now calling for new Senate leadership and urging President Trump to meet and discuss how they can “figure out what we can work on and get done.”<br/><br/>El-Sayed, a former Detroit public health official, even floated the idea of naming major healthcare legislation after Trump. <br/><br/>“Put his name on it,” El-Sayed said. “He'll probably pass it. I'm not above doing that. I don't care what it's called.”<br/><br/>In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, El-Sayed sat down with NPR host Leila Fadel to talk about a divisive campaign season, the future of the Democratic Party and how Congress should legislate during the final two years of Trump’s term in the White House. Find more episodes of Newsmakers on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get podcasts. <br/><br/> 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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Democrat Scott Colom won Mississippi’s Senate race by fewer than 5,000 votes, becoming the state’s first Black senator since Reconstruction and ending a more than 40-year stretch without a Democrat in the seat.<br>The White House is warning Democrats that their planned investigations could cross into “blatant criminality,” previewing a legal and political fight over congressional oversight when Democrats take control next year.<br>Russia and Ukraine agreed to a major prisoner exchange after two days of U.S.-mediated talks, as American envoys meet Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore whether a broader European security agreement could help end the war.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Margaret Luthar.<br/><br/>And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:57) Colom Wins Mississippi<br>(05:30) Trump Warns Incoming Democrats<br>(09:20) Russia-Ukraine Talks<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

House Republicans blocked an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, but lawmakers still have other ways to challenge the administration over the Iran war and its push for more defense spending.<br>House Republicans chose Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan to lead them in the minority, signaling a more combative approach as the party prepares to face a Democratic majority next year.<br>Federal prosecutors say three Iran-backed operatives were involved in nearly twenty attacks or attempted attacks across Europe and the United States, while a separate case involving a U.S. soldier accused of spying for Russia is raising new security concerns in Britain.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Tara Neill, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Margaret Luthar.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Producer is Reena Advani.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Hegseth Impeachment Blocked<br>(05:59) House Leadership Change<br>(09:48) DOJ Charges Terror Suspects<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

The House could vote this week on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over allegations that he violated federal law and Congress’ war powers, even as President Trump continues to stand by him.<br>Trump says U.S. allies in the Middle East want him to hold off on more strikes against Iran while talks continue, even as he warns the U.S. remains “locked and loaded” if that changes.<br>Congress is demanding answers from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang as scrutiny grows over his relationship with a woman tied to a company reportedly investigated over whether restricted Nvidia chips were reaching China.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Emily Kopp, Rebekan Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Margaret Luthar.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:16) Hegseth Impeachment Push<br>(06:04) Trump Holds Off Iran Strikes<br>(09:43) Congress Summons Nvidia's CEO<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

President Trump says his immigration crackdown may have gone too far even as he elevates Stephen Miller, one of its chief architects, to run the White House after Republicans lost Congress.<br>Republicans are returning to Washington for a lame-duck session with a shrinking House majority and a short list of priorities, including funding the government, passing military spending and confirming Trump nominees.<br>Nvidia is investigating reports that CEO Jensen Huang had an affair with a woman suspected of ties to Chinese intelligence, raising new questions about one of the most important companies in the U.S.-China technology race.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Emily Kopp, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adam Bearne.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Margaret Luthar.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Trump's Post-Midterm Changes<br>(05:50) Lame-Duck Congress<br>(09:28) Nvidia Huang Investigation<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

What drove the Democratic blue wave at the polls and what happens now? This week on The Sunday Story, we dive into the lessons from the midterms and talk about where the country goes from here. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

What the big win for Democrats in the midterm elections means for the Supreme Court and lower courts. Big tech companies sue California to block the enforcement of a state law meant to protect children from getting addicted to social media. Life in Cuba gets harder as the United States increases economic pressure on the island country.<br>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

The October jobs report will show whether hiring picked up after a weak September, even as inflation continues to outpace wages and markets reel from a sharp selloff.<br>Democrats are promising relief from high fuel prices, but Congress has limited power to lower them quickly and analysts say prices could stay elevated for months even if the war with Iran ends.<br>A federal judge blocked construction on President Trump’s 250-foot D.C. arch for 14 days, setting up a broader fight over his efforts to reshape the capital and the checks courts and a new Democratic Congress may impose.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rafael Nam, Kara Platoni, Carol Ritchie, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Post-Election Market & Jobs<br>(05:21) Why Gas Prices Could Stay High<br>(09:19) Trump's Arch Blocked<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Democrats are preparing an ambitious opening agenda for their new congressional majority, including efforts to restore health subsidies, reverse Medicaid cuts, rein in tariffs and challenge the war with Iran.<br>Two Senate races remain undecided as Democrats continue gaining ground in places Republicans once considered safe, underscoring how dramatically the electorate shifted in the midterms.<br>President Trump says the war with Iran hurt Republicans at the polls but insists he would make the same decision again, even as he rejects the idea that the losses were a repudiation of him.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Megan Pratz, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:51) Democrats' First 100 Hours<br>(05:33) Outstanding Midterm Races<br>(09:19) Trump Doubles Down On Policies<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Democrats swept control of Congress with historic Senate victories in Texas, South Carolina and Kansas, giving the party new momentum even as its broader brand remains unpopular.<br>President Trump’s hand-picked candidates suffered major losses, leaving Republicans to wrestle with how closely to stay tied to him as he prepares for two years of divided government.<br>Democratic control of the House and Senate will give the party new power to block Trump nominees and launch investigations, with Hakeem Jeffries poised to become the first Black Speaker of the House.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Miguel Macias, Padma Rama, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Adam Bearne.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Democrats' Midterm Blowout<br>(05:20) Trump Blames Candidates For Losses<br>(09:12) Democratic Agenda<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Election Day is here, with control of Congress hinging on unexpectedly competitive races in states including Iowa, Arkansas and Mississippi.<br>President Trump sounded unusually subdued in his final campaign appearance, acknowledging the historical odds against the president’s party in midterm elections.<br>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.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:52) Election Day<br>(05:32) Trump's Closing Message<br>(09:24) Iran War And The Midterms<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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.<br>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.<br>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.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Brett Neely, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Taylor Haney.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. <br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:11) Michigan Democrats Feud<br>(06:07) Midterm Map Shifts<br>(09:54) US-Iran Diplomacy Efforts<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Millions of Americans have already cast their votes early ahead of Tuesday’s midterms. On this episode of <em>The Sunday Story</em>, 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?<br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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.<br>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.<br>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.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Miguel Macias, Andrew Sussman, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Ariel Lopez. <br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(0:53) Final Campaign Days<br>(4:30) Alaska Senate Race<br>(8:23) Iran War Plans<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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.<br>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.<br>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.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Rafael Nam, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Zac Coleman. <br/><br/>And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br/><br/>(0:14) Introduction<br>(2:07) Midterm Latest<br>(5:56) GDP and Inflation<br>(9:25) Israel Election and Iran<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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.<br>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.<br>Investors expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady today, even as prices rise faster than wages and squeeze household budgets.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Ariel Lopez. <br/><br/>And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(1:54) Texas Messaging<br>(5:39) Israel Election Results <br>(9:33) Fed Interest Rates <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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.<br>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.<br>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.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.<br/><br/>It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Ariel Lopez.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(1:54) New NPR Poll<br>(6:09) Democrats and Election Protection<br>(9:46) Israel Election <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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.<br>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.<br>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.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Tina Kraja, Tara Neill, Mohamad ElBardicy and Olivia Hampton.<br/><br/>It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Kaity Kline.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.<br/><br/>Our technical director is Zac Coleman.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(1:57) GOP Redistricting<br>(5:52) Brazil Election<br>(9:33) Europe Protests <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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 <em>The Sunday Story</em>, 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. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.kcur.org/costly"target="_blank" >You can hear more of the “Costly” series here</a><br/><br/>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 <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>