Up First from NPR

Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, is rescinding an order to create a $1.8 billion fund for Trump’s political allies. Is that enough to persuade senators who blocked his nomination to back him? And President Trump is backing off additional attacks on Iran as negotiations resume today. Why is Trump willing to give diplomacy another go? Also, are progressive candidates poised to win big in this year's midterm election? Upcoming primaries may offer clues.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Jason Breslow, Megan Pratz, Arezou Rezvani and Lindsay Totty .

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 Carleigh Strange.

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) Blanche Rescinds 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
(05:32) Iran Strikes Called Off
(09:23) Midwest Primaries

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President Trump has repeatedly warned that the communists are coming for America. And he’s not talking about China or North Korea. He’s talking about Democratic Socialists like Zohran Mamdani and recent Congressional candidates.

This week on The Sunday Story, we bring you a conversation from our colleagues at The NPR Politics Podcast. They argue that as the midterms near, crying “communism” may be a key Republican strategy. They discuss whether there’s any legitimacy to the claim, what Republicans hope to achieve by making it, and whether voters will be convinced.  

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The president’s media company is offering investors early access to his Truth Social feed for up to $100,000 a month. Arizona, California, and Nevada share steep cuts to Colorado River water over the next decade. FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup collapses.

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.

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President Trump claims to have reached a breakthrough in efforts to disarm Hamas in Gaza. Hamas says it will only give up its weapons if Israel withdraws first. On the domestic front, Trump floated the idea of temporarily withdrawing his nominee for attorney general until two Republicans holdouts leave office. And a new report from the Commerce Department shows that economic growth slowed in the second quarter.

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 Rebekah Metzler, Kate Bartlett, Anna Yukhananov, Rafael Nam, HJ Mai and Ally Schweitzer.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.

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
(02:28) Trump Says Hamas Will Disarm
(05:57) Blanche Faces GOP Pushback
(09:53) Economic Outlook

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The U.S. launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran overnight. This was in retaliation to a foiled surprise attack on U.S. forces in Jordan. Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a contentious Senate hearing on Wednesday. And a new Trump administration rule is making it even harder to seek asylum.

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 Miguel Macias, Amina Khan, Anna Yukhananov, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buch and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:38) US and Iran Trade Strikes After Brief Pause
(06:53) Fauci Pleads The Fifth
(10:39) New Asylum Rule

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