Defending the Disabled
L.A. County Public Defender Noah Cox noticed the disturbing trend. Many of his clients seemed to struggle answering even the most basic questions about the crimes they’d been charged with, questions like, “Where were you that day?” It seemed, Cox said, “like they were having troubles related to some sort of intellectual ability.” But when he dug into their records, Cox could see that while many had committed serious crimes, most had never been identified as disabled or offered resources to help with cognitive impairments. So Cox set about to change that. He helped create a new unit in the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office dedicated to representing people with cognitive disorders.Today on The Sunday Story a look at the possibilities and challenges of helping those with cognitive impairments stay out of prison and get the resources they need to live productive lives.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
DOJ Targets Minnesota Officials; Harsh Ukraine Winter; AI Harmful In Child Education
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Minnesota's Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, alleging that they conspired to impede the work of ICE agents. Plus, an especially harsh winter hits Ukraine, where Russian strikes have taken out power plants, leaving many without heat and electricity. And, a new study finds that the use of generative AI is harmful to the development of children.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump and Minnesota, Venezuela's Opposition, Trump's Healthcare Plan
Protests intensify in Minneapolis after a second ICE-related shooting, as President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.Venezuela’s top opposition leader brings her Nobel Peace Prize to Washington to press her case with President Trump, even as the U.S. signals support for an interim leader.And President Trump unveils what he calls a new healthcare plan, leaning on cheaper insurance with limited benefits as Congress debates the future of ACA subsidies.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 Cheryl Corley, Tara Neill, Diane Webber, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(1:57) Trump and Minnesota(05:29) Venezuela's Opposition(09:20) Trump's Healthcare PlanLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
FBI Search Journalist's Home, U.S. Greenland Talks, Mental Health Funding
The FBI searches the home of a Washington Post reporter as part of a leak investigation, raising concerns among press advocates about an escalation against press freedom.U.S. talks with Denmark and Greenland end without a deal on Greenland’s future, but a new working group forms as allies push back on President Trump’s security-driven claims.And after widespread confusion and backlash, the Trump administration reverses course and restores roughly $2 billion in funding for mental health and addiction programs nationwide.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 Emily Kopp, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Minnesota Prosecutors Quit, Trump in Detroit, Inflation Report
Veteran federal prosecutors in Minnesota resign after pressure from Justice Department leaders to investigate the widow of Renee Macklin Good, the woman killed by an ICE agent, raising new questions about political interference.President Trump takes his economic message on the road, pitching affordability as voters remain frustrated by high prices.And while gas prices have dipped, rising heating costs, grocery prices, and stubborn inflation show why relief still feels out of reach for many families.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, Gigi Douban, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(02:19) Minnesota Prosecutors Quit(06:10) Trump in Detroit(09:52) Inflation ReportLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump Weighs Options In Iran, Minnesota Sues DHS, SCOTUS Trans Sports Cases
Minnesota officials sue the Trump administration, accusing federal immigration agents of unconstitutional conduct, as protests and enforcement intensify after an ICE officer killed 37 year-old Renee Macklin Good.President Trump is weighing options, including military action, as Iran’s largest protests in years grow deadlier as the regime cracks down on nationwide demonstrations.And the Supreme Court hears arguments in two cases over whether states can bar transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.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, Gigi Douban, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Kaity Kline.We get engineering support from Simon Laslo-Janssen. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Trump Weighs Options In Iran(05:35) Minnesota Sues DHS, (08:52) SCOTUS Trans Sports CasesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Minnesota ICE, Iran Protests, DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve
Tension is mounting in Minneapolis as the Trump administration sends hundreds of additional federal agents into Minnesota and anger grows over last week's ICE shooting that killed 37 year old Renee Good.Deadly protests in Iran intensify as President Trump warns the U.S. could strike the regime if the crackdown continues.And the Justice Department subpoenas the Federal Reserve, prompting Chair Jerome Powell to accuse President Trump of trying to pressure the central bank over interest rates.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 Daniel Burke, Kate Bartlett, Pallavi Gogoi, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Simon-Laslo Janssen. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(03:10) Federal Agents Sent to Minnesota(06:53) Iran Protests(10:34) DOJ Subpoenas Federal ReserveLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Why More Liberals Are Buying Guns
Since President Trump’s second inauguration, more liberals, people of color and LGBTQ folks say they are buying guns and getting training. This is the latest in a trend that researchers, gun clubs and trainers say they’ve been watching for years. No longer do firearm buyers fit the old stereo-type of being white, rural and Republican. Today on The Sunday Story, NPR’s Frank Langfitt shares his reporting on the changing face of American gun ownership.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Minneapolis Protests ICE Shooting; Protests in Iran; States Preparing for Midterms
Protests continue in Minneapolis after ICE agents kill a local woman, Renee Good, with more protests planned this weekend. Plus, Iranians have been taking to the streets in cities across the country, protesting against the government there. We'll look at what's behind the protests as well as the government's response. Also, the U.S. federal government might want to get involved with upcoming elections in several ways. We'll look at what this might mean for the midterm elections, and how states are preparing.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Minneapolis Protests, Immigration Enforcement Shootings, Running Venezuela
Protesters in Minneapolis return to the streets as federal agents take over the investigation into the killing of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent, while Portland officials condemn another immigration-related shooting.A review of immigration related shootings under President Trump shows a rising pattern of violence as federal agents carry out increasingly aggressive and public operations in U.S. cities.And President Trump signals the U.S. could run Venezuela “much longer” than expected, as oil executives head to the White House to discuss America’s expanded oversight of the country’s future.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 Gigi Douban, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Milton Guevara and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Minneapolis Protests(05:29) Immigration Enforcement Shootings(09:04) Running VenezuelaLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Minnesota ICE Shooting, Venezuela Oil Tanker Pursuit, RFK Jr's New Dietary Guidelines
Minnesota state law enforcement officials are working with the FBI to investigate the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officer. U.S. forces boarded a tanker carrying sanctioned oil after a two-week chase across the Atlantic, as the Trump administration expands plans to take control of Venezuela’s oil sales indefinitely. And Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new dietary guidelines flip decades of advice, elevating meat and dairy and alarming many public health researchers.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, Kelsey Snell, Kate Bartlett, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from David Greenburg. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Minnesota ICE Shooting(05:48) Venezuela Oil Tanker Pursuit(09:35) RFK Jr's New Dietary GuidelinesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Next Steps In Venezuela, GOP 2026 Roadmap, Greenland and Europe
President Trump talks about next steps for Venezuela, calling for U.S. companies to help rebuild the economy even as much of the existing power structure remains in place.Facing tough midterm elections in 2026, Trump tells House Republicans he’s struggling to understand voters and leans into culture-war issues rather than cost-of-living concerns.And European leaders rally around Greenland, pushing back on Trump’s renewed claims that the United States needs the territory for national security.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, Kelsey Snell, Kate Bartlett, Mohamad ElBardicy, 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.Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(01:59) Next Steps In Venezuela(05:47) GOP 2026 Roadmap(09:32) Greenland and EuropeLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty, Congress On Venezuela, Vaccine Schedule Overhaul
Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife plead not guilty in New York, after a U.S. military operation brought them out of Venezuela and into a federal courtroom.Lawmakers are divided after a classified congressional briefing on Venezuela, with Republicans insisting the president acted within the law and Democrats asking what comes next.And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scales back routine childhood vaccine recommendations at President Trump’s direction, some pediatricians warn it could leave more kids vulnerable.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 Kelsey Snell, Gigi Douban, Jane Greenhalgh, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacy Abbott. And our technical director is Neisha Heinis.Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(1:57) Maduro Pleads Not Guilty(05:32) Congress on Venezuela(09:18) Vaccine Schedule OverhaulLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
U.S. In Venezuela, Future Of Venezuela, Maduro In NYC Court
President Trump says the United States will run Venezuela after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas.Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez shifts from defiance to calls for cooperation as the White House ramps up pressure and threatens further action.And Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York courtroom, facing drug trafficking, weapons, and narco-terrorism charges that could test the reach of U.S. law overseas.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 Andrew Sussman, Tara Neill, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) U.S. In Venezuela(05:49) Future Of Venezuela (09:46) Maduro In NYC CourtLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in New York City, faces narcoterrorism charges
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York, awaiting trial on charges of narcoterrorism, cocaine-importation conspiracy and weapons charges. The operation to capture Maduro happened in the middle of the night as U.S. troops enjoyed the element of surprise. The U.S. says Maduro is not the legitimate president of Venezuela and accuse him of being the leader of a violent drug cartel.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The U.S. strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro
The U.S. bombed the Venezuelan capital Caracas and other areas of the country, and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Maduro is being flown to the U.S. and Attorney General Pam Bondi says he will be indicted in the Southern District of New York. The events come after months of escalating U.S. pressure, sending troops and warships to the Carribean.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout, Epstein Files Mess, Swiss Nightclub Fire
Somali-run day care centers in Minnesota report threats and vandalism after a viral right-wing video accusing them of fraud prompts federal action with nationwide consequences.The Justice Department misses its deadline to release the Epstein files, fueling confusion and conspiracy theories as heavily redacted and unreliable documents trickle out.And Switzerland begins days of mourning after a deadly New Year’s Eve fire rips through a crowded nightclub at a ski resort, killing dozens and injuring many more.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 Luis Clemens, Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Kaity Kline and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is David Greenburg.. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout(05:31) Epstein Files Mess (09:27) Swiss Nightclub FireLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Healthcare Subsides Expire, Trump and Minnesota, Mamdani Takes Office In NYC
Health insurance costs jump for millions after pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies expired overnight. The Trump administration freezes child care funding nationwide after targeting Minnesota over unproven fraud claims tied to Somali-run day care centers.And New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is sworn in at midnight as he prepares to take office.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 Carrie Feibel, Cheryl Corley, Andrea De Leon, Mohamad ElBardicy, 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.Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(02:33) Healthcare Subsidies Expire(05:53) Trump and Minnesota(10:06) Mamdani Takes Office in NYCLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela, Iran Protests, Flu Cases Surge
President Trump confirms the first known U.S. strike inside Venezuela, saying it targets drug trafficking as critics warn it risks escalation.Iranian authorities shut down cities and security forces move in to contain growing protests as anger over inflation and sanctions boils over. And the flu is spreading fast across the U.S., with a new strain driving cases higher just as vaccination rates slip and hospitals brace for what’s next.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, James Hider, Rebecca Davis, Mohamad ElBardicy, 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. Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(03:30) U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela(07:25) Iran Protests(11:22) Flu Cases SurgeLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump Pushes Hamas Disarmament, Ukraine Peace Talks, A Year Of DOGE
President Trump doubles down on demanding Hamas disarm after meeting with Israel’s prime minister, and warned Iran not to rebuild its nuclear program. Ukraine’s president presses the White House for decades-long U.S. security guarantees as part of a proposed peace deal with Russia. And a year after DOGE’s push to shrink government, agencies are smaller, spending is higher, and millions of Americans’ data remains in play.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 Ruth Sherlock, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy, 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.Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(03:13) Trump Pushes Hamas Disarmament (07:25) Ukraine Peace Talks (10:45) A Year Of DOGE Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy