Trapped in a Social Safety Net
In 1972, the federal government launched a program to support the poorest disabled and elderly Americans. Supplemental Security Income, run by the Social Security Administration, provides monthly checks that are a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in this country.SSI was intended to serve as a powerful safety net and a tool for fighting poverty. But a recent NPR Investigation led by correspondent Joseph Shapiro has discovered a very different reality today.In today's episode of The Sunday Story, Shapiro explains how SSI's outdated rules have made the system difficult to run and almost impossible for its beneficiaries to navigate. Impoverished disabled and elderly people say they have been penalized for trying to improve their lives—for saving money, getting married, and even daring to have careers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Insurgency in Syria; South Korea's Political Chaos; Pope Creates 21
Syrian rebels continue their push south in an effort to take more territory as government forces fail to hold them back. Plus, there are calls for the South Korean president to resign after he tried to declare martial law. And, Pope Francis promotes 21 men as new cardinals.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Opposition Forces in Syria, Crypto's Milestone Week, New York City's Housing Plan
Syrian opposition forces swept into another government stronghold as they continue with their largest offensive in years against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. It's been a milestone week for cryptocurrencies as a single Bitcoin hit a valuation of one hundred thousand dollars. And, officials in New York City have taken a step toward addressing the city's housing crisis with a new plan that could pave the way for 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years. 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 James Hider, Pallavi Gogoi, Andrea DeLeon, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Ben Abrams. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Erika Aguilar. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump's Defense Pick, United Healthcare CEO Killed, Mass Deportations And Jobs
President-elect Donald Trump's embattled nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, faces a tough path to confirmation in the Senate. New York City police are searching for the person who killed the head of America's largest health insurer. And, the conclusions of an economist who studied the impact of mass deportations on the job market.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, Russell Lewis, Alfredo Carbajal, Lisa Thomson and HJ Mai. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Kaity Kline. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
South Korea Martial Law, Transgender Rights Case, French Government Collapse
South Korea's president shocked the nation when he tried to declare martial law and now he faces impeachment charges. The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to a Tennessee law that bans gender affirming hormone treatments for minors. The French government is on the brink of collapse as the Prime Minister faces a vote of no-confidence. Join the new NPR Plus Bundle to support our work and get perks like sponsor-free listening and bonus episodes across more than 25 NPR podcasts. 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, Krishnadev Calamur, Nick Spicer, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Kaity Klein. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Biden's Pardon Backlash, Protests in Georgia, Offensive In Syria
President Biden's move to pardon his son Hunter has been met with criticism from opponents and some allies. The rapid advance by rebel fighters in Syria is linked to a series of conflicts in the Middle East. And, protesters in Georgia are calling for elections as the government suspends talks for membership to the European Union. Join the new NPR Plus Bundle to support our work and get perks like sponsor-free listening and bonus episodes across more than 25 NPR podcasts. 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, Andrew Sussman, Nick Spicer, Lisa Thomson and HJ Mai. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Kaity Kline. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The Wide Open
Since its inception in 1973, the Endangered Species Act has been credited with helping to bring numerous species back from the brink of extinction. But as the country has continued to grow and develop it has also forced us to grapple with balancing the needs of endangered wildlife with the needs of humans. Today on The Sunday Story from Up First, host Ayesha Rascoe is joined by Montana Public Radio's Nick Mott to talk about his reporting on the Endangered Species Act, in a new podcast called The Wide Open, and how we navigate our complicated relationship with nature.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Mideast Ceasefire Continues, Irish Elections, Texas Politics
Lebanese refugees return home as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah enters its fourth day. Housing costs loomed large in yesterday's parliamentary elections in Ireland. What the newly emboldened Republican state lawmakers in Texas want this session.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire, Trump's Spending Cuts, A Conservative Activist's Plan
A possible 60-day ceasefire is in the works between Israel and Lebanon. President-elect Trump is promising big cuts in government spending and he wants to use a little-known tool to make them. And, a look at what conservative activist Leonard Leo plans to focus on during the next Trump administration. 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 Didrik Schanche, Roberta Rampton, Jan Johnson, Lisa Thomson and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lilly Quiroz. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump's Cabinet Picks, UN Femicide Report, COP29 Deal
The Republican-controlled Senate is expected to consider President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees in the new year. A new report on femicide from UN Women finds a woman or girl was killed every 10 minutes last year. And, The COP29 climate conference ended with an agreement to provide financing to developing nations to help cope with the effects of climate change.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 Krishnadev Calmur, Jim Kane, Rachel Waldholz, Lisa Thomson and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lilly Quiroz. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The Science of Disagreeing Well
What turns a playful debate into an angry, tearful argument? Or a cheerful Thanksgiving feast into a frosty dessert? America is heading into the holiday season after a divisive election season. So we're featuring an episode from NPR's science podcast Short Wave about what happens in our brains during conflict: Why it tempts us to shut down, and how we can navigate difficult conversations—political or otherwise—without losing control.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Treasury and Other Trump Nominees, Fluoride Policy in Florida
President-elect Donald Trump picks a hedge fund manager to head Treasury and announces several other nominees to top posts. Florida's surgeon general comes out against fluoridating water, a long-standing practice intended to prevent tooth decay.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump's New AG Pick, Ukraine Turning Point, West Coast Storm
President-elect Donald Trump swiftly replaced his controversial pick for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, with his former lawyer, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the right to strike NATO countries supplying Ukraine with weapons, as Moscow escalates its military efforts in the war. And, a massive atmospheric river is drenching the West Coast, fueling concerns about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.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, Andrew Sussman, Neela Banerjee, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Ally Schweitzer.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara.We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
McMahon Ed Secretary, FEMA Chief Testifies, X-odus Fuels Bluesky, Gaza Sniper Drones
President-elect Donald Trump taps WWE executive Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education, sparking questions about her qualifications and Trump's promise to close the agency. Republicans accuse FEMA of political bias in disaster response as its chief testifies before Congress amid a funding request for the agency. Dissatisfaction with Elon Musk's platform X fuels the rise of Bluesky as a social media alternative. And, Eyewitness accounts allege the Israeli military is using sniper drones to target civilians in Gaza, raising questions about the human toll of advanced warfare. 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 Nicole Cohen, Russell Lewis, Kara Platoni, Lauren Migaki, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Ally Schweitzer.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara.We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Russia-Ukraine 1000 Days, Hong Kong Activists Sentenced, Trump And Your Money
1,000 days of war have devastated Ukraine and transformed life in Russia, as President Vladimir Putin expands nuclear threats amid the escalating conflict. In Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists are sentenced under a sweeping national security law. And, President-elect Donald Trump promises sweeping tax cuts, but experts warn his plans could deepen the national debt.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, Ryland Barton, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara.We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Mining's New Frontier
Deep, deep down on the floor of the world's oceans, rare and precious minerals exist in abundance. Mining companies have long had their eyes on this treasure but haven't had the technology to access it. Now they do and the race to mine the sea floor seems poised to begin. Today on The Sunday Story, we head to the Bismarck Sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea. It's here that a massive mining ship was recently hauling up chunks of the sea floor from a mile down, trying to gauge the mineral wealth and the possible damage extraction might cause.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump's National Security Picks, STI Rates Drop, COP29 Latest
What do President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his national security team say about his 2nd term priorities? New data shows a slight decline in sexually transmitted infections. The latest from the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
BONUS: Trump's Day One Promises
The Up First co-hosts spent the week diving into some the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for his return to the White House. From a pledge to pardon January 6th rioters and start mass deportations to a commitment to close the Department of Education, increase fossil fuel production, and roll-back protections for transgender people.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 Lisa Thomson and it was produced by Kaity Kline. It was made in collaboration with the entire Morning Edition team and with our engineering and studio teams.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
RFK Jr. Tapped To Head HHS, Trump & Government Bonds, Biden Meets Xi In Peru
President-elect Donald Trump selects vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Bond markets are reacting to Trump's economic proposals, with fears of rising inflation and higher borrowing costs that could affect everyday Americans. And, President Biden meets China's Xi Jinping in Peru for a final summit, aiming to maintain stability during the transition of power to a new administration.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 Diane Webber, Pallavi Gogoi, Roberta Rampton, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Julie Depenbrock.And our Executive Producer is Erika Aguilar.We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Gaetz Tapped For AG, Blue State Opposition, Israel Vs. France Soccer Match
President-elect Donald Trump taps Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, sparking questions about Senate approval for the controversial nominee. Democratic-led states are organizing coalitions to push back against policies they expect from the incoming administration. And, Paris police deploy thousands of officers for a tense soccer match between France and Israel, amid fears of violence following unrest after a match in the Netherlands.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 Anna Yukhananov, Larry Kaplow, Ryland Barton, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Julie Depenbrock.We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy