Up First from NPR

Delve into the controversial deportation of Venezuelans under a wartime law, sparking legal challenges by civil liberties advocates. Discover the troubling experiences of legal U.S. residents denied reentry. Then, explore the devastating impact of a deadly storm system that left communities shattered across the Midwest and South, and witness the resilience of first responders in the aftermath. Each story uncovers layers of complexity in immigration policies and natural disasters.

Anas Baba, NPR's producer in Gaza and one of the few Palestinian journalists reporting for an American outlet, shares his gripping experiences during the ongoing conflict. He dives into the emotional complexities of returning to his devastated hometown while navigating the dangers of war reporting. Baba highlights the resilience of local communities as they find joy in small moments, like cooking shakshuka amid destruction. He also discusses the importance of dignity in turbulent times and the impact of media restrictions on truthful storytelling.

Recent political tensions erupted as a Republican spending bill passed with unexpected Democratic support, prompting accusations of betrayal among party members. Meanwhile, conservative media is reevaluating its stance on Trump's economic policies amidst looming recession fears. In a personal narrative, the wife of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil shares the heart-wrenching ordeal of her husband's possible deportation over his campus protests, shedding light on broader immigration issues and personal sacrifices.

Congress is on the brink of a government shutdown as Senate Democrats wrestle with a Republican spending bill. Donald Trump visits the Justice Department, adding fire to ongoing legal challenges against his administration. Thousands of dismissed federal workers are ordered to be reinstated, but legal hurdles may complicate their return. The podcast also highlights the implications of budget decisions and the need for teaching financial literacy to ensure better money management for future generations.

Tensions rise as Russia weighs a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, sparking a flurry of diplomatic activity. Meanwhile, the White House's rollback of environmental protections raises concerns about pollution and public health. In a surprising twist, Iran's Supreme Leader dismisses Trump's overtures for nuclear talks, accusing the U.S. of trying to exert pressure. This tangled web of geopolitics highlights the ongoing struggle between diplomacy and conflict on multiple fronts.

Ukraine has secured a 30-day ceasefire, leading to the U.S. resuming military aid, while Russia is reviewing the agreement. Education feels the pinch as the Trump administration cuts nearly half of the Education Department's workforce, raising concerns over the impact on public education. Meanwhile, a stopgap funding bill has passed the House, pressing Congress to act swiftly to prevent a government shutdown. The dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the complexities of bipartisan negotiations add to the unfolding drama.

Ukraine's ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia prompt debates over U.S. aid, amidst skepticism about Russia's trustworthiness. Wall Street suffers a sharp decline linked to evolving tariff policies and recession fears. The Education Department warns universities, including Columbia, about potential penalties for anti-Semitism, highlighting the consequences of campus climate issues. Legal battles surrounding dissent rights raise questions about freedoms amid current policy changes, adding to the complexity of the national landscape.

Canada has a new leader, Mark Carney, who faces significant economic and trade challenges with the U.S. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student and pro-Palestinian activist, is arrested by ICE, raising concerns about deportation and activism on campuses. On the legislative front, House Republicans are pushing a budget bill amid internal conflicts, risking a government shutdown without bipartisan support. The convergence of these political developments highlights a tumultuous time for both countries and ongoing debates in Congress.

Rond Abdel-Fattah and Ramteen Arablui, co-hosts of NPR's Throughline podcast, explore the contentious issue of birthright citizenship. They discuss the Trump administration's executive order aimed at challenging this right and dive into the historical significance of the Wong Kim Ark case, which solidified birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for identity and belonging faced by immigrant communities, drawing parallels between past legal battles and contemporary debates on citizenship.

President Trump distances himself from Elon Musk's staffing influence, igniting a debate over power dynamics. VA employees express frustration about mandatory DOGE emails, revealing the tension within federal workplaces. On a different front, long COVID remains a pressing issue, with ongoing research and advocacy efforts highlighting the struggle for effective treatments. The complexities of this condition are explored, underlining the need for more funding and clinical trials.