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NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst

Most Recent Episodes

Rihanna Mukasa recording outside of Kampala, December 2023. Gilbert Daniel Bwette/Radio Workshop hide caption

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Gilbert Daniel Bwette/Radio Workshop

The Sunday Story: Fighting for Trans Rights in Uganda

This past spring, in the east African nation of Uganda, the country's highest court upheld The Anti-Homosexuality act. It calls for tough sentences-sometimes even the death penalty - for LGBTQ+ people. On this episode of The Sunday Story, the tale of a trans woman in Uganda who calls herself Rihanna Mukasa. Rihanna was one of the first to be brought to court under the Anti-Homosexuality Act. As she fought a convoluted legal battle, she was brutalized in prison for nine months. After her release, Rihanna found an unexpected ally in her deeply traditional and religious mother. Together, they've become outspoken critics of the government, risking their lives to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights in the country that considers them criminals.

The Sunday Story: Fighting for Trans Rights in Uganda

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Olympics Open, TikTok Battle Continues, Brand Name Goods

Paris pulls off its opening ceremonies despite security risks. The U.S. government responds to TikTok's efforts to stay operating under its current owner. Consumer companies notice shoppers shying away from high prices.

Olympics Open, TikTok Battle Continues, Brand Name Goods

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Sinaloa Cartel Capture, VP Harris' Gaza Speech, Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Two alleged kingpins of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel were arrested in El Paso, Texas. Vice President Kamala Harris strikes a different tone than President Biden in a speech on the conflict between Israel and Gaza, and the 2024 Summer Olympic Games are underway in France.

Sinaloa Cartel Capture, VP Harris' Gaza Speech, Olympic Opening Ceremonies

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Biden's Oval Office Address, Harris and Gaza, Pennsylvania Voters

In a speech from the Oval Office, President Biden explained his reasons for declining to run for a second term. Vice President Kamala Harris has staked out her own approach to Israel and Gaza, and voters in Western PA share their thoughts on the campaigns and candidates.

Biden's Oval Office Address, Harris and Gaza, Pennsylvania Voters

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Netanyahu Visit, VP Harris On The Trail, New Election Poll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress. Vice President Harris has started campaigning for President, and a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows a surge in the number of undecided voters.

Netanyahu Visit, VP Harris On The Trail, New Election Poll

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Harris Campaign Latest, GOP Legal Challenges, Secret Service Testimony

Vice President Kamala Harris paid tribute to President Biden and rallied staff on Day One of her push to cement her place at the top of the Democratic ticket. Republicans are warning of possible legal obstacles to the Harris nomination, and the head of the Secret Service was on Capitol Hill answering questions about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Harris Campaign Latest, GOP Legal Challenges, Secret Service Testimony

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Biden Exits The Race, New Nominee Process, GOP Reaction

President Biden is dropping out of the Presidential race. He has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's new nominee, but it is unclear how Democrats will proceed. Republicans are attempting to tie her to Biden's biggest troubles, including immigration and inflation.

Biden Exits The Race, New Nominee Process, GOP Reaction

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Gao Zhi (left), a former factory worker turned dissident, at his home located in a small village in The Netherlands. Wang Jingyu (right), during an interview in a safe house in the Ukraine in 2021. Jeremy Meek for NPR; AP hide caption

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Jeremy Meek for NPR; AP

The Sunday Story: The Invisible Hand of Fear

Fear can be a powerful weapon. Gao Zhi, a 44-year-old Chinese man, knows this well. In 2020, after criticizing the Communist Party on social media, he left China and gained asylum in the Netherlands. But after Wang Jingyu, a Chinese celebrity dissident, moves into Gao's home, things start to go terribly wrong. Gao fears he and his family are now in the crosshairs of the Chinese Communist Party. On this episode of The Sunday Story, NPR's Global Democracy Correspondent Frank Langfitt and a reporting partner bring us the story of Gao and Wang. It's a tale of how the fear authoritarian regimes sow can be used to create a world of lies, betrayal, and manipulation.

The Sunday Story: The Invisible Hand of Fear

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RNC Revisited, Global Tech Meltdown, Latest From Israel

Former President Trump secured the nomination from the Republican Party, but the identity of his opponent grew more uncertain. A software flub caused havoc. A drone evaded Israeli air defenses and killed one in Tel Aviv.

RNC Revisited, Global Tech Meltdown, Latest From Israel

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Trump RNC Speech, Biden Campaign Uncertainty

Donald Trump formally accepts the Republican presidential nomination, in a more subdued speech than his usual fare, as he aims to widen his support. And pressure mounts on President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid.

Trump RNC Speech, Biden Campaign Uncertainty

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