Hunter Biden Pardon, Trump's FBI Pick, Syrian Offensive

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

President Biden has issued a full and unconditional pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. President-elect Donald Trump says he'll nominate ally Kash Patel to serve as the next Director of the FBI. And, rebel militias made territorial gains in Syria as the country's 13-year civil war continues. 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 Dana Farringdon, James Hider, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Kaity Kline. 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

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

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

Aid groups warn lives will be lost in Gaza as winter settles in and people lack protection against harsh elements and seasonal illnesses. It's Black Friday and retailers are expecting a record-breaking number of shoppers. And, third party presidential candidates got fewer votes in 2024 than in recent 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 Didrik Schanche, Emily Kopp, Megan Pratz, Lisa Thomson and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Adam Bearne, Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lilly Quiroz. We get engineering support from Ted Mebane. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Erika Aguilar. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Tens of thousands of Lebanese are returning to the country's south, where they're discovering homes destroyed by the fighting with Israel. This Thanksgiving is set to be the busiest ever for air travel and there are new rules aimed at protecting customers. And, the science behind why taking a walk after a big meal is good for your health. 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 Didrik Schanche, Russell Lewis, Jane Greenhalgh, Lisa Thomson and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Adam Bearne, Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lilly Quiroz. We get engineering support from Ted Mebane. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has gone into effect. Security forces dispersed thousands of protesters in the capital of Pakistan after they marched on the city to demand the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. And, President-elect Donald Trump has threatened tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China in a bid to stem the flow of fentanyl and unauthorized migrants into the country.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, Ryland Barton, Andrea de Leon, Lisa Thomson and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lilly Quiroz. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. And our technical director is Nisha Heinis. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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

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

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