Delve into the rich tapestry of arts, entertainment, and societal trends. From film reviews to cultural commentary, this category celebrates the diverse expressions of human creativity.
Good morning. You’re reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today’s top stories President Trump announced yesterday that Pam Bondi is out as attorney general. Her exit comes amid frustration over her leadership and handling … Read more
NPR’s A Martinez asks Dan Baer, former U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, about the Trump administration’s recent rhetoric around NATO. Source link
A plume of smoke rises after a reported Iranian strike on fuel tanks in Muharraq, Bahrain, on March 12. Fadhel Madhan/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Fadhel Madhan/AFP via Getty Images NPR has learned that hundreds of sailors were evacuated back to the United States from their base in Bahrain after the base … Read more
People wait their turn to enter a bank in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Ramon Espinosa/AP hide caption toggle caption Ramon Espinosa/AP HAVANA — The Cuban government said Thursday it would release 2,010 prisoners in a move that comes while the Trump administration puts extreme pressure on the island’s government with a suffocating oil … Read more
FILE – Residents and rescue workers inspect the site of an airstrike at a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 17, 2026. Siddiqullah Alizai/AP hide caption toggle caption Siddiqullah Alizai/AP ISLAMABAD — Pakistan on Thursday confirmed it was holding peace talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban government in China, where Beijing is trying to broker a … Read more
Foreign ministers from more than 40 countries are meeting virtually to discuss President Trump’s request for help in ensuring shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. JUANA SUMMERS, HOST: The United Kingdom convened an international meeting today to discuss ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This comes just a day after President Trump again said … Read more
On April 1, 2001, a midair collision between an American aircraft and a Chinese plane sparked an 11-day diplomatic crisis — and the two countries still tell very different stories. Source link
Despite the danger of sea mines, experts say that mine clearing has received minimal attention and funding from the U.S. Navy and is often overshadowed by more high-profile weapons systems. Source link
Actor and activist Ariel Bronz, long relegated to the esoteric corners of Israel’s art scene, has been catapulted to the spotlight after his performance in the film “Yes.” It landed him a best actor nomination at Israel’s academy award ceremony last year. He didn’t win. Ofir Berman for NPR hide caption toggle caption Ofir Berman … Read more
Joseph Elias Issa, 56, was displaced from Kfar Houneh where he lived with his family in southern Lebanon following the Israeli invasion. A farmer, he took two mules and is now staying in a a shepherd’s hut in Jezzine, about 5 miles away from his home. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR JEZZINE, … Read more