News
Up First from NPR: Senate Spending Bill, Ukraine Airstrikes, Idaho Firefighter Shootings
Several Senate Republicans are attacking the cuts to Medicaid in the President's massive tax and spending bill, Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones across Ukraine, and two firefighters are dead in North Idaho after an ambush by a sniper. <br/><br/><em>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em> to the Up First newsletter. </em><br/><br/><em>Today's episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Ryland Barton, Kevin Drew, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Destinee Adams and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. And our technical director is Zac Coleman. </em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
The NPR Politics Podcast: Exclusive: The Trump Administration Is Building A National Citizenship Data System
For decades, voting officials have noted that there was no national citizenship list to compare their state lists to, so to verify citizenship for their voters, they either needed to ask people to provide a birth certificate or a passport — something that could disenfranchise millions — or use a complex patchwork of disparate data sources. Now, the Department of Homeland Security is offering another way: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/29/nx-s1-5409608/citizenship-trump-privacy-voting-database">creating a searchable data system of citizenship records.</a> Elections officials and privacy advocates are expressing concern. <br/><br/>This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and power & influence reporter Jude Joffe-Block. <br><em><br>This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.<br/><br/>Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at </em><a href="http://plus.npr.org/politics"><em>plus.npr.org/politics</em></a><em>.</em><br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
Talk and Interview
Fresh Air: A Theater Kid's Path To Broadway Producer
Jeffrey Seller has been a key behind-the-scenes figure for some of the Broadway's biggest hits including, <em>Hamilton</em> and <em>RENT</em>, but he got his start on a much smaller scale. He looks back in a new memoir called <em>Theater Kid</em>. Seller spoke with Terry Gross about his path from poverty in Michigan to the epicenter of musical theater.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
Science Friday: The Leap: Mars? It Was A Miracle We Got To Florida
<p>Geologist Steve Squyres risked his career and millions of dollars to get two rovers roaming on Mars. But the mission almost didn’t make it to the launch pad. Steve and NASA engineer Jennifer Trosper describe the many obstacles the team faced in getting Spirit and Opportunity ready, from ripped parachutes to fuzzy camera feeds, and the problem-solving it took to safely land the twin vehicles on Martian soil.</p><p><a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/the-leap/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri" target="_blank">“The Leap”</a> is a 10-episode audio series that profiles scientists willing to take big risks to push the boundaries of discovery. It premieres on Science Friday’s podcast feed every Monday until July 21. </p><p><i>“The Leap” is a production of the Hypothesis Fund, brought to you in partnership with Science Friday.</i></p><p>Transcript is available on <a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/mars-it-was-a-miracle-we-got-to-florida/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri" target="_blank">sciencefriday.com.</a></p> <p><p><a href="https://pod.link/73329284" target="_blank"><i>Subscribe to this podcast.</i></a><i> Plus, to stay updated on all things science, </i><a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/newsletters/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri" target="_blank"><i><strong>sign up for Science Friday's newsletters</strong></i></a><i>.</i></p></p>
1A: 'If You Can Keep It': Church And State, Continued
Last month, President Donald Trump openly <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/01/trump-religious-commission-church-state-00321814">questioned the separation of church and state</a> during the establishment of the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/establishment-of-the-religious-liberty-commission/">Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty.</a> He said that he is bringing religion back to the country.<br/><br/>We continue our "If You Can Keep It" series by assessing the boundaries of the separation between religion and the government.<br/><br/>Want to support 1A?<a href="http://donate.npr.org/1A"> Give to your local public radio station</a> and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions?<a href="https://the1a.org/"> Connect</a> with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://plus.npr.org/1a__;!!IaT_gp1N!wOhW79EX-aPWlb0ult1k1kEov2nvCTjFuiZMsf2ABB1n7-WUz4Pfe0q1L1HdmIfb2xbIvng$"> plus.npr.org/the1a</a>.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
1A: Senator Elissa Slotkin On The Future Of The Democratic Party
Sen. Elissa Slotkin isn't just a congressperson, she's also a former CIA analyst. That means she has special insight into what's be going on abroad. And there's a lot happening these days.<br/><br/>But, as a Democrat, there are plenty of things to focus on at home, too. Namely, what her party is going to do to ensure success in the midterm elections.<br/><br/>We sit down with her to discuss the Trump administration, the Democratic party, and American foreign policy.<br/><br/>Want to support 1A?<a href="http://donate.npr.org/1A"> Give to your local public radio station</a> and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions?<a href="https://the1a.org/"> Connect</a> with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://plus.npr.org/1a__;!!IaT_gp1N!wOhW79EX-aPWlb0ult1k1kEov2nvCTjFuiZMsf2ABB1n7-WUz4Pfe0q1L1HdmIfb2xbIvng$">plus.npr.org/the1a</a>.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
On Point | Podcast: Who are the Zizians?
<p>A cult-like group referred to as the Zizians is linked to a string of violent deaths across the U.S. It has its roots in Silicon Valley – and a movement called Rationalism. Who are these groups and what do they believe?</p>
Music
World Cafe Words and Music Podcast: Sense of Place: Black Snake Moan is inspired by his ancient Italian home
Marco Contestabile makes psychedelic blues music influenced by Tarquinia, where he grew up.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
From the Top: Family Fun
Orli Shaham guest hosts with her brother violinist Gil Shaham on this episode dedicated to musical families. We'll meet a bunch of siblings, including Orli's own sons. We'll enjoy performances of Dvořák, Schumann, and a new work by a young composer.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
Fresh Air: A Theater Kid's Path To Broadway Producer
Jeffrey Seller has been a key behind-the-scenes figure for some of the Broadway's biggest hits including, <em>Hamilton</em> and <em>RENT</em>, but he got his start on a much smaller scale. He looks back in a new memoir called <em>Theater Kid</em>. Seller spoke with Terry Gross about his path from poverty in Michigan to the epicenter of musical theater.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
Fun and Sports
Fresh Air: A Theater Kid's Path To Broadway Producer
Jeffrey Seller has been a key behind-the-scenes figure for some of the Broadway's biggest hits including, <em>Hamilton</em> and <em>RENT</em>, but he got his start on a much smaller scale. He looks back in a new memoir called <em>Theater Kid</em>. Seller spoke with Terry Gross about his path from poverty in Michigan to the epicenter of musical theater.<br/><br/>Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a><br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>