Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Subscribe to NPR's Up First Email Chinese and US flags wave outside a technology company in Beijing, on April 17, 2025. (Photo by PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images) AFP hide caption When Trump and Xi meet they will discuss AI. 'Track Two' talks are already buzzing September 18, 2026 • An informal network of dialogues at think tanks and universities is bringing together experts from the U.S. and China to talk about the shared perils of AI — and possible paths forward. Syrian regime planned American journalist's kidnapping for weeks September 18, 2026 • New reporting finds the abduction of journalist Austin Tice was planned by the Syrian government for weeks. Will even one of the U.N.'s 17 'sustainable development goals' be met by 2030? September 18, 2026 • The 17 goals agreed upon by world leaders are incredibly ambitious. Are we even close to achieving any of them? If we don't, is the project a failure? Protesters in kayaks along the Potomac River protest near the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Sept. 17, 2026. Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images hide caption Up First Newsletter Judge says Trump can't demolish Kennedy Center. And, lawsuits target voter intimidation September 18, 2026 • A federal judge ruled yesterday that President Trump cannot tear down the Kennedy Center without a 30-day notice. And, recent lawsuits seek to keep armed federal officers away from polling sites. Kennedy Center Demolition Threat, Trump's Troubles, Poland Warns Of Russian Attacks Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/g-s1-143913/nx-s1-mx-5973805-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Honoree Rachel Accurso (aka Ms. Rachel) and her husband, Aron Accurso, attend the Glamour Women of the Year Awards at The Plaza Hotel on Nov. 4, 2025, in New York. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images hide caption Ms. Rachel has entered her album era, and she is so happy about it September 18, 2026 • Ms. Rachel has conquered YouTube, Netflix and the toy aisle. Now she's making an album, with real instruments, big feelings and her littlest listeners in mind. Ms. Rachel has entered her album era, and she is so happy about it Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5938847/nx-s1-9931346" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Members of a women's church group sing next to a melted candle as they pay their respects at the site where the body of a woman was discovered the previous week, in Kempton Park, South Africa, east of Johannesburg, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. Themba Hadebe/AP hide caption South Africa 'feels like a prison' for women amid spate of femicides September 18, 2026 • South Africa has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, and a spate of killings of nine women in the same area in recent weeks has led to renewed outrage. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks to the press during a press conference in the gardens of the Prime Minister's Chancellery building in Warsaw on July 3. Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption Poland's prime minister warns of Russian 'accidental' attacks on Ukraine's allies September 18, 2026 • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that these potential strikes "intend to paralyze NATO" in an attempt to demonstrate that Article 5 "exists only in theory." Poland's prime minister says Russia could strike countries that support Ukraine Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5973265/nx-s1-9931400" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Tents are lined up in the Al-Firdaws camp for displaced Yemenis in Ras Imran, on the western outskirts of Aden, Yemen, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. Abdulnasser Alseddik/AP hide caption What to know after a week of Houthi attacks that threaten Saudi oil September 18, 2026 • The Houthis' biggest land grab in years reignited Yemen's 12-year civil war and pushed up global fuel prices, extending their reach to a key maritime chokepoint and threatening Saudi Arabia's oil exports. Ukrainian soldiers comfort each other after returning from captivity after a Prisoners of War (POWs) exchange between Russia and Ukraine, in Chernihiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP hide caption State of the World from NPR Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWs September 17, 2026 • Russia is believed to be holding thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians as prisoners of war. In addition, Russia is tormenting the families of these prisoners by contacting them on social media and demanding favors. We hear from some of these family members. Russia is blackmailing the families of Ukrainian POWs Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5973242/nx-s1-mx-5973242-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> An AI-powered chatbot in Kenya answers questions about pregnancy and new babies to cut the country's rate of maternal mortality. Donwilson Odhiambo/SOPA Images/LightRocket/via Getty Images hide caption To prevent deaths in childbirth, Kenyan moms turn to an AI powered chatbot September 17, 2026 • Many questions come up during pregnancy. Is swelling normal? Are avocados safe to eat? For folks in Kenya who don't have a search engine at their fingertips, a chatbot is offering a lifeline. Can an AI chatbot save lives by answering texts about pregnancy? Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5962840/nx-s1-9930924" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Far-Flung Postcards Greetings from Beijing, where baozi are worth the wait in line September 17, 2026 • The popular fluffy steamed buns are filled with pork, vegetables, tofu — and in one trendy Beijing shop, chocolate and red beans. A man reacts to the camera while driving past a monument depicting the clenched fist of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, and a missile at the Islamic Revolution square in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday. Vahid Salemi/AP hide caption Middle East conflict U.N.-backed experts cite possible U.S. war crimes in Iran, including a school attack September 17, 2026 • Human rights experts commissioned by the U.N. say they have found "reasonable grounds" to believe the U.S. committed war crimes in Iran, including a strike on a school in the southern city of Minab. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on during the annual keynote address of the European Commission's President at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France on Sept. 16, 2026. Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP via Getty Images hide caption Up First Newsletter The Fed raises interest rates. And, EU proposes Canada become an 'associate member' September 17, 2026 • The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in years. And, the European Union has proposed that Canada become its first-ever "associate member."

Fed Raises Interest Rates, Iran War and Oil Prices, EU-Canada Alliance Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/g-s1-143783/nx-s1-mx-5972566-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> The container ship "Panstar Acro" is anchored to load containers at Busan New Port in Busan on August 22, 2026, as the vessel is scheduled to sail to Europe via the Arctic to test the commercial viability of the shipping route opened by melting ice. South Korea was set on August 22, to send its first trial container through the Arctic, as the Middle East war rattles global shipping, while environmental groups warned the route could accelerate polar ice melt. Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images hide caption World, reordering Pressure on global chokepoints drives Asia's increased use of Arctic Trade Routes September 17, 2026 • Asian nations began pilot voyages over a decade ago to find routes to Europe and the Middle East that were faster and less vulnerable to chokepoints. The ongoing war has added impetus to those efforts. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping tour Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing in May. Evan Vucci/Pool/Getty Images hide caption U.S. vs. China: Inside a great power rivalry Big questions - and key logistical details - loom ahead of China-U.S. summit September 17, 2026 • Despite the lingering questions, China remains optimistic about the summit. Big questions - and key logistical details - loom ahead of China-U.S. summit Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5971293/nx-s1-9929865" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Where is Austin Tice?: The driver September 17, 2026 • Josh and Sara piece together Austin’s final route into Damascus. They find the farm, where he celebrated his 31st birthday — the last place his mother spoke to him. Where is Austin Tice?: The driver Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5971514/nx-s1-mx-5971514-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a press conference at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Thursday. Pascal Bastien/AP hide caption Canada's Carney welcomes the EU's bid for closer ties amid pressure from Trump September 17, 2026 • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to the European Parliament, following the European Union's invitation to Canada to become the bloc's first "associate member," which rankled President Trump. With invite to join EU bloc, Canada's prime minister speaks to European Parliament Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5971428/nx-s1-9929900" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Macklemore performs in France on Aug. 30. He was later removed from Ed Sheeran's tour after expressing solidarity with people in Gaza. Arnaud Finistre/AFP via Getty Images hide caption How Ed Sheeran's tour became a flashpoint over Gaza and free speech September 17, 2026 • First Macklemore was dropped over Gaza. Then other artists walked. Ed Sheeran has largely stayed out of politics. Now, the empty stage is telling a different story. Artists pull out of Ed Sheeran's tour as politics and music collide Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5971218/nx-s1-9930010" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, listens to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during the annual State of the European Union at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Wednesday, Sept 16, 2026 Pascal Bastien/AP hide caption State of the World from NPR The romance between Canada and the European Union gets serious September 16, 2026 • For decades, the European Union and Canada have each had strong bonds with the United States. In trade, diplomacy, military cooperation, their close relationships with the U.S. were taken as a given. But the Trump administration has shaken up that status quo with tariff wars and other demands on allies. So now the EU and Canada are now looking at each other and thinking they might feel a spark. We hear about the special status their relationship may soon have. The romance between Canada and the European Union gets serious Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5971519/nx-s1-mx-5971519-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney listens to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her annual State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Sept. 16, 2026. Von der Leyen proposed opening the door for Canada to become the EU's first "associate member." Jean-Christophe-Verhaegen/AFP hide caption EU offers Canada 'associate member' role; Trump calls it 'laughable' September 16, 2026 • The European Union backs Canada's bid to become the bloc's first "associate member," as Brussels seeks closer ties with Ottawa and Trump calls the idea "laughable." EU rolls out red carpet to Canada to become its first 'associate member' Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5971043/nx-s1-9929247" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Ukrainian prisoners of war return home on Aug. 19 after being held by Russia. There are shown here in Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region. When Russia takes Ukrainians captive, it often contacts the relatives of the prisoners and asks them to help Russia, according to Ukrainians. Francisco Seco/AP hide caption Ukraine invasion — explained Russia seizes Ukrainian POWs, then it demands favors from their relatives September 16, 2026 • Russia is believed to be holding thousands of Ukrainian POWs. Russia is also tormenting the families of these prisoners by contacting their relatives on social media and demanding they help Russia. Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5904423/nx-s1-9929138" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh speaks during a news conference at Federal Reserve Headquarters on July 29, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption Up First Newsletter Fed expected to raise interest rates. And, board votes to close Kennedy Center September 16, 2026 • The Fed is expected to raise interest rates today for the first time in three years. And, the Kennedy Center board voted yesterday to close the historic center. Federal Reserve Interest Rates, Reports Reveal Iran War Costs, Kennedy Center Closure Embed Embed < iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/g-s1-143569/nx-s1-mx-5970932-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, listens to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during the annual State of the European Union at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Wednesday, Sept 16, 2026. Pascal Bastien/AP hide caption EU's Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become an associate member September 16, 2026 • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs drive Ottawa closer to Europe. FILE - Former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci, top left, appears before the Kosovo Tribunal as he defends himself against charges including murder, torture and persecution allegedly committed during his country's war for independence from Serbia in the Hague, on April 3, 2023. Koen van Weel/Pool ANP via AP hide caption Kosovo's ex-President Thaci convicted of war crimes, sentenced to 25 years in prison September 16, 2026 • A European Union-backed court convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci of war crimes committed during his country's war for independence from Serbia and sentenced him to 25 years in prison.