Trump sidesteps Hegseth 2028 speculation: 'We have to get through the midterms first'

The president's Republican Party is fighting to maintain control of both chambers of the US Congress in November's elections.

Pentagon Exodus Under Hegseth, Venezuela Oil and Democracy, Clancy Trial Deadlocked : Up First from NPR

The Pentagon is losing experienced leaders under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raising concerns about depleted weapons stockpiles and the military’s ability to manage a prolonged war with Iran.President Trump says Venezuela isn't ready for elections, while his Energy Secretary signs new oil deals in Caracas with the unelected government.In Massachusetts, jurors in the Lindsay Clancy trial told the judge they are deadlocked after five days of deliberations, raising the possibility of a mistrial in the case of a mother accused of killing her three children.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Tara Neill, Carmel Wroth, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:57) Pentagon Exodus Under Hegseth(05:41) Venezuela Oil and Democracy(09:23) Clancy Trial Deadlocked

Attorney General Todd Blanche 'Circling the Drain' as DOJ Faces Contempt for Failing to Produce Court-Ordered Epstein Files - AOL

Attorney General Todd Blanche could already be "circling the drain" weeks after he was confirmed, according to a lawyer, RadarOnline. com has learned.

Trump’s Venezuela oil deal gives US access to vast reserves as Iran war drives energy concerns | The National

Agreement deepens US involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry as midterms approach and energy prices remain elevated

Gloria Steinem, feminist icon and journalist, dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist writer, journalist and activist who became one of the most recognizable voices of the women’s rights movement in the United States, has died at 92.

Markey defeats Moulton in U.S. Senate primary

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Ed Markey has won the Massachusetts Democratic primary for his seat. The veteran progressive fended off a challenge from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who had called for a new generation of leadership.

Supreme Court gives Trump an interim win on his mail voting order, but hurdles loom

The Supreme Court paused a lower court's ruling that blocked key parts of Trump's order to limit voting by mail for the midterms. But U.S. Postal Service work on the order remains blocked nationwide.

Keir Starmer to stand down as MP to focus on world affairs

Former PM says it is right time to go, which will trigger byelection that Greens’ Zack Polanski could target

Pentagon Erupts Over Report on Classified Warnings Against Iran War

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s top advisers have warned against extending the Iran war.

Report: Jared Kushner and Democratic leader Jeffries meet with House control at stake in November

The meeting, first reported Sunday by The New York Times, touched on issues ranging from housing, immigration to the high costs of living.

Natalie Harp Worked At White House For Over A Year Without Security Clearance, Report Says

Natalie Harp, a close aide to President Donald Trump, has surged into the national spotlight over her near-constant presence around the president.

Nepal floods death toll tops 900, as number of missing nearly doubles to more than 4,200

Rescuers continue to struggle to reach communities days after the massive flooding that stemmed from a glacier collapse on the Nepal-Tibet border region Wednesday.

Google Maps renames Lake Ontario after Trump’s decree on ‘Lake America’

Tech giant says name to remain Lake Ontario for Canadian users, change reflects decision by US government agency.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Russian intel counterparts on secretive visit to Moscow, Kremlin says

The Kremlin spokesman says CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Russian counterparts during a secretive visit to Moscow, but it's unclear what came of the talks.

Trump signs order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America

Canada has rejected the new name of the lake, which straddles both countries, as their row deepens.

Trump says U.S. has entered deal with Venezuela to take control of 65 billion barrels of oil reserves

President Trump says his administration has entered a sweeping agreement with Venezuela that could give the U.S. access to vast amounts of the South American country's untapped oil reserves, at cost.

August 26-27, 2026 — Deadly flash flood hits Nepal-China border region | CNN

A frantic search is underway for the more than 1,300 people believed missing — including at least 700 foreigners.