US Hits Iran Amid Talks, Russia-Ukraine War Intensifies, Texas Primary Runoff
5/26/202613 min
The U.S. launched fresh strikes on Iran, targeting missile sites and boats laying mines, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio says negotiations to end the war could still take a few more days, with Israel warning the emerging deal is a bad one as it escalates attacks in Lebanon.
Russia carried out one of its largest attacks on Ukraine, hitting every district in Kyiv over the weekend while Ukraine continues long-range drone strikes on Russian oil facilities and warns it desperately needs more air defense systems.
Texas Republicans are voting today in the most expensive primary in U.S. history, with President Trump’s endorsed candidate Ken Paxton challenging longtime Senator John Cornyn in a high-stakes race that could have major implications for the midterms.
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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Tina Kraya, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy and John Stolnis.
It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.
(0:00) Introduction
(01:59) US Hits Iran Amid Talks
(05:49) Russia-Ukraine War Intensifies
(09:44) Texas Primary Runoff
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSteve Inskeep· Host0:00
[intro music] The United States launched new strikes on Iran.
Leila Fadel· Host0:05
This as the US is also trying to negotiate an end to the war. We hear from Israel, where the prime minister insists that his military campaign in Lebanon will continue.
Steve Inskeep· Host0:14
I'm Steve Inskeep with Leila Fadel, and this is Up First from NPR News. [intro music] Ukraine keeps hitting Russia's oil infrastructure. Russia responded over the weekend with heavy attacks on Kyiv. Ukraine says it needs more air defense systems, which are in short supply because of the war with Iran.
Leila Fadel· Host0:33
And voters in Texas choose their Republican candidate for Senate today. Incumbent Senator John Cornyn says if President Trump's candidate, Ken Paxton, wins, it could benefit Democrats in the midterms.
John Cornyn· Soundbite0:45
This would be the first chance they've had in 30 or 40 years to pick up a statewide office.
Leila Fadel· Host0:51
Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.
Speaker 30:54
[intro music] On Consider This, NPR's afternoon news podcast, we cover everything from politics to the economy to the world, but every story starts with a question. At NPR, we stand for your right to be curious, to make sense of the biggest story of the day and what it means for you. Follow Consider This wherever you get your podcasts.
Leila Fadel· Host1:21
The United States launched new attacks on Iran in the midst of a ceasefire.
Steve Inskeep· Host1:27
The US Central Command says it targeted missile