Environmental protection laws still apply even under Trump’s national energy emergency − here’s why

In response to President Donald Trump’s declaration of a “national energy emergency,” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently listed hundreds of energy and infrastructure projects that would be eligible for fast-track permitting. The proj

Self-Determined: Climate Resilience Is Sacred

As a tidal wave of authoritarianism crashes across the U.S., it may seem as if nothing is sacred. But in these moments of uncertainty, it is the sacred to which we must return. For the Indigenous peoples of Moananuiākea—across the water fro

Musk, DOGE violated Constitution, judge says. And, when egg prices might drop

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 Elon Musk and the Department of Gove

The Ball Comes to Rest

Surfing YouTube, I came across an interview of Ezra Klein by Stephen Colbert. He was promoting a new book called Abundance, basically arguing that scarcity is politically-manufactured by “both sides,” and that if we get our political act to

Crazy Town 100. A Temporary Techno Stunt: Tom Murphy on Falling out of Love with Modernity

Show Notes Recovering technology booster Tom Murphy visits Crazy Town to discuss his journey from shooting lasers at the moon, to trying to “solve” the energy predicament, to falling out of love with modernity itself. Asher, Jason, Rob, and

Trump's handling of Ukraine and tariffs has NATO rethinking the U.S.-made F-35 fighter

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II multi-role combat airplane flies over Ramstein Air Base during a day of fighter plane exercises on June 6, 2024, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. T

Why did Israel resume the war in Gaza?

Children look on as people walk amid the rubble of a building destroyed in an overnight Israeli strike in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Israel's deadly strikes on Gaza drew global condemnation, as it said it had "no altern

Radio Free Europe CEO expects 'pretty drastic actions' following federal budget slash

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President Stephen Capus speaks about the status of Alsu Kurmasheva, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist who was temporarily detained in Russia, during a forum at the National Press Club on May 3, 202

Sexual misconduct allegations in UN missions topped 100 in 2024

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends the High-Level Segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

Mexico City bans violent bullfighting, sparking fury and celebration

A young supporter of bullfighting joins a demonstration in support of bullfighting outside Mexico City's Congress where lawmakers are expected to debate its continuation in Mexico City on Tuesday.

Pakistan: Forced Returns Expose Afghans to Persecution, Destitution

(New York) – Pakistani authorities have intensified abusive tactics and other pressure on Afghan refugees to return to Afghanistan, where they risk persecution by the Taliban and face dire economic conditions, Human Rights Watch said today.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty sues Trump administration over canceled contract

The Trump administration has put journalists at government-funded broadcasters, including Prague-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL), on leave on March 15 as it froze funding to them.

Judge declines to immediately reverse Trump moves at U.S. Institute of Peace

A view of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) building headquarters on March 18 in Washington, D.C. Trump administration employees entered the building on Monday with the help of law enforcement officials after President Trump order

What is the U.S. Institute of Peace and why is Trump trying to shut it down?

A view of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) building headquarters on March 18 in Washington, D.C. Trump administration employees entered the building on Monday with the help of law enforcement officials after President Trump order

Does the U.S. deserve the Statue of Liberty? Not anymore, one French politician says

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the U.S. in the 1880s, celebrating their friendship and the anniversary of U.S. independence. Pamela Smith/AP