Up First from NPR - Gaza War 2024, Gaza Hospital Shutdown, Biden’s Complicated Legacy

After a year of on-again, off-again Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations, what will 2025 hold? Israeli raids shut down a North Gaza hospital that aid workers called a lifeline. President Biden ends his political career with a complicated legacy.

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Today's episode of Up First was edited by Didrik Schanche, Carrie Kahn, Dana Farrington, Jan Johnson, and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Kaity Kline, Ben Abrams and Julie Depenbrock. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.


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NPR's Book of the Day - Kaveh Akbar’s novel ‘Martyr!’ is a journey of identity, addiction and poetry

Halfway through today's episode, author Kaveh Akbar tells NPR's Scott Simon that his life is a summation of "private joys amidst collective grief and private grief amidst collective joy." It's a contrast that contextualizes his emotionally dark yet deeply funny debut novel, Martyr!, about an Iranian-American poet grappling with addiction, loss, displacement and art. Akbar, who is also poetry editor at The Nation, explains why his protagonist is so obsessed with the concept of martyrdom, and how it relates to his own personal journey with sobriety.

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The Indicator from Planet Money - The curious rise of novelty popcorn buckets (Encore)

Even before the Dune: Part 2 popcorn bucket went viral this year, movie theaters have been trying all types of ways to lure customers back. There's reclining seats, expanded menu options, and even more merchandise. Today on the show, we track the rise of the popcorn bucket and its afterlife on eBay.

This piece originally aired on July 23, 2024.

Related episodes:
Coyote vs. Warner Brothers Discovery (Apple / Spotify)
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Is movie night back?

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1A - Game Mode: The Gaming Industry In 2024

2024 was a hard year for people who make games — the industry saw mass layoffs and increasing consolidation. But for the people who play them, releases didn't slow down.

Indie developers released games like the monster-hunting game "Palworld" and "Animal Well," an expansive puzzle game.

Big developers moved some releases back — like new additions to the "Assassin's Creed" and "Grand Theft Auto" series. Remakes of legendary titles from the "Silent Hill" and "Final Fantasy" series delighted longtime fans. And "Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom" saw Princess Zelda take a leading role.

In this installment of Game Mode, we get into the video games of 2024 and what this year can tell us about the state of the video game industry.

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Short Wave - The Biggest Health Stories of 2024

2024 was full of science news. There was a total solar eclipse, the Paris Olympics, elections in the United States and elsewhere, technological breakthroughs and many space launches. But perhaps above all, it was a huge year in health. So, today, we're talking through some of 2024's biggest health stories — from what's in our drinking water supply, to bird flu, obesity drugs and this year's record heat. They're also the stories we think will continue to be big in 2025. See you in the new year, Short Wavers! <3

Questions or suggestions for what else we should cover? Email us at shortwave@npr.org!

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Consider This from NPR - How to put your drinking on ice this January

Every year, more and more Americans embark on Dry January – a whole month of giving up alcohol.

It's easy to imagine the benefits: no hangovers, better sleep, happier wallet. But like with any resolution for the new year, staying committed can be hard.

Today, we're bringing you an episode from our friends at the "Life Kit" podcast that's all about how to get through Dry January – and reexamine your relationship with alcohol.

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Consider This from NPR - How to put your drinking on ice this January

Every year, more and more Americans embark on Dry January – a whole month of giving up alcohol.

It's easy to imagine the benefits: no hangovers, better sleep, happier wallet. But like with any resolution for the new year, staying committed can be hard.

Today, we're bringing you an episode from our friends at the "Life Kit" podcast that's all about how to get through Dry January – and reexamine your relationship with alcohol.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

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Consider This from NPR - How to put your drinking on ice this January

Every year, more and more Americans embark on Dry January – a whole month of giving up alcohol.

It's easy to imagine the benefits: no hangovers, better sleep, happier wallet. But like with any resolution for the new year, staying committed can be hard.

Today, we're bringing you an episode from our friends at the "Life Kit" podcast that's all about how to get through Dry January – and reexamine your relationship with alcohol.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

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Consider This from NPR - Jimmy Carter’s complex legacy

Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100.

He was the nation's 39th president, in office from 1977 to 1981.

He will of course be remembered for his accomplishments in office. But also for all that he accomplished in the four decades after he left the White House.

Host Andrew Limbong speaks about Jimmy Carter's legacy with two NPR journalists who have covered the White House for years: national political correspondent Mara Liasson and senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith.

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