U.S. and Iran miss peace talks deadline. And, Alaska, Florida and Wyoming primaries
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.
The U.S. and Iran have missed a deadline this week to begin peace talks. The conflict has lasted nearly six months and depleted military resources, including warships and interceptor missiles. This shortage has strained U.S. military capabilities in other regions, notably including Asia. This week, President Trump ordered the Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing its lack of support in the war against Iran. The annual drills with South Korean forces date back to at least 1976 and are largely to counter North Korea's nuclear program.
President Trump speaks as he meets with lifeguard Ryder Williams in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 17, 2026. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday to discuss new agreements on how to move forward in Gaza. During their nearly four-hour meeting, they focused on the details of a new U.S.-backed roadmap. Before his arrival in Israel, Kushner held rare talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt. Netanyahu initially rejected the roadmap for Israeli withdrawal alongside Hamas disarmament, but Kushner said he talked him through misunderstandings and misinformation about the plan.
Alaska, Florida and Wyoming host their primary elections today. The U.S. Senate seat race in Alaska is drawing significant money from across the country, as it's one of the seats that could influence which party controls the Senate after the November midterms. The key candidates are the incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and his main challenger, Democrat Mary Peltola. The primary is nonpartisan; the top four candidates from any party move forward to the midterms.
A Manhattan judge has indefinitely postponed Luigi Mangione's September state court trial while his defense attorneys argue to have his state charges dismissed. Last week, Mangione pleaded guilty to two stalking charges in federal court and admitted to following and shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione still faces second-degree murder and other charges in state court. His attorneys argue that the state charges should be dismissed because proceeding with them would violate his due process rights and the double jeopardy protections against being tried twice for the same crime. (via Gothamist)
Living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.
One of the most popular prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction is increasingly being promoted in wellness circles as an all-purpose longevity drug. Online clinics and influential figures say tadalafil, more commonly known by its brand name Cialis, can benefit the cardiovascular system, brain and athletic performance. The drug isn't approved for preventing heart attacks, strokes or extending life, but there's growing interest among experts in the field of cardiology and men's health in the potential preventive health role of tadalafil and similar medications. Here's what we know:
Racers a few moments after the start line at Mt. Tabor Park during the 27th Portland Adult Soap Box Derby on August 15, 2026 in Portland, Ore. Celeste Noche for NPR hide caption
toggle caption
Celeste Noche for NPR
On a recent Saturday, several thousand residents in Portland, Ore., gathered to cheer on the colorful and creative motorless cars of the 27th annual Portland Adult Soap Box Derby as they raced down a steep hill. Speed takes a back seat to creativity and celebration at this event. The derby is part race, part art installation and block party. Contestants use everything from wood, metal and plastic to fake fur and hula hoops to build the whimsical vehicles. This year's lineup included a giant sloth head, a Heated Rivalry-themed Zamboni affectionately named "The Ice Melter," a replica of the iconic Flintstones car and a vehicle representing Oregon's infamous exploded dead whale. Check out these photos of some of the most creative cars from the soap box derby.
Three-year-old sunflower stars explore the kelp forest for the first time. They come in a rainbow of colors but are all the same species. The stars in this cohort are called the "snack pack," so they all have snack names, from Cheeto and Noodles to Sweet Potato. Jennifer Adler hide caption
toggle caption
Jennifer Adler
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Read the full story at NPR ↗
The U.S. and Iran missed a deadline to begin peace talks this week. The monthslong war has depleted U.S. resources. And, what to know about Alaska's U.S. Senate seat primary
This lens runs the verified story through Cinnamon's AI — wired in the next step.
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.
The U.S. and Iran have missed a deadline this week to begin peace talks. The conflict has lasted nearly six months and depleted military resources, including warships and interceptor missiles. This shortage has strained U.S. military capabilities in other regions, notably including Asia. This week, President Trump ordered the Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing its lack of support in the war against Iran. The annual drills with South Korean forces date back to at least 1976 and are largely to counter North Korea's nuclear program.
President Trump speaks as he meets with lifeguard Ryder Williams in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 17, 2026. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday to discuss new agreements on how to move forward in Gaza. During their nearly four-hour meeting, they focused on the details of a new U.S.-backed roadmap. Before his arrival in Israel, Kushner held rare talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt. Netanyahu initially rejected the roadmap for Israeli withdrawal alongside Hamas disarmament, but Kushner said he talked him through misunderstandings and misinformation about the plan.
Alaska, Florida and Wyoming host their primary elections today. The U.S. Senate seat race in Alaska is drawing significant money from across the country, as it's one of the seats that could influence which party controls the Senate after the November midterms. The key candidates are the incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and his main challenger, Democrat Mary Peltola. The primary is nonpartisan; the top four candidates from any party move forward to the midterms.
A Manhattan judge has indefinitely postponed Luigi Mangione's September state court trial while his defense attorneys argue to have his state charges dismissed. Last week, Mangione pleaded guilty to two stalking charges in federal court and admitted to following and shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione still faces second-degree murder and other charges in state court. His attorneys argue that the state charges should be dismissed because proceeding with them would violate his due process rights and the double jeopardy protections against being tried twice for the same crime. (via Gothamist)
Living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.
One of the most popular prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction is increasingly being promoted in wellness circles as an all-purpose longevity drug. Online clinics and influential figures say tadalafil, more commonly known by its brand name Cialis, can benefit the cardiovascular system, brain and athletic performance. The drug isn't approved for preventing heart attacks, strokes or extending life, but there's growing interest among experts in the field of cardiology and men's health in the potential preventive health role of tadalafil and similar medications. Here's what we know:
Racers a few moments after the start line at Mt. Tabor Park during the 27th Portland Adult Soap Box Derby on August 15, 2026 in Portland, Ore. Celeste Noche for NPR hide caption
toggle caption
Celeste Noche for NPR
On a recent Saturday, several thousand residents in Portland, Ore., gathered to cheer on the colorful and creative motorless cars of the 27th annual Portland Adult Soap Box Derby as they raced down a steep hill. Speed takes a back seat to creativity and celebration at this event. The derby is part race, part art installation and block party. Contestants use everything from wood, metal and plastic to fake fur and hula hoops to build the whimsical vehicles. This year's lineup included a giant sloth head, a Heated Rivalry-themed Zamboni affectionately named "The Ice Melter," a replica of the iconic Flintstones car and a vehicle representing Oregon's infamous exploded dead whale. Check out these photos of some of the most creative cars from the soap box derby.
Three-year-old sunflower stars explore the kelp forest for the first time. They come in a rainbow of colors but are all the same species. The stars in this cohort are called the "snack pack," so they all have snack names, from Cheeto and Noodles to Sweet Potato. Jennifer Adler hide caption
toggle caption
Jennifer Adler
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Read the full story at NPR ↗
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.
The U.S. and Iran have missed a deadline this week to begin peace talks. The conflict has lasted nearly six months and depleted military resources, including warships and interceptor missiles. This shortage has strained U.S. military capabilities in other regions, notably including Asia. This week, President Trump ordered the Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing its lack of support in the war against Iran. The annual drills with South Korean forces date back to at least 1976 and are largely to counter North Korea's nuclear program.
President Trump speaks as he meets with lifeguard Ryder Williams in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 17, 2026. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
toggle caption
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday to discuss new agreements on how to move forward in Gaza. During their nearly four-hour meeting, they focused on the details of a new U.S.-backed roadmap. Before his arrival in Israel, Kushner held rare talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt. Netanyahu initially rejected the roadmap for Israeli withdrawal alongside Hamas disarmament, but Kushner said he talked him through misunderstandings and misinformation about the plan.
Alaska, Florida and Wyoming host their primary elections today. The U.S. Senate seat race in Alaska is drawing significant money from across the country, as it's one of the seats that could influence which party controls the Senate after the November midterms. The key candidates are the incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and his main challenger, Democrat Mary Peltola. The primary is nonpartisan; the top four candidates from any party move forward to the midterms.
A Manhattan judge has indefinitely postponed Luigi Mangione's September state court trial while his defense attorneys argue to have his state charges dismissed. Last week, Mangione pleaded guilty to two stalking charges in federal court and admitted to following and shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione still faces second-degree murder and other charges in state court. His attorneys argue that the state charges should be dismissed because proceeding with them would violate his due process rights and the double jeopardy protections against being tried twice for the same crime. (via Gothamist)
Living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.
One of the most popular prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction is increasingly being promoted in wellness circles as an all-purpose longevity drug. Online clinics and influential figures say tadalafil, more commonly known by its brand name Cialis, can benefit the cardiovascular system, brain and athletic performance. The drug isn't approved for preventing heart attacks, strokes or extending life, but there's growing interest among experts in the field of cardiology and men's health in the potential preventive health role of tadalafil and similar medications. Here's what we know:
Racers a few moments after the start line at Mt. Tabor Park during the 27th Portland Adult Soap Box Derby on August 15, 2026 in Portland, Ore. Celeste Noche for NPR hide caption
toggle caption
Celeste Noche for NPR
On a recent Saturday, several thousand residents in Portland, Ore., gathered to cheer on the colorful and creative motorless cars of the 27th annual Portland Adult Soap Box Derby as they raced down a steep hill. Speed takes a back seat to creativity and celebration at this event. The derby is part race, part art installation and block party. Contestants use everything from wood, metal and plastic to fake fur and hula hoops to build the whimsical vehicles. This year's lineup included a giant sloth head, a Heated Rivalry-themed Zamboni affectionately named "The Ice Melter," a replica of the iconic Flintstones car and a vehicle representing Oregon's infamous exploded dead whale. Check out these photos of some of the most creative cars from the soap box derby.
Three-year-old sunflower stars explore the kelp forest for the first time. They come in a rainbow of colors but are all the same species. The stars in this cohort are called the "snack pack," so they all have snack names, from Cheeto and Noodles to Sweet Potato. Jennifer Adler hide caption
toggle caption
Jennifer Adler
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Read the full story at NPR ↗
This lens runs the verified story through Cinnamon's AI — wired in the next step.
- and Iran missed a deadline to begin peace talks this week.
- The monthslong war has depleted U.S.
- And, what to know about Alaska's U.S.