Up First from NPR Folgen

What does it mean to live a life worthy of those we leave behind? On this episode of The Sunday Story, Ayesha Rascoe explores the idea with author Daniel Kraus. Kraus' latest novel is Whalefall. It tells the story of Jay Gardiner, a troubled young man burdened by guilt after the death of his estranged father. Jay hopes to redeem himself by diving to recover his father's remains in the ocean off the California coast; instead he is swallowed whole by a whale. It is in the whale's dark belly that Jay finally begins to reconcile with his father and understand the lessons he'd been trying to pass on. The book is not just a page-turning thriller but a deep meditation on fathers, sons and loss.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel says it is "closing in" on Hamas militants it claims are using hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in Gaza as cover. The American and Chinese presidents are due to talk for the first time in more than a year. It will be difficult for automakers to pass the cost of recent union wins to consumers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Israel agrees to daily pauses in fighting to allow for a "humanitarian corridor" in areas of northern Gaza, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin will not seek re-election in West Virginia. And immigration on the US-Mexico border reaches an all-time high. Today's episode of Up First was edited by Mark Katkov, Megan Pratz and Andrea DeLeon. It was produced by Shelby Hawkins and Ben Abrams. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman. Our show director is Milton Guevara, and our executive producer is Erika Aguilar. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy