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ABC News·Hosted by Brad Mielke·50 episodes

NewsDaily news20-30 min/epABC NewsMorning briefingStandalone episodesCorrespondent reporting

A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.

Why listen

Start Here is built for people who want the day’s major headlines explained before the day gets away from them. Brad Mielke moves quickly through politics, global affairs, health, courts, and culture, using ABC News reporting and correspondent context instead of long panel debate. It is a strong fit if you want a polished, compact morning news habit that gives you more than headlines without becoming a full hour of analysis.

Episodes

25 min
Jun 4, 2026
The World's Oil Supply is Draining

Experts warn that the Iran conflict is straining the global oil supply to dangerous levels. A dramatic hostage situation unfolds in a bank building in Bakersfield, California. And families who could be impacted by an expected Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship speak out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Jun 3, 2026
DOJ to Congress: 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund is Dead

After a Republican revolt, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche tries to convince Congress that the “anti-weaponization” fund is dead. President Trump picks a new director of national intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard’s exit, but questions swirl around his credentials. And marine archaeologists announce the discovery of shipwrecks from the Golden Age of Piracy in Nassau. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Jun 2, 2026
Distrust Fund: DOJ Pauses Payment Plan

In the face of angry Republican lawmakers and skeptical judges, the Trump administration halts the creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer and reality star Spencer Pratt headline a series of California primaries. And a federal appellate court rules the dismissal of transgender service people was likely unconstitutional.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jun 1, 2026
Trump’s Tweaks to the ‘Final’ Iran Agreement

With doubt over a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, Israel resumes its push into Lebanon. A judge reconsiders a settlement that resulted in President Trump’s “anti-weaponization fund.” And several Laotian miners escape a flooded cave, but two are still believed to be stranded deep within. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 min
May 29, 2026
From Missile Strikes…to a Ceasefire Plan?

Sources say American and Iranian diplomats have reached a broad framework for a ceasefire extension, despite strikes from each side this week. Demonstrations outside a New Jersey ICE facility turn into clashes with federal agents. And a raid on the home of a former CIA officer allegedly reveals a trove of gold bars from the spy agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 28, 2026
A Chemical Blast Turns Deadly

Authorities believe a chemical tank accident likely killed more than 10 people in Longview, Washington. Sources confirm the Justice Department has opened an investigation into Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll. And police arrest a Google employee over allegations of insider trading on prediction markets.  Photo Credit: City of Longview via AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
May 27, 2026
How Paxton’s Win Changes the Midterm Map

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton trounces Sen. John Cornyn for the Senate Republican nomination. Iran warns of retaliation for a U.S. strike. And a fishing renaissance takes hold in New York City after half a century of health warnings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 26, 2026
Senate Runoff: Are Endorsements Bigger in Texas?

Texas Republicans are set to decide between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton for a crucial Senate seat. California authorities say a chemical plant explosion has been averted, but that threats still remain. And an Ebola outbreak is only beginning to come into focus in Africa.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 min
May 25, 2026
An Ohio Airman & the Cost of the Iran War

On this Memorial Day, ABC’s Byron Pitts examines the losses sustained thus far in the Iran conflict, and interviews the family of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, one of the war’s 13 fatalities. (Photo Credit: Airman First Class Ivy Thomas/U.S. Air National Guard) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
May 22, 2026
A Republican Revolt Over ‘Weaponization Fund’

A meeting between Republican lawmakers and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche becomes heated. The Democratic National Committee releases a long-awaited “autopsy” on Kamala Harris’ 2024 loss. And cybersecurity experts sound the alarm over Chinese-made humanoid robots.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
May 21, 2026
Why the US Indicted Raúl Castro

Federal prosecutors secure an indictment against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. Two officers who protected the Capitol on Jan. 6 file a lawsuit against President Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” And future Harvard students face a new school of thought towards grading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 20, 2026
Trump Topples His Kentucky Critic

A candidate supported by President Trump defeats Rep. Thomas Massie in a Kentucky congressional primary. The Justice Department reveals a provision in a settlement that will force the IRS to drop any audits of the Trump family. And police say the two teenage gunmen subscribed to “nihilist violent extremism.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 19, 2026
San Diego Islamic Center Shooting

Gunmen open fire on the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three. The Trump administration establishes a controversial fund that will send taxpayer dollars to MAGA allies. And the World Health Organization warns of an Ebola outbreak in Africa.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 18, 2026
Trump’s Plan to Primary His GOP Critics

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) gets trounced in a primary, signaling danger for other Republicans who have run afoul of President Trump. The Senate’s rulemaker crosses out White House ballroom security measures from a proposed funding plan. And Palestinians lock their doors in Jerusalem’s Old City as gatherings of young Jewish demonstrators grow increasingly violent.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
May 15, 2026
China Warns of ‘Clash’ with US Over Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping warns President Trump that the US and China will 'clash' if Taiwan is handled 'improperly.' Sources say Trump will drop his lawsuit against the IRS in exchange for the creation of a fund for his allies. And the Pentagon abruptly cancels troop deployments to Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
May 14, 2026
Murdaugh’s Murder Convictions Overturned

Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions are tossed out by South Carolina’s Supreme Court. Russia launches nearly a thousand drones into Ukraine as concerns in Moscow rise. And as a national reckoning grows chaotic, gunfire erupts in the Philippine Senate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 13, 2026
Trump's Trip to China

With wartime inflation surging, President Trump arrives in China for a summit. Meanwhile, a California mayor resigns amid allegations that she’s been serving as a Chinese agent. And FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with Democrats on Capitol Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 min
May 12, 2026
Americans from Hantavirus Cruise Begin Quarantine

Passengers from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship are now being monitored in Nebraska and Georgia after possible exposure. Health officials insist the risk to Americans remains very low and stress the differences between hantavirus and COVID. And President Trump supports suspending the federal gas tax amid rising prices from the war in Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 min
May 11, 2026
Cruise Guests are Coming Home. Is the Hantavirus?

As cruise ship passengers are evacuated, countries are employing different policies on whether they should quarantine. Virginia’s Supreme Court throws out a congressional map proposed by Democrats, upending midterm plans. And high schools and colleges nationwide scramble to process assignments after the lesson platform was hacked.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
May 8, 2026
Trump: Firefight with Iran was a ‘Love Tap’

The U.S. fires on military targets along the Iranian coast after a firefight at sea. Health workers conduct contact tracing to monitor whether passengers left a ship with hantavirus. And the Justice Department investigates lucrative oil trades just before key decisions in Iran. (Photo: U.S. Navy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 7, 2026
Hantavirus Patients Evacuated from Cruise Ship

A cruise ship that carried passengers with hantavirus is now en route to the Canary Islands, while patients have been evacuated. Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick gives congressional testimony on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. And following a Supreme Court ruling, Republican lawmakers in Tennessee and Alabama propose new congressional maps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 6, 2026
WH: ‘Operation Epic Fury’ is Over

The Trump administration declares an end to Operation Epic Fury, and then pauses an operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Senate Republicans propose spending $1 billion on security for a forthcoming White House ballroom. And California regulators file suit against State Farm for allegedly violating the law when handling wildfire cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
May 5, 2026
Has the Ceasefire Shattered?

Iran opens fire on sites across the Strait of Hormuz, including on U.S. naval vessels. The Cuban government tries to rally its people in the face of a foreign oil embargo. And another case of hantavirus is confirmed onboard a cruise ship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 4, 2026
Spirit in the Sky No Longer

Spirit Airlines goes out of business, leaving some customers stranded. A federal court orders doctors nationwide to stop mailing the abortion pill Mifepristone. And the U.S. prepares to withdraw thousands of troops stationed in Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 min
May 2, 2026
Introducing "Blood and Water"

Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Blood and Water," hosted by Stephanie Ramos. In episode one of "Blood and Water," a woman fails to show up to work. When investigators are called to her home, they find a gruesome crime scene. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Blood and Water" on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
May 1, 2026
Pain in the Gas: Fuel Prices Explode

Oil reaches its highest price in years, as Americans express discontent over the economic toll of the war in Iran. The House agrees to a DHS funding deal, ending a 76-day shutdown. And the man suspected of attacking the White House Correspondents’ Dinner declines to challenge his detention in jail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Apr 30, 2026
A Landmark Ruling on the Voting Rights Act

The Supreme Court puts new limits on how the Voting Rights Act is enforced in electoral map-making. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies to Congress about the cost of the conflict in Iran. And Saudi Arabia reportedly wants out of its sizable investment in LIV Golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Apr 29, 2026
James Comey Indictment 2.0

A federal grand jury returns an indictment on former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly threatening President Trump. King Charles presses the importance of NATO in an address to Congress. And the United Arab Emirates withdraws from OPEC, shaking up the world’s dominant oil cartel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Apr 28, 2026
WHCD Shooting: What We Still Don’t Know

The suspected gunman behind the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack faces charges, but several details about his arrest remain unclear. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis asks state lawmakers to push through a congressional map that dramatically favors Republicans. And a suspected killer in Florida is said to have consulted ChatGPT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 min
Apr 27, 2026
The WHCD Shooting Suspect

New details emerge about the man accused of a shooting plot at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Hopes dim for peace talks with Iran. And King Charles is set to arrive in Washington, D.C. for a state visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 min
Apr 26, 2026
BREAKING: Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

In a special edition of “Start Here,” Brad reports from the aftermath of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 24, 2026
Predictable? Soldier Arrested Over Maduro Bets

A U.S. special forces soldier is arrested for allegedly placing Polymarket bets on the removal of Nicolas Maduro. The Justice Department reclassifies marijuana as a less serious drug. And the Trump administration considers a bailout for struggling Spirit Airlines.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Apr 23, 2026
Ceasefire Watch: Strait Back to Where We Started

Iran seizes more ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Rising oil prices force many American travelers to reconsider flight plans. And Virginia’s redistricting vote prompts new concerns for the GOP.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 22, 2026
Trump Extends Ceasefire…Indefinitely?

With a deadline approaching, President Trump extends a ceasefire with Iran. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) resigns under pressure. And the Justice Department files charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Apr 21, 2026
Virginia is for Voters: Will Redistricting Measure Pass?

Control of Congress could hang in the balance as Virginia Democrats press voters to approve a new state electoral map. Embattled Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns from President Trump’s cabinet. And singer-songwriter D4vd is charged with first-degree murder.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Apr 20, 2026
Ships Back Under Fire in the Strait of Hormuz

Hopes fade for renewed peace talks as the U.S. and Iran open fire at ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration opens its refund portal for businesses that paid now-disallowed tariffs. And police face nearly a thousand animal rights activists at a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Apr 17, 2026
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Begins

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon begins to take effect. American farmers share how they’re handling the economic impacts of the Iran war. And two Supreme Court justices’ comments on the direction of the high court are raising eyebrows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Apr 16, 2026
The DOJ is Still Knocking on the Fed’s Door

Despite a judge blocking subpoenas, federal prosecutors show up at the Federal Reserve, as President Trump once again threatens to fire chair Jerome Powell. Iranian ships begin testing the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. And in a case that could reshape the entertainment industry, a jury rules that concert behemoth Live Nation has acted like a monopoly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 15, 2026
Peace of the Puzzle: Israel & Lebanon Are Talking

As the U.S. tries to get Iran back to the table for peace talks, diplomats from Israel and Lebanon meet in Washington. Brian Hooker is released from a Bahamian jail without charges, telling ABC News he’ll keep searching for his wife Lynette. And a suspect heads to court after being accused of attacking the home of OpenAI executive Sam Altman.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Apr 14, 2026
Resign-o-Rama: Swalwell & Gonzales Call It Quits

Facing potential expulsion from Congress, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) each announce they’ll step down over sexual misconduct allegations. A naval blockade takes effect in the Strait of Hormuz. And Catholics react to President Trump’s rants about Pope Leo XIV.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 13, 2026
How US And Iranian Negotiations Fell Apart

As negotiations with Iran fall apart, Trump says the U.S. Navy will begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Viktor Orbán loses his reelection bid for prime minister in Hungary. And Representative Eric Swalwell suspends his California governor campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Apr 10, 2026
Why the Ceasefire Could Hinge on Israel

Israel agrees to negotiate with Lebanon, but refuses to stop its attacks on Hezbollah with a ceasefire hanging in the balance. Brian Hooker is arrested in Bahamas in connection with the disappearance of his wife. And the Artemis II crew prepares to splash down on Earth.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 9, 2026
Ceasefire Confusion

As bombs rain down on Lebanon, Iran and the US accuse each other of misinterpreting the terms of their ceasefire. President Trump seems open to a “tolling” system in the Strait of Hormuz. And Rex Heuermann changes his plea in the Gilgo Beach serial murder case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 8, 2026
US & Iran Reach Ceasefire...For Now

Officials from the U.S. and Iran declare they’ve reached an agreement for a two-week ceasefire, but it’s unclear exactly what each side is conceding. Vice President JD Vance stumps for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of a crucial election. And doctors hope newly FDA-approved devices will mitigate the need for amputations due to Type 2 diabetes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 7, 2026
Tonight, or Else: Trump’s New Deadline for Iran

President Trump threatens to demolish critical infrastructure if Iran does not agree to his terms by this evening. The Artemis II crew emerges from the far side of the moon. And a decision that could dismiss Steve Bannon’s onetime conviction raises broader questions about presidential immunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Apr 6, 2026
Inside the US Rescue Missions in Iran

Two airmen have now been rescued after a U.S. fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday. An executive order challenges mail-in voting, but several new lawsuits argue the order is unconstitutional. And today is a big day for the crew of the Artemis II mission, as they travel farther than any human has before.  Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Apr 3, 2026
Why Trump Fired Pam Bondi

President Trump removes Pam Bondi as attorney general. Congressional Republicans say they have a plan in place to fund the Department of Homeland Security. And oil prices surge after Trump’s address on Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Apr 2, 2026
Trump: Mission Almost Accomplished

In a primetime address, President Trump promises to “finish the job,” without clarifying what that entails. The Supreme Court debates the Trump administration’s case against birthright citizenship – with the president in the room. And as Artemis II takes off, SpaceX prepares for a stratospheric public stock offering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Apr 1, 2026
SCOTUS Rules Against Conversion Therapy Ban

The Supreme Court overturns a ruling upholding bans on “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ youth. A federal judge orders a halt to construction on the White House ballroom. And with Trump poised to make an announcement on the Iran war, Israel announces a plan to demolish homes in Lebanon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Mar 31, 2026
Who is Trump Negotiating With?

As President Trump threatens more strikes on Iran, analysts raise concerns about the closure of another key shipping route. Despite a blockade, a Russian tanker is allowed to deliver oil to Cuba. And deposition video sheds light on the early days of DOGE cutbacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices