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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

27 min
Jul 21, 2026
The Red Sea: A New Front in the War?

As fallen American servicemembers are identified, Yemen announces a blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office. And a federal judge pauses a proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jul 20, 2026
Americans Killed as Iran Expands Battlefield

For the first time in months, U.S. servicemembers are killed near Iran. Andrew and Tristan Tate are arrested by U.S. Marshals, signaling a potential extradition to British authorities. And a cyclosporiasis link to Taco Bell locations in five states doesn’t quite explain a much wider outbreak.    Photo Credit: U.S. Central Command Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jul 17, 2026
Are Trump’s Election Claims Ready for Primetime?

President Trump delivers a White House address with outlandish claims about election security. Sources say Trump’s lead teleprompter operator is under scrutiny for bets on speech details. And fearing a “cultural crisis,” Cherokee leaders are trying to teach children to speak an endangered language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jul 16, 2026
Trump's AG Pick Swears He's Independent

Attorney general nominee Todd Blanche insists his time working for President Trump will not affect him at the Justice Department. Smoke fills cities across the northern U.S. and Canada. And the Pentagon will start testing testosterone levels in service members over 30. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jul 15, 2026
ICE Patch: DHS Halts Vehicle Stops, for Now

ICE agents have been told to immediately scale back vehicle stops, sources say, in the wake of deadly shootings. Supreme Court justices ask Congress for security funding amid threats to their safety. And African migrants are being dispatched to the front lines in Russia’s war against Ukraine.  AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jul 14, 2026
The Iran Blockade is Back

President Trump informs Congress that the U.S. is heading back to battle with Iran, while proposing a toll on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. South Carolina Republicans begin jockeying for the late Lindsey Graham’s senate seat. And for the second time in a week, a person is shot dead by ICE agents.  AP Photo/Amirhosein Khorgooi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Jul 13, 2026
The Sudden Death of Sen. Lindsey Graham

Senator Lindsey Graham unexpectedly dies from a heart condition, prompting tributes in South Carolina. The parents of Nolan Wells call for an independent investigation into his death off the Mississippi coast. And officials warn of an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in more than 30 states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Jul 10, 2026
So…Are We Back at War with Iran?

The U.S. intercepts dozens of missiles and drones from Iran directed toward Gulf neighbors. A former Olympian challenges the Trump administration over his arrest near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. And continuing heatwaves pose a long-term cost to the American economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jul 9, 2026
Trump: Iran Deal is ‘Over’

The U.S. launches a series of strikes on Iran, as President Trump declares a ceasefire deal “over.” Maine Democrat Graham Platner drops out of a crucial Senate race. And a deadly ICE-involved shooting results in threats of legal action from Mexico.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jul 8, 2026
What Happened to Mitch McConnell?

Questions grow about the condition of Sen. Mitch McConnell, with few details from his staff, weeks after he was hospitalized. Democrats distance themselves from Senate hopeful Graham Platner as new allegations surface. And Charlie Kirk’s family members watch prosecutors present evidence to a Utah judge in a pretrial hearing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Jul 7, 2026
Graham Platner's Unraveling Senate Campaign

Top Democrats are pulling endorsements for Graham Platner as new allegations rock his Senate campaign against Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine. President Trump arrives at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey today with demands for allies to contribute more in defense spending. And as “Trump Accounts” launch, parents are weighing options to save for their kids’ future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Jul 6, 2026
A Fourth Full of Fireworks

Facing storms and safety warnings, President Trump delivers a July 4th address. FIFA lifts a controversial suspension on American star Folarin Balogun, while a phone call from President Trump prompts questions of political influence. And Brad takes a ride on the historic “Big Boy” locomotive as part of its nationwide whistle-stop tour.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 min
Jul 3, 2026
The Camden 14: Naming America’s First Soldiers

In a special edition of “Start Here,” the team travels to the site of the 1780 Battle of Camden. After spending years discovering and unearthing remains of the fallen, researchers have finally given the soldiers a proper burial – and in a first-of-its-kind development, have been able to identify one by name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 min
Jul 2, 2026
Less Cryptic, More Crypto: Trump’s Finances Disclosed

President Trump’s financial disclosures show billions in profit in 2025 alone, with more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency earnings. Sixteen children are found in squalid conditions in an Ohio home. And a couple is arrested after climbing the spire of the Empire State Building for a proposal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jul 1, 2026
Why the Supreme Court Upheld Birthright Citizenship

In its final rulings of its term, the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the policy of birthright citizenship, while backing state bans on transgender athletes in girls' sports. Meanwhile, new student loan rules kick in today for students nationwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jun 30, 2026
Win for Snail Mail: The Supreme Court’s Ballot Ruling

The Supreme Court issues a surprising ruling on mail ballots, upending President Trump’s hope to restrict when they can be counted. Meanwhile, a pair of cases results in conflicting rulings over whether a president can fire agency officials. And aftershocks continue to rattle Venezuela as rescue efforts continue.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 min
Jun 29, 2026
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surges

The death toll rises dramatically as bodies are pulled out of earthquake debris in Venezuela. New strikes by Iran raise questions about a ceasefire’s stability. And wildfires in Utah and Colorado have now claimed the lives of multiple firefighters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Jun 26, 2026
Supreme Court Backs Trump on Immigration

The Supreme Court sides with the Trump administration in a pair of high-profile immigration cases. Rescuers desperately search for survivors after a pair of earthquakes in Venezuela. And the Strait of Hormuz effectively shuts after an Iranian drone attack.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jun 25, 2026
Trump Won't Close on Lawmakers' Housing Bill

President Trump refuses to sign a bipartisan affordable housing bill, insisting that Congress pass his SAVE America Act first. Victories for allies of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani prompt a broad conversation about Democratic strategy. And concerns over an island resort pushed by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have spiraled into furious national protests in Albania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Jun 24, 2026
Fixer-Upper: Congress Takes a Swing at the Housing Crisis

The House passes a bipartisan bill meant to make it easier to buy a home. The Pentagon asks Congress for $80 billion. And a stifling heatwave in Europe becomes deadly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jun 23, 2026
Why the Iran Deal Isn’t a ‘Nuclear Deal’

American negotiators say Iran has agreed to allow nuclear weapons inspectors to examine their stockpiles, but several hurdles remain. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, paving the way for Andy Burnham to succeed him. And legendary music executive Clive Davis is dead at 94.  (Photo Credit: Nathan Howard/Pool Reuters via AP) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jun 22, 2026
Not Easy Being Green: Crackdowns at Reflecting Pool

Facing algae-tinted waters and cost overruns, President Trump blames unnamed saboteurs for ruining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz as talks in Switzerland turn tense. And the killing of a dog by police results in grief and anger in Los Angeles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31 min
Jun 20, 2026
Introducing "The Snare"

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, "The Snare," hosted by Maggie Rulli. Police in Idaho Falls bring in a young man named Chris Tapp to answer some questions. This will set him and others on a path they never would've predicted. To hear the rest of the series, follow "The Snare" on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Jun 19, 2026
Trump’s New Battle: Political Blowback Over Iran

The Trump administration responds to Republican criticism of the Iran ceasefire deal. The Supreme Court unanimously sides with marijuana users in a gun rights debate. And former President Barack Obama opens a presidential center on the South Side of Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jun 18, 2026
Understanding the Iran Deal, Point by Point

The text of a ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran draws scrutiny. President Trump derails the confirmation of the man he nominated to lead the country’s intelligence apparatus. And after a dramatic confrontation by victims’ families, Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heurmann is sentenced.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 min
Jun 17, 2026
The Alleged Drone Plot Against the White House

Several suspects are under arrest for an alleged plot to attack Sunday’s White House UFC event with drones. The Department of Education announces plans to offload key programs to other agencies. And doctors are growing concerned over surges in off-label use of ivermectin as a cancer treatment. (Photo Credit: Win McNamee/Pool Getty via AP) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jun 16, 2026
Why the Iran Deal Still Isn’t Strait-Forward

As President Trump touts an Iran deal to G7 leaders, experts question when exactly the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces that he’s being investigated by federal authorities. And UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposes a ban on social media for children under 16. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 min
Jun 15, 2026
US & Iran Reach Ceasefire Agreement

President Trump, along with a series of world leaders, announce the U.S. and Iran have agreed to terms for a ceasefire agreement. Anthropic says it’s pulling back an advanced artificial intelligence model after the Trump White House has restricted its use by foreign nationals. And twelve people die in a Missouri plane crash, including eleven skydivers.  AP Photo/Vahid Salemi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 min
Jun 12, 2026
Deal or No Deal: Where the Iran War Stands

President Trump says an agreement with Iran could be signed as early as this weekend. A short-term extension of FISA fails to pass ahead of an expiration deadline. And complications arise as the World Cup heats up in the US.  AP Photo/Amirhosein Khorgooi  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 min
Jun 11, 2026
US strikes multiple targets in Iran

The downing of an American helicopter by Iran has prompted President Trump to amp up strikes in the country. Bill Gates answers questions in a closed-door session before the House Oversight Committee over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. And the upcoming UFC fight on the White House lawn is now the subject of a lawsuit.  AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 min
Jun 10, 2026
Apache Down: The US Retaliates Against Iran

An Iranian drone takes down an American helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the U.S. to launch new strikes. A controversial murder case that divided a Texas community ends with a 35 year sentence for a teenage defendant. And NASA unveils the astronauts that will take part in its latest mission, Artemis III.  (FILE Photo: U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Olivia Cowart) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jun 9, 2026
What Trump Said to Netanyahu

As Iran and Israel pause their assaults, President Trump describes pleading with Benjamin Netanyahu to not endanger peace negotiations. Spencer Pratt fails to make it to a runoff in the Los Angeles mayor’s race after a lengthy count. And ABC’s Ian Pannell travels to Moscow to ask Russians what they think of Vladimir Putin’s war.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 min
Jun 8, 2026
Back to Battle? Iran Launches Missiles at Israel

Iran fires ballistic missiles at Israel, testing the U.S.-Israel alliance. Maine voters weigh new allegations against Democrat Graham Platner. And Canada halts livestock imports from Texas after a second case of screwworm in cattle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 min
Jun 5, 2026
Trump Critic Set to Plead Guilty in Docs Case

President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty over mishandling classified documents, sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News. An appeals court panel is set to hear arguments over whether the White House ballroom construction should continue. And new reports surrounding Maine’s Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner threaten the party’s path to the majority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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