US-Iran Conflict Intensifies
A third US service member has been killed as the US conducts its ninth consecutive night of bombing in Iran. Iran has vowed to block oil passage through the Strait of Hormuz while attacks continue.
1Up First from NPR
US-Iran War Escalates, Congress Faces Deadlines, UK Names New Prime Minister
Coverage of the ninth night of US bombing in Iran, legislative priorities for House Republicans, and the appointment of Andy Burnham as the UK's new prime minister.
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US-Iran War Escalates, Congress To-Do List, UK Has A New Prime Minister
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Congressional Legislative Push
House Republicans have one week remaining before the August recess. Speaker Mike Johnson is advancing defense funding, a stock trading ban for lawmakers, and President Trump’s election integrity bill.
2UK Leadership Change
Andy Burnham has replaced Keir Starmer as the UK's new prime minister, marking the country's seventh leader in ten years.
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“What are the implications of blocking the Strait of Hormuz for global oil prices?”
“How does the stock trading bill aim to address voter anxiety?”
“What challenges does the new UK prime minister face?”
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This guide is based on the episode 'US-Iran War Escalates, Congress To-Do List, UK Has A New Prime Minister' from Up First from NPR, published on 2026-07-20.
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A third U.S. service member has been killed since Friday as the U.S. bombs Iran for a ninth straight night, with Iran vowing not a drop of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz while the attacks continue.
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House Republicans have one week left before the August recess as Speaker Mike Johnson tries to advance defense funding, a stock trading ban for lawmakers, and President Trump’s election integrity bill amid high voter anxiety over the cost of living.
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And the United Kingdom has a new prime minister this morning as Andy Burnham replaces Keir Starmer, becoming the country’s seventh leader in just ten years.
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Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Brett Neely, Tara Neill, Mohamad ElBardicy and Taylor Haney.
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It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas
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Our director is Christopher Thomas
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We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
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(0:00) Introduction (01:54) US-Iran War Escalates (05:24) Congress To-Do List (09:08) UK Has A New Prime Minister
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