Start Here
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.
Episodes
Mind Your Drone Business
Lawmakers are demanding answers as more and more reports of mysterious drone sightings flood into government offices. South Korea’s president is impeached after imposing martial law. And Syrians explore the now-vacant offices of Bashar al-Assad’s secret police.
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16/12/24•28m 34s
The Hunt for Syria’s American Prisoners
U.S. officials say a video of a young American captive found in Syria appears to be Travis Timmerman, who went missing months ago. President Biden gives clemency to more than 1,500 convicts. And the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau plans new limits on overdraft fees.
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13/12/24•27m 29s
Trump Gets His Wray
Christopher Wray resigns as FBI Director at the urging of President-elect Trump. New York police claim to uncover forensic proof that Luigi Mangione shot UnitedHealth’s CEO dead. And Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders becomes the latest official to promote cell phone bans in classrooms.
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12/12/24•32m 34s
Inside Syria’s Most Notorious Prison
ABC’s James Longman ventures inside the now-emptied Damascus prison where Syrians have disappeared for years. The suspected gunman in a CEO’s murder shouts a message outside court, while prosecutors pore over his writings. And experts of baby names dissect the choices around Generation Alpha, as Gen Beta prepares to take the stage.
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11/12/24•27m 10s
Police Capture Suspect in CEO's Killing
The suspected gunman in the killing of a health insurance CEO is apprehended in Pennsylvania. Syrian refugees come streaming back into Damascus following the exile of Bashar al-Assad. And the Marine who choked a man to death on the New York City subway is acquitted by a jury.
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10/12/24•31m 17s
How Syria’s Government Suddenly Fell
Syrian rebels take over Damascus, driving Bashar al-Assad from the country his family has ruled for generations. President-elect Donald Trump describes his plans to pardon January 6th rioters. And federal judges rule against TikTok in its bid to avoid a forced sale.
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09/12/24•31m 8s
An Assassination Gets Personal
Police release new details about the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A 7.0 earthquake, threatening a tsunami, sends Californians scrambling. And Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth tries to reassure senators, without the personal help of President-elect Trump.
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06/12/24•24m 38s
A Landmark Transgender Rights Case
In a historic case, Tennessee families ask the Supreme Court to dismantle laws banning gender-affirming care for minors. The CEO of UnitedHealth is shot to death in what authorities call a targeted attack. And an international math exam shows American scores declining at alarming rates.
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05/12/24•26m 36s
Militarized Zone: South Korea’s Crisis Moment
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declares martial law, rattling democracies around the world. Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth meets with concerned senators. And federal law enforcement officials describe a brazen plot by China to infiltrate American phones.
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04/12/24•26m 52s
Will Biden’s Pardon Haunt Democrats?
Democrats in Washington express disappointment with President Biden’s decision to pardon his son. The Supreme Court considers FDA regulations on flavored vapes. And New York jurors deliberate over a subway chokehold death that has become a flashpoint over race, violence, and mental health.
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03/12/24•28m 59s
Beg Your Pardon?
In a dramatic about-face, President Biden says he will pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing on federal convictions. President-elect Trump nominates a new FBI director with a history of promoting conspiracy theories about the “deep state.” And, Hamas releases a new video of an American hostage as aid deliveries into Gaza become even more difficult.
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02/12/24•29m 44s
Overdose or Murder, Part 2: 'Perfect' Justice?
Some families believe drug-induced homicide laws are a powerful form of justice. Others worry the laws will do more harm than good. In Part 2 of this special "Start Here" series, ABC's Camille Petersen explores the fierce debate over these laws and how they may continue shaping our response to overdose deaths.
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29/11/24•39m 0s
Overdose or Murder, Part 1: The Worst Call A Parent Can Get
When someone dies from a drug overdose, who should we blame? And how should they be punished? In Part 1 of this special "Start Here" series, ABC's Camille Petersen explores the nationwide rise of drug-induced homicide laws, which allow for criminal charges against whoever gave or sold someone the drugs that caused their death. She takes us to North Carolina, where two families grapple with the pain and promise of these new laws.
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28/11/24•39m 14s
Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Ceasefire
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah takes effect. President-elect Trump threatens to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. And, Thanksgiving flights are facing delays because of an air traffic controller shortage.
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27/11/24•26m 8s
Case Dismissed: Jack Smith Throws in the Towel
Special counsel Jack Smith’s election interference case against President-elect Trump is tossed after he requested a dismissal because of a Justice Department policy. Macy’s delays a quarterly earnings report after it says an employee hid up to $154 million worth of expenses. And, President Biden hosts the final White House turkey pardon of his term, granting clemency to Peach and Blossom.
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26/11/24•21m 42s
Trump Rounds Out His Cabinet
President-elect Trump makes his final selections to head federal agencies. Hezbollah responds to Israeli missile strikes with a barrage of rockets and drones. And Erik and Lyle Menendez prepare to meet a judge over their bid for freedom.
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25/11/24•22m 28s
Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery | Ep. 1
Hear the first episode of our new investigative true crime series: "Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery."
Karen Silkwood’s death 50 years ago this week continues to haunt Oklahoma and the nation. The 28-year-old plutonium plant worker died in a fatal crash while driving to meet a reporter with The New York Times allegedly to deliver evidence documenting unsafe conditions at the plant. Two reporters who covered the Silkwood story in 1974 have spent years trying to piece together what many in Oklahoma speculate: Karen Silkwood may have died for what she knew. Fifty years later, hear newly-discovered investigative tapes, deathbed conversations and long-awaited interviews reexamining what happened that night.
Listen to the first two episodes of "Radioactive" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your podcast app of choice.
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23/11/24•44m 46s
Trump’s AG Pivot
Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration for attorney general, as President-elect Trump quickly selects Pam Bondi as a replacement. Jussie Smollett’s conviction is overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court. And in an escalation aimed squarely at the west, Russia fires a ballistic missile into Ukraine.
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22/11/24•28m 23s
Trump’s Pressure Campaign on Congress
President-elect Trump uses his political muscle to keep attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz on track for confirmation. Congressional Republicans ban the first transgender House member from using the women’s bathroom. And an E. coli outbreak prompts concern about organic carrots.
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21/11/24•25m 41s
EconomiX: Musk’s Wish List
President-elect Trump picks a close ally of Elon Musk for commerce secretary, reflecting both men’s priorities. Manhattan prosecutors argue for “pausing” Trump’s criminal sentencing until he leaves office. And a verdict could come down today in a trial about the death of Laken Riley, a case that has sparked a debate over immigrants and crime.
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20/11/24•32m 1s
How Mass Deportations Would Work
President-elect Trump confirms that he plans to declare a national emergency at the border, which could clear the way to involve the military in a mass deportation effort. An attorney for two women called before Congress describes their accusations against Matt Gaetz. And federal prosecutors allege that Sean “Diddy” Combs has been trying to influence witnesses and jurors from behind bars.
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19/11/24•28m 48s
Biden’s Green Light to Ukraine
For the first time in the war, President Joe Biden authorizes Ukraine to fire American-made missiles deeper into Russia. President-elect Donald Trump selects more members of his cabinet, while controversial picks Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth face serious allegations. And concerned Supreme Court observers implore aging justices to retire.
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18/11/24•30m 0s
Trump Gives RFK Jr. a Shot
President-elect Trump picks vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Alex Jones’ InfoWars is auctioned off to The Onion. And authorities in California say the bears that caused thousands of dollars of damage to luxury vehicles were actually people in costumes.
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15/11/24•27m 56s
Trump, the GOP’s Gaetz-Keeper
President-elect Trump divides Congress by selecting Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. Sen. John Thune emerges as Majority Leader, but will now have tough decisions on confirmations. And Northeastern states respond to a growing outbreak of wildfires.
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14/11/24•30m 11s
Fox and Friends: Trump's Cabinet Stunner
President-elect Donald Trump picks a Fox News contributor with little government leadership experience to run the Pentagon. Israel begins transitioning away from the Biden White House as Trump’s cabinet takes shape. And skirmishes in Amsterdam have exploded into a days-long riot watch.
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13/11/24•32m 34s
Trump Taps Rubio for Secretary of State
President-elect Trump is expected to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio for Secretary of State. Trump’s win prompts Ukrainian officials to seriously consider an endgame for its war with Russia. And a Spirit Airlines flight comes under gunfire from Haiti’s largest airport.
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12/11/24•27m 59s
How MAGA Will Congress Be?
As House races continue to be called, congressional Republicans prepare for a narrow majority in the Senate. FEMA fires an employee for allegedly instructing workers to skip homes expressing support for Donald Trump. And on Veterans Day, military officials express concern over the number of forceful blasts recruits experience in training.
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11/11/24•29m 9s
You’re Hired: Trump’s Team Takes Shape
President-elect Trump names the first female chief of staff in White House history. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announces an interest rate cut, before declaring that he will not resign even if asked. And fueled by 80 mph winds, wildfires rage across Southern California.
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08/11/24•26m 2s
Inside the Trump Transition
President-elect Donald Trump assembles a transition team for the White House. Vice President Kamala Harris concedes the election, while Democrats come to grips with a decisive loss. And world leaders once again approach Trump as commander-in-chief.
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07/11/24•29m 11s
Trump Wins
ABC News projects that Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States. In a special edition, our team analyzes the vote, and the voters, that led to the biggest political comeback in American history.
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06/11/24•15m 49s
Your Election Day Preview
With a stark choice in front of them, Americans head to the polls on a decisive Election Day. The team at 538 describes what to watch for as results roll in. And a historian explains why we vote on a Tuesday in November.
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05/11/24•26m 7s
Keystone: The Ground Game in PA
In a special edition, “Start Here” travels around eastern Pennsylvania to witness the final push by both campaigns. New polling gives one last look at voters across the country. And Harris campaigners claim many women are keeping their votes secret from their husbands.
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04/11/24•34m 13s
Riled West: Trump & Harris’ Final Duels
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump make what could be their final trips to western states. Economists describe stark realities that would accompany a victory by either candidate. And election workers get ready for a small army of poll watchers to descend on precincts.
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01/11/24•30m 19s
Election Legal Fights Have Begun
The Supreme Court allows Virginia to purge hundreds of names off its voter rolls, days before the election. Voters react to a trend of “disappearing” polling places, particularly in Black communities. And New York City finally enacts a law allowing jaywalking.
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31/10/24•32m 26s
The Prosecutor’s Closing Argument
Vice President Harris makes her case to undecided Americans on the National Mall. Former President Trump tries to change the narrative about his controversial Madison Square Garden rally. And election analysts say get ready for a long night - or possibly several nights.
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30/10/24•27m 9s
One Week to Go
The Trump campaign begins its final week on the defensive. Police suggest that ballot boxes set on fire in the Pacific Northwest may be linked. And voters consider drastically different visions for the Department of Education.
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29/10/24•28m 10s
A Conversation with ABC’s Pollster
A new ABC News/Ipsos poll shows Kamala Harris with a slim national lead. Washington Post journalists react to a decision, reportedly by Jeff Bezos himself, not to issue a presidential endorsement. And Iran responds to targeted missile strikes by Israel.
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28/10/24•32m 13s
Campaign Advice: Bey Yourself
With early votes flooding into precincts, the candidates plan some of their biggest events yet. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon calls for a more lenient sentence for the Menendez brothers. And parties prepare for the possibility of rogue election officials.
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25/10/24•32m 17s
F-Word: The Argument Over Fascism
Kamala Harris and her allies have begun explicitly labeling Donald Trump as a fascist. Russia brings in North Korean troops for support. And McDonald’s tries to manage an E.coli outbreak.
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24/10/24•27m 0s
Exclusive: Trump’s DOJ Shortlists
Sources tell ABC that a list of Donald Trump’s possible Attorney General choices includes Aileen Cannon, the judge who dismissed charges against him. The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch is arrested on sex trafficking charges. And Texas Latinos describe why fears of “non-citizen voting” are resulting in voter intimidation.
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23/10/24•31m 12s
How Israel’s ‘Top Secret’ Attack Plan Went Public
Federal investigators are trying to determine how classified documents on Israel went public. Donald Trump tries to capitalize on improving poll numbers. And a Texas man on death row for a “shaken baby syndrome” conviction takes his case to the Texas legislature.
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22/10/24•30m 18s
Israel Strikes Across Lebanon
Israel continues intense air and ground campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. A ferry dock gangway collapses in Georgia. And election polling accuracy questions are answered.
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21/10/24•23m 51s
Hamas Leader Killed
After a year-long manhunt, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is killed in Gaza. A 911 call reveals new details about former One Direction star Liam Payne’s death. And our partners at 538 walk through the closest Senate races this election.
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18/10/24•27m 26s
What’s Next for the Menendez Brothers
Thirty-five years after Erik and Lyle Menendez murdered their parents, family members are calling for their release. Vice President Kamala Harris talks immigration in a contentious new interview. And election workers in battleground states impacted by hurricane damage are racing to be ready for Election Day.
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17/10/24•29m 20s
Trumponomics: Economists See Red
Former President Trump offers few substantive rebuttals to challenges to his economic vision. Local officials sound the alarm over Election Day deepfakes. And military insiders debate the consequences of U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
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16/10/24•32m 52s
Three Weeks from Election Day
Democrats scramble in the three weeks leading up to Election Day after concerning polls. As Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, PM Netanyahu vows to "continue to hit Hezbollah mercilessly." And campaign embeds get their questions answered... on an orange.
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15/10/24•30m 39s
Why the US is Sending Troops to Israel
The Pentagon deploys its THAAD missile defense system, along with 100 troops, to Israel. The Harris and Trump campaigns court male voters as new polling shows a wide gender gap. And hospitals grapple with a national shortage of intravenous fluids.
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14/10/24•25m 36s
How Florida Avoided the “Worst Case Scenario”
Residents and rescuers examine damage left by Hurricane Milton. A new forecast from 538 shows a toss-up for control of the House. And the Navy concludes that two SEALs died from drowning under the weight of their heavy packs.
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11/10/24•30m 14s
Milton Surges Ashore
Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Siesta Key, Florida, sending flood waters surging and tornadoes swirling throughout the state. Election workers describe holding emergency drills, anticipating potential violence and chaos on Election Day. And Spirit Halloween tries to work its magic on Christmas.
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10/10/24•28m 49s
FEMA vs. Falsehoods
Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas previews the arrival of Hurricane Milton, while battling damaging misinformation. Investigative journalist Bob Woodward reports that Donald Trump has held numerous conversations with Vladimir Putin since leaving office. And the Supreme Court appears poised to uphold government regulations on “ghost guns.”
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09/10/24•30m 3s