Start Here
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.
Mon, March 31, 2025
The Race to Rescue Earthquake Victims in Asia
An earthquake with an epicenter in Myanmar devastates Southeast Asia. Officials in Greenland and Denmark react to a controversial visit from Vice President JD Vance, as President Trump questions whether he’s limited to two terms in office. And a growing movement of “biohackers” are implanting themselves with small pieces of technology, from magnets to microchips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S1 E1 · Sat, March 29, 2025
Bad Rap: Party's Over
Introducing a new podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy." In this six-part series, ABC News legal contributor and past Start Here guest Brian Buckmire takes listeners inside the rise and fall of Diddy, tracing how whispers of abuse came to light and led to his downfall. This is episode one, "Party's Over." Diddy was a legendary party host. His star-studded "white parties" were glittering displays of wealth and social capital that started in the world of hip-hop, and ultimately expanded far beyond it. But after a criminal indictment alleging sex trafficking, Diddy is now locked up, fighting to prove his innocence, stuck in a place that couldn’t be more different from the luxury he’s used to. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy" on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, March 28, 2025
Majority Rules: Trump Withdraws Cabinet Nom
President Trump pulls Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be UN ambassador amid concerns over a tight Republican majority in the House. The arrest video of a Tufts University PhD student on a visa draws outrage from immigration activists. And, graduates from the University of Maryland will hear a commencement speech from a Muppet. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, March 27, 2025
The “Unclassified” Texts Sound Very Classified
More exchanges from the Trump cabinet Signal group chat are published. The Supreme Court upholds federal regulations on ghost gun kits. And six months after Helene decimated North Carolina, some areas are now facing wildfire threats. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, March 26, 2025
Trump's Signal: Downplay the Leak
President Trump downplays the leaked Signal group chat among his cabinet, blaming the journalist who was accidentally included. The U.S. says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to stop fighting in the Black Sea. And, American wine distributors are warning against potential tariffs. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, March 25, 2025
DM for Battle Plans: Inside the Trump Cabinet’s Group Chat
The Trump administration admits it accidentally included a reporter in a group chat leading up to a military strike on Yemen. Israel’s military arrests a Palestinian director who just won an Oscar. And 23andMe files for bankruptcy, sparking a panic over genetic privacy. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, March 24, 2025
Sources: IRS to Give Taxpayer Data to ICE
Sources tell ABC News that the IRS is closing in on a deal that would provide certain taxpayer data to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats express frustration with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. And a mass shooting in New Mexico leaves three dead and 15 injured. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sat, March 22, 2025
Tupac Murder Suspect Speaks Out
Breaking news: Brad has a new podcast! Introducing "The Crime Scene Weekly," a new podcast for the true crime-obsessed (and -curious). Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime: what all your favorite shows and podcasts are covering, and what's taking over your TikTok feed. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. In this week's episode, the question of who killed Tupac Shakur has been a mystery for nearly 30 years. Now, the only person ever charged in his murder is speaking out for the first time since his arrest — and changing his story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, March 21, 2025
Trump’s Lesson Plan
President Trump signs an executive order aiming to dismantle the Education Department. Benjamin Netanyahu’s foreign policy advisor, Ophir Falk, speaks to “Start Here” about the renewed push into Gaza. And a federal judge expresses concern about the Trump Administration’s defense of its deportation flights. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, March 20, 2025
Israel’s New Incursion into Gaza
Israeli troops roll into Gaza as part of a renewed ground incursion. The Federal Reserve projects positivity as it keeps interest rates in place. And newly-released JFK files from the FBI appear to illustrate American surveillance programs, but little in the way of conspiracy. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over your TikTok feed. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, March 19, 2025
Splashdown, Nine Months Later
Two American astronauts return from the International Space Station, nine months behind schedule. Israel unleashes an assault on Gaza, shattering a fragile ceasefire. And President Trump discusses Russia’s counter-offer to Ukraine’s ceasefire deal. Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, March 18, 2025
WH to Judge: Who Are You to Judge Me??
The Trump Administration refuses to justify itself to a federal judge after ignoring his order not to deport Venezuelan migrants. President Trump prepares for phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And PepsiCo makes a bid to buy one of a growing number of “prebiotic sodas.” Did you hear? Brad's hosting a new show for the true crime-obsessed called "The Crime Scene Weekly." Each week, "The Crime Scene" focuses on what everybody's talking about in true crime -- from what your favorite podcasts are covering, to what's taking over our TikTok feeds. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, March 17, 2025
Mid-Air Standoff: Why the White House Ignored a Judge
In a stunning test of power, the Trump Administration deports hundreds of Venezuelan migrants, defying a judge’s order. President Trump orders a series of strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. And a series of tornadoes kills more than forty people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, March 14, 2025
Senate's Shutdown Solution?
Senate Democrats signal last-minute funding support ahead of a government shutdown deadline. The White House pulls the president’s CDC nominee. And market backlash continues amid an escalating trade war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, March 13, 2025
Trump: We Don’t Need No Education Department
Educators react to the gutting of the Education Department. Lawyers press the case of Columbia protester Khalil Mahmoud. And Canada and European nations press ahead with retaliatory tariffs against the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, March 12, 2025
The US & Ukraine Challenge Putin
Despite an Oval Office squabble, American and Ukrainian diplomats unify over a ceasefire deal to Russia. President Trump threatens to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, before reversing course hours later. And House Republicans, under pressure from the president, vote to fund the federal government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, March 11, 2025
Why Stocks Plummeted Over Recession Fears
President Trump’s comments about potential recession spur a massive sell-off on Wall Street. Amid tensions over demonstrations on college campuses, the Trump Administration tries to deport a Gaza protest organizer. And the new District Attorney of Los Angeles reverses his predecessor’s effort to free the Menendez brothers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, March 10, 2025
Vaxxed & Answered: The CDC’s Controversial Autism Study
Despite years of scientific consensus, the CDC announces a new plan to study childhood vaccines and autism. Clashes between Syria’s new leadership and Assad loyalists leave hundreds dead. And police announce a cause of death for Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, March 07, 2025
Trump’s Temporary Backtrack
President Trump announces he’s pausing some of his most dramatic initiatives. The House censures Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, for shouting over President Trump’s address. And the Supreme Court considers how strict states can be when protecting children from internet porn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, March 06, 2025
Why Trump Stalled on Auto Tariffs
After a meeting with automakers, the White House announces a 30-day delay on car tariffs with Mexico and Canada. The Supreme Court rules that the Trump administration must disburse $2 billion to USAID. And the man accused of facilitating the deadly Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan arrives in a Washington, D.C. courtroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, March 05, 2025
Seated Standoff: Trump Speaks to Divided Congress
Amid Democratic lawmakers’ protests, President Trump outlines his vision for the year ahead. Mexico brings a lawsuit against American gunmakers to a skeptical Supreme Court. And Fyre founder Billy McFarland argues with local officials’ claims that his resurrected festival “does not exist.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, March 04, 2025
Trump’s Congressional Address: What to Watch For
President Trump prepares to address a joint session of Congress. New tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China take effect. And wildfires in the Carolinas prompt emergency declarations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, March 03, 2025
How the Trump-Zelenskyy Feud Boiled Over
A dispute between President Trump and Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy escalates into a shocking public argument. Israel announces it will halt food shipments into Gaza as its ceasefire deal expires. And Anora wins Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, February 28, 2025
"Dig We Must": The US-Ukraine Minerals Deal
President Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. An investigation starts over the mysterious death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife. And Andrew and Tristan Tate, accused of human trafficking overseas, arrive unexpectedly in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, February 27, 2025
Top DOGE: Trump Backs Musk to Cabinet
President Trump turns his first cabinet meeting over to Elon Musk, instructing secretaries to implement wide-ranging layoffs. A Georgia family accuses a railroad of forcing them off their land for commercial gain. And a new study shows America stopping its trend away from organized religion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, February 26, 2025
House GOP (Barely) Passes Its Budget Blueprint
On a chaotic night in the Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson convinces three holdouts to sign onto a budget plan that includes massive cuts. An economic report shows consumer confidence dipping. And the U.S. Supreme Court tosses the death sentence of an infamous prisoner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, February 25, 2025
Trump Defends His Ukraine Peace Plan
Exactly three years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion, the Trump White House argues Russia’s case to European allies. The Associated Press goes to court against the Trump administration amid First Amendment concerns. And National Park Service workers uncover graffiti under the Lincoln Memorial that sheds light on early 20th-century culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, February 24, 2025
[REPLY REQUIRED:] Elon Musk’s Ultimatum
As angry constituents flood town halls over federal firings, Elon Musk announces a new job requirement to government workers. President Trump fires two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And despite improvement, the Vatican says Pope Francis remains in critical condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, February 21, 2025
Bus Bombs in Tel Aviv
A series of bombs go off on Israeli buses, seemingly intended for rush hour. Mitch McConnell becomes the latest Trump rival to plan his exit from Washington. And the family behind the James Bond franchise cedes control to Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, February 20, 2025
Trump Calls Zelenskyy a “Dictator”
President Trump turns on Ukraine, calling President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator.” The Justice Department tells a federal judge that its bid to suspend charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams is for political reasons. And a Georgia woman files a lawsuit against the IVF clinic that implanted the wrong embryo inside her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, February 19, 2025
America’s Russia Reversal
American diplomats present a roadmap for normalizing ties with Russia, while President Trump echoes Vladimir Putin’s criticisms of Ukraine. Rapper A$AP Rocky is acquitted of shooting charges in California. And a measles outbreak in West Texas elicits calls from doctors to get vaccinated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, February 18, 2025
Crash Landing in Canada
A Delta flight carrying 80 passengers flips upside down while landing in Toronto. American diplomats prepare to sit down with Russians, while Ukraine and Europe look on nervously from afar. And a case challenging the firing of a federal official lands in front of the Supreme Court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, February 17, 2025
“Unplugging the Government”: Federal Layoffs Take Hold
Chaos grips several federal agencies as mass layoffs begin. Historic rain and floods in the Southeast leave several dead. And five are charged with the murder of a 24-year-old trans man in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, February 14, 2025
The DOJ’s “Thursday Afternoon Massacre”
Top brass at Justice Department offices resign, rather than follow a Trump administration directive to stop prosecuting New York City Mayor Eric Adams. An Afghan national is arrested after allegedly driving into pedestrians in Munich. And a delayed CDC report shows three cow veterinarians contracted bird flu without realizing it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, February 13, 2025
Wag the DOGE: Federal Buyouts Proceed
A federal judge clears the way for buyout offers to vast numbers of government workers. President Trump presses Russia and Ukraine for an end to their war, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth advises Ukrainians to abandon dreams of getting land back. And inflation has risen faster than expected this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, February 12, 2025
Marc Fogel Freed from Russia
Marc Fogel, an American the U.S. deemed wrongfully-detained in Russia, is back home after more than three years in prison. President Trump meets with Jordan’s king as he urges Arab allies to support his plan to take control of the Gaza Strip. And the FBI says it found thousands of new pages of documents connected to the JFK assassination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, February 11, 2025
Why DOJ Halted the Eric Adams Case
The Justice Department tells prosecutors to halt proceedings against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Several judges throw up roadblocks to President Trump’s governmental overhaul. And Hamas says it will refuse to deliver Israeli hostages this weekend, throwing a ceasefire into doubt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, February 10, 2025
Stop the Steel: Trump’s New Tariff
President Trump calls for new sweeping tariffs on all steel and aluminum entering the country. A plane crash in Alaska kills 10, becoming the latest aviation incident to worry passengers. And New York officials shut down live poultry markets as avian flu hits local populations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, February 07, 2025
Federal Workers’ Fork in the Road
A judge delays a buyout deadline for federal workers. An ICE raid in Denver prompts concerns that agents are widening their focus. And as egg prices surge, Italian scientists say they’ve perfected the recipe for a hard-boiled egg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, February 06, 2025
Is Trump Bluffing on Gaza?
The White House walks back the likelihood of sending troops to Gaza as the Arab world reacts. Judges weigh in on some of President Trump’s executive orders. And tariffs against China could, for the first time, affect items like clothing mailed directly to your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, February 05, 2025
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip.”
President Trump shocks the Middle East as he suggests Palestinians move out of the Gaza Strip and allow the U.S. to “take over.” Officials prepare for a White House order to begin shuttering the Education Department. And key Republican senators give a green light to RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard after tense confirmation hearings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, February 04, 2025
Trump’s Tariff Timeout
After conversations with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, President Trump pauses sweeping North American tariffs. Employees at USAID say their agency, at the behest of Elon Musk, has been effectively disbanded overnight. And in a bid to retrieve unidentified remains, workers lift the wreckage of American Eagle flight 5342 out of the Potomac. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, February 03, 2025
Canada & Mexico: Trump’s Tariff-ing Us Apart
President Trump enrages Canada and Mexico by enacting sweeping tariffs, while economists predict higher prices. A medical transport jet crashes down on a crowded Philadelphia street. And Ken Martin wins the election to chair the Democratic National Committee, prompting new questions about how Democrats will approach the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, January 31, 2025
No Survivors: The Aftermath of Flight 5342
Authorities say the air crash over the Potomac River left no survivors. President Trump suggests diversity initiatives could be a cause of the deaths, while aviation experts examine the actions of Army helicopter pilots. And senators grill cabinet nominees Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, January 30, 2025
America’s Deadliest Air Crash in Years
An American Airline flight carrying dozens of passengers crashes into a military Blackhawk helicopter, before dropping into the Potomac River. The Trump Administration rescinds its funding directive that sowed chaos. And Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. tries to recast his past comments on vaccines and medical practices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, January 29, 2025
Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze
A sudden order from the Trump administration threatens to cripple funding for organizations nationwide. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will appear for his Senate confirmation hearing today. And Kansas is witnessing one of the biggest tuberculosis outbreaks in modern American history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, January 28, 2025
Wall Street’s A.I. Panic
American tech stocks plummet as China’s “DeepSeek” programs upend the artificial intelligence market. The Justice Department fires several prosecutors who worked on criminal cases against President Trump. And outbreaks of avian flu are affecting food prices around the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, January 27, 2025
Trump’s Migration Crackdown Begins
As ICE agents arrest hundreds of migrants, deportation flights set off a diplomatic firestorm in South America. President Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at government agencies. And after a tense delay, Israel allows thousands of Gazans to start moving back home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, January 24, 2025
Born in the USA: The Birthright Citizenship Case
A federal judge blocks President Trump’s attempt to ignore claims of birthright citizenship. Two Republicans senators reveal they will vote against defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. And Oscar nominations are out! We’ll discuss which movies are most worth your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, January 23, 2025
New Fires in Los Angeles
Firefighters race to contain new wildfires in Southern California as some Altadena residents question why evacuation orders for the Eaton Fire came late. The Laken Riley Act, which allows illegal immigrants suspected of minor offenses to be detained, will become the first measure President Trump signs into law. And a rare winter snow storm hits parts of the South. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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