3b:T410,President Trump cancels a meeting with Democratic leaders as a government shutdown looms, with both sides refusing to budge on health care demands. At the U.N., Trump calls Russia a “paper tiger” and signals Ukraine could reclaim its territory with European help. And Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC after nearly a week off the air, using an emotional monologue to defend free speech and respond to critics of his comments on Charlie Kirk’s killing.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Tara Neill, Kevin Drew, Matteen Mokalla, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Damian Herring. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy3c:T412,Michael Kosta dives into the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, including Trump’s inflammatory response, bizarre takes in the media, and a predictable partisan blame game, and reflects on what we can learn from violent tragedies on the anniversary of 9/11. Why are governments around the world so concerned with bovine blasts? Grace Kuhlenschmidt dives into the science of livestock emissions by speaking with Washington state Rep. Lisa Parshley, who is hoping to start a tax on cow farts, farmer Jake Yancey, who doesn’t give a fart, and the OG experts on burps: children. Actor Rainn Wilson sits down with Michael to discuss his new movie, “Code 3.” They talk about how the film is based on very real experiences in the field, why many paramedics deal with burnout, his podcast “Soul Boom,” based on his book about the need for a spiritual revolution, their shared love for tennis, and how he feels about his beloved character from “The Office.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices3d:T4b4,

President Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer—news that lands in the middle of a media cycle already consumed with questions about Biden's decline thanks to a buzzy new book and the release and of the audio from Biden's special counsel interview. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy unpack the fallout: the questions, conspiracies, criticisms, and some truly disgusting reactions. Plus: Trump's "excellent call" with Putin, his new attacks on the media and Kamala Harris's celebrity endorsers, and Kash Patel and Dan Bongino disappoint MAGA's conspiracist base.

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Best of the Program | 5/12/26