The Sunday Story by Up First offers a unique blend of storytelling and current affairs. Hosted by Ayesha Rascoe, this weekly program from NPR dives deeply into one specific topic every Sunday through compelling narratives, insightful conversations, and interviews.
Available on the Up First feed, The Sunday Story provides listeners with comprehensive coverage of important issues. Each episode showcases detailed journalism and engaging discussions that bring news and cultural topics to life.
Recent Episodes
June 21, 2026 – Caught in Cambodia’s Scam Machine: Part 1
Delve into the hidden world of global scam operations. This episode reveals the workers behind these scams with investigative journalism shedding light on the intricate network.
June 21, 2026 – Caught in Cambodia’s Scam Machine: Part 2
Explore the aftermath of the Cambodian government’s crackdown on scams. Tens of thousands find themselves stranded. This episode follows an Ugandan scam worker trying to return home while addressing whether these individuals are victims or criminals.
June 14, 2026 – How an Anti-Police Violence Protest Ended in a Teen’s Death
In summer 2020, Antonio Mays Jr. joined the racial justice movement in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest. Within a week, he was tragically killed. This episode investigates the circumstances surrounding his unsolved case.
June 7, 2026 – How America is Shaping the World Cup
The World Cup returns to North America after more than 30 years, promising the largest event yet with 16 new teams. Explore the challenges posed by visa issues and geopolitical tensions in Trump’s America affecting teams and fans alike.
May 31, 2026 – How 5 Minutes of Movement Can Change Your Life
With sedentary lifestyles posing health risks, discover the minimum movement needed to combat these effects. Insights from a Columbia University study shared by NPR’s TED Radio Hour host reveal vital information.
May 24, 2026 – Trump is Rolling Back Climate Solutions. What Can Cities and States Do?
Recent environmental policy changes have hindered efforts to tackle climate change. Yet, cities and states continue their own initiatives. NPR’s Julia Simon explores these local solutions.
May 17, 2026 – The Human Cost of Building the Dubai of Africa
In Lagos, Nigeria, government actions force evictions for luxury developments. This episode gives voice to those affected, unveiling the harsh realities faced by communities in one of the fastest-growing megacities.
May 10, 2026 – Why More Women Are Choosing to Be Single Mothers
Single motherhood is gaining acceptance with women choosing this path independently. Explore personal stories and insights on modern parenting through NPR’s Pallavi Gogoi’s interviews with over 60 women.
May 3, 2026 – ‘The Bible is Not a Policy Manual’: Christians Reckon with Immigration Under Trump
Reflect on the religious divide over immigration in the U.S. In this episode, NPR examines how evangelicals interpret biblical teachings amidst policy debates.
April 26, 2026 – The Hidden Cost of Separating ‘Emotionally Disturbed’ Students
Special education for emotionally disturbed students often means separate classrooms. Discover the hidden impacts and challenges of this educational practice affecting over 300,000 students nationwide.