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A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.

ABC News


    • May 14, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 1,652 EPISODES

    4.6 from 5,547 ratings Listeners of Start Here that love the show mention: thanks brad, abc news, perfect amount of news, love brad, listen to start, news to start, brad asks, brad always, mielke, brad does a great, start my day without, heh heh, listen to brad, day s news, news i need, go to news source, best daily news podcast, brad is the best, love start, day with this podcast.


    Ivy Insights

    The Start Here podcast is an essential listen for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest news and current events. Hosted by Brad Mielke, this podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the top stories of the day, providing listeners with a well-rounded understanding of what's happening in the world. With its informative and engaging format, Start Here succeeds in delivering serious reporting alongside more lighthearted and quirky stories, making it a unique and enjoyable listening experience.

    One of the best aspects of Start Here is its ability to strike a balance between serious news coverage and more light-hearted content. Brad Mielke has a talent for weaving together important headlines with interesting and offbeat stories, ensuring that listeners are not only well-informed but also entertained. This combination allows for a more engaging listening experience that keeps audiences coming back for more.

    Additionally, Start Here excels in providing unbiased reporting on major news topics. In an era where media outlets often cater to specific political ideologies, it's refreshing to find a podcast that prioritizes journalistic integrity over political fidelity. The ABC News team behind Start Here consistently delivers objective viewpoints on current issues, giving listeners the opportunity to form their own opinions based on accurate information.

    While there are many positive aspects to Start Here, it's important to note that some may find the show's humor and lightheartedness inappropriate for serious news coverage. While Brad Mielke's sly humor adds personality and charm to the podcast, some listeners may prefer a more traditional approach to news reporting without jokes or comedic interludes.

    In conclusion, The Start Here podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking a balanced and informative overview of the day's top headlines. With its unique combination of serious reporting and entertaining storytelling, this podcast keeps listeners engaged while keeping them up-to-date on current events. Whether you're looking for comprehensive news coverage or simply want to start your day off with a fun and informative podcast, Start Here is a fantastic choice.



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    Latest episodes from Start Here

    Murdaugh's Murder Convictions Overturned

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 25:05


    Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions are tossed out by South Carolina's Supreme Court. Russia launches nearly a thousand drones into Ukraine as concerns in Moscow rise. And as a national reckoning grows chaotic, gunfire erupts in the Philippine Senate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's Trip to China

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 28:40


    With wartime inflation surging, President Trump arrives in China for a summit. Meanwhile, a California mayor resigns amid allegations that she's been serving as a Chinese agent. And FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with Democrats on Capitol Hill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Americans from Hantavirus Cruise Begin Quarantine

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 24:34


    Passengers from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship are now being monitored in Nebraska and Georgia after possible exposure. Health officials insist the risk to Americans remains very low and stress the differences between hantavirus and COVID. And President Trump supports suspending the federal gas tax amid rising prices from the war in Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Cruise Guests are Coming Home. Is the Hantavirus?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 24:48


    As cruise ship passengers are evacuated, countries are employing different policies on whether they should quarantine. Virginia's Supreme Court throws out a congressional map proposed by Democrats, upending midterm plans. And high schools and colleges nationwide scramble to process assignments after the lesson platform was hacked.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump: Firefight with Iran was a ‘Love Tap'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 26:11


    The U.S. fires on military targets along the Iranian coast after a firefight at sea. Health workers conduct contact tracing to monitor whether passengers left a ship with hantavirus. And the Justice Department investigates lucrative oil trades just before key decisions in Iran. (Photo: U.S. Navy) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Hantavirus Patients Evacuated from Cruise Ship

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 28:41


    A cruise ship that carried passengers with hantavirus is now en route to the Canary Islands, while patients have been evacuated. Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick gives congressional testimony on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. And following a Supreme Court ruling, Republican lawmakers in Tennessee and Alabama propose new congressional maps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WH: ‘Operation Epic Fury' is Over

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 28:47


    The Trump administration declares an end to Operation Epic Fury, and then pauses an operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Senate Republicans propose spending $1 billion on security for a forthcoming White House ballroom. And California regulators file suit against State Farm for allegedly violating the law when handling wildfire cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Has the Ceasefire Shattered?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 26:31


    Iran opens fire on sites across the Strait of Hormuz, including on U.S. naval vessels. The Cuban government tries to rally its people in the face of a foreign oil embargo. And another case of hantavirus is confirmed onboard a cruise ship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Spirit in the Sky No Longer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 28:48


    Spirit Airlines goes out of business, leaving some customers stranded. A federal court orders doctors nationwide to stop mailing the abortion pill Mifepristone. And the U.S. prepares to withdraw thousands of troops stationed in Germany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Introducing "Blood and Water"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2026 3:00


    Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Blood and Water," hosted by Stephanie Ramos. In episode one of "Blood and Water," a woman fails to show up to work. When investigators are called to her home, they find a gruesome crime scene. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Blood and Water" on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Pain in the Gas: Fuel Prices Explode

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 28:26


    Oil reaches its highest price in years, as Americans express discontent over the economic toll of the war in Iran. The House agrees to a DHS funding deal, ending a 76-day shutdown. And the man suspected of attacking the White House Correspondents' Dinner declines to challenge his detention in jail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A Landmark Ruling on the Voting Rights Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 27:27


    The Supreme Court puts new limits on how the Voting Rights Act is enforced in electoral map-making. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies to Congress about the cost of the conflict in Iran. And Saudi Arabia reportedly wants out of its sizable investment in LIV Golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    James Comey Indictment 2.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 28:53


    A federal grand jury returns an indictment on former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly threatening President Trump. King Charles presses the importance of NATO in an address to Congress. And the United Arab Emirates withdraws from OPEC, shaking up the world's dominant oil cartel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WHCD Shooting: What We Still Don't Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 27:11


    The suspected gunman behind the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack faces charges, but several details about his arrest remain unclear. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis asks state lawmakers to push through a congressional map that dramatically favors Republicans. And a suspected killer in Florida is said to have consulted ChatGPT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The WHCD Shooting Suspect

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 21:29


    New details emerge about the man accused of a shooting plot at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Hopes dim for peace talks with Iran. And King Charles is set to arrive in Washington, D.C. for a state visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    BREAKING: Shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2026 17:10


    In a special edition of “Start Here,” Brad reports from the aftermath of the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Predictable? Soldier Arrested Over Maduro Bets

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 26:33


    A U.S. special forces soldier is arrested for allegedly placing Polymarket bets on the removal of Nicolas Maduro. The Justice Department reclassifies marijuana as a less serious drug. And the Trump administration considers a bailout for struggling Spirit Airlines.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ceasefire Watch: Strait Back to Where We Started

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 28:37


    Iran seizes more ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Rising oil prices force many American travelers to reconsider flight plans. And Virginia's redistricting vote prompts new concerns for the GOP.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump Extends Ceasefire…Indefinitely?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 26:36


    With a deadline approaching, President Trump extends a ceasefire with Iran. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) resigns under pressure. And the Justice Department files charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Virginia is for Voters: Will Redistricting Measure Pass?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 25:57


    Control of Congress could hang in the balance as Virginia Democrats press voters to approve a new state electoral map. Embattled Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns from President Trump's cabinet. And singer-songwriter D4vd is charged with first-degree murder.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ships Back Under Fire in the Strait of Hormuz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 25:42


    Hopes fade for renewed peace talks as the U.S. and Iran open fire at ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration opens its refund portal for businesses that paid now-disallowed tariffs. And police face nearly a thousand animal rights activists at a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 27:35


    A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon begins to take effect. American farmers share how they're handling the economic impacts of the Iran war. And two Supreme Court justices' comments on the direction of the high court are raising eyebrows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The DOJ is Still Knocking on the Fed's Door

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 27:28


    Despite a judge blocking subpoenas, federal prosecutors show up at the Federal Reserve, as President Trump once again threatens to fire chair Jerome Powell. Iranian ships begin testing the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. And in a case that could reshape the entertainment industry, a jury rules that concert behemoth Live Nation has acted like a monopoly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Peace of the Puzzle: Israel & Lebanon Are Talking

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 26:45


    As the U.S. tries to get Iran back to the table for peace talks, diplomats from Israel and Lebanon meet in Washington. Brian Hooker is released from a Bahamian jail without charges, telling ABC News he'll keep searching for his wife Lynette. And a suspect heads to court after being accused of attacking the home of OpenAI executive Sam Altman.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Resign-o-Rama: Swalwell & Gonzales Call It Quits

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 28:29


    Facing potential expulsion from Congress, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) each announce they'll step down over sexual misconduct allegations. A naval blockade takes effect in the Strait of Hormuz. And Catholics react to President Trump's rants about Pope Leo XIV.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How US And Iranian Negotiations Fell Apart

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 26:17


    As negotiations with Iran fall apart, Trump says the U.S. Navy will begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Viktor Orbán loses his reelection bid for prime minister in Hungary. And Representative Eric Swalwell suspends his California governor campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Why the Ceasefire Could Hinge on Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 27:26


    Israel agrees to negotiate with Lebanon, but refuses to stop its attacks on Hezbollah with a ceasefire hanging in the balance. Brian Hooker is arrested in Bahamas in connection with the disappearance of his wife. And the Artemis II crew prepares to splash down on Earth.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ceasefire Confusion

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 26:53


    As bombs rain down on Lebanon, Iran and the US accuse each other of misinterpreting the terms of their ceasefire. President Trump seems open to a “tolling” system in the Strait of Hormuz. And Rex Heuermann changes his plea in the Gilgo Beach serial murder case.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    US & Iran Reach Ceasefire...For Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 26:31


    Officials from the U.S. and Iran declare they've reached an agreement for a two-week ceasefire, but it's unclear exactly what each side is conceding. Vice President JD Vance stumps for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of a crucial election. And doctors hope newly FDA-approved devices will mitigate the need for amputations due to Type 2 diabetes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Tonight, or Else: Trump's New Deadline for Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 26:55


    President Trump threatens to demolish critical infrastructure if Iran does not agree to his terms by this evening. The Artemis II crew emerges from the far side of the moon. And a decision that could dismiss Steve Bannon's onetime conviction raises broader questions about presidential immunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside the US Rescue Missions in Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 25:50


    Two airmen have now been rescued after a U.S. fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday. An executive order challenges mail-in voting, but several new lawsuits argue the order is unconstitutional. And today is a big day for the crew of the Artemis II mission, as they travel farther than any human has before.  Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Why Trump Fired Pam Bondi

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 28:19


    President Trump removes Pam Bondi as attorney general. Congressional Republicans say they have a plan in place to fund the Department of Homeland Security. And oil prices surge after Trump's address on Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump: Mission Almost Accomplished

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 27:29


    In a primetime address, President Trump promises to “finish the job,” without clarifying what that entails. The Supreme Court debates the Trump administration's case against birthright citizenship – with the president in the room. And as Artemis II takes off, SpaceX prepares for a stratospheric public stock offering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    SCOTUS Rules Against Conversion Therapy Ban

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 26:44


    The Supreme Court overturns a ruling upholding bans on “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ youth. A federal judge orders a halt to construction on the White House ballroom. And with Trump poised to make an announcement on the Iran war, Israel announces a plan to demolish homes in Lebanon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Who is Trump Negotiating With?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 28:11


    As President Trump threatens more strikes on Iran, analysts raise concerns about the closure of another key shipping route. Despite a blockade, a Russian tanker is allowed to deliver oil to Cuba. And deposition video sheds light on the early days of DOGE cutbacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Will US Launch Ground Operation in Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 26:40


    As more troops arrive in the Middle East, American officials refuse to rule out the potential for a ground operation in Iran. An executive order promises to pay TSA officers, but Congress can't agree on funding the rest of the Department of Homeland Security. And a record number of Republican members of Congress are retiring before the midterms, complicating GOP efforts to retain control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Senate to TSA: We Have a Deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 28:55


    President Trump and the Senate seem to have landed on a last-ditch measure to fund much of the Department of Homeland Security. Federal authorities charge a pair of siblings for allegedly planting a bomb at a US air base. And doctors sound the alarm of the growing number of children participating in online gambling.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A Historic Verdict Against Big Tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 28:43


    In a landmark verdict, a jury finds tech firms Meta and YouTube responsible for harm to an underage user. The White House defends its 15-point Iran plan. And, a TSA officer says he's down to his last $100 as a partial government shutdown continues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    End of the Line for DHS Shutdown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 28:51


    Members of Congress float - and then quickly toss - a plan to end a government shutdown stalemate. An emboldened Russia launches its largest aerial attack yet against Ukraine. And artificial intelligence firm Anthropic takes the Pentagon to court over a “supply chain risk” designation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    LaGuardia Air Traffic Controller: “I Messed Up.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 28:57


    Two pilots are dead after an Air Canada flight crashed into a fire engine at New York's LaGuardia airport. President Trump backs off a self-imposed threat to bomb Iran's power plants, citing ongoing negotiations. And the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn mail-voting guidelines in more than 30 states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Have an ICE Flight: Trump's Plan for Airport Lines

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 26:30


    As TSA agents wait for paychecks, federal officials scramble to send ICE agents to assist at airports. President Trump threatens to strike Iranian energy infrastructure. And analysts react to the president's acknowledgement that the White House is “considering” drawing down forces in the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dolores Huerta Speaks Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 27:41


    In a network exclusive, Dolores Huerta tells ABC that she was raped by labor icon Cesar Chavez. As oil prices skyrocket, the Pentagon says it could need $200 billion amid the war in Iran. And Meta appears to be giving up on its plans for the “metaverse.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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