Up First briefing: Up-and-coming Democrats; Labour wins U.K. election – NPR

Up First briefing: Up-and-coming Democrats; Labour wins U.K. election Biden says he's staying in the 2024 race. If he changes his mind, these Democrats could be potential candidates, this year or in 2028. And, Labour gets a historic victory in the U.K. elections.

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Britains Labour Party won a landslide election victory, giving its leader, Keir Starmer, one of the largest parliamentary majorities in British history. This victory marks the return of a center-left government after 14 years of Conservative government. Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivered brief remarks, telling voters, "There is much to learn and reflect on, and I take responsibility for the loss."

Labour Leader Keir Starmer celebrates winning the 2024 general election with a speech at Tate Modern in London on Friday. Ricky Vigil/Getty Images Europe hide caption

American taxpayers are throwing tons of money at the Colorado River. The funds aim to help the 40 million people who rely on the river to squeeze out every last drop as climate change shrinks its flow to critical levels. Drinking water, food production and hydroelectric power are all at risk.

Florida is one of the states most vulnerable to climate change in the U.S. Residents face hurricanes, sea level rise and heat waves. Its also solidly Republican, with a Republican governor, two Republican senators and Republican majorities in the state legislature. This fall, the state is expected to vote for Donald Trump, who has questioned the existence of manmade climate change.

The fallout from last week's U.S. presidential debate continues to stir political turmoil. President Biden insists he's staying in the race despite calls from some Democrats to reconsider following concerns about his weak debate performance. This debate poses a critical question for the party and the public: If not Biden, then who? Here's a list of potential candidates being discussed for this year or possibly 2028.

Vehicles drive toward downtown Minneapolis on Interstate 35 in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Jenn Ackerman for NPR hide caption

This essay was written by Dara Kerr, NPR business desk reporter.

Uber and Lyft drivers have rallied for minimum wage in cities and states nationwide for years. But something strange caught my attention in Minnesota last year. First, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz vetoed a minimum wage bill that had passed the state legislature in 2023. Then, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey did the same with a minimum wage ordinance that passed the City Council.

It seemed like something was up. Both Walz and Frey are labor-friendly Democrats who say they support fair pay for ride-hail drivers.

So, I filed public records requests asking for emails between Uber and Lyft and the governor's and mayors offices. Those documents revealed the companies lobbying playbook.

Uber and Lyft barraged the politicians with emails. The companies collected veto request letters from community groups, sent statistics on skyrocketing ride fares (without citing data), and suggested language for the lawmakers to use in announcements. Uber and Lyft threatened to leave the city or state if a minimum wage went into effect.

At one point, a lobbyist said the proposed minimum wage would have a catastrophic impact and create transportation deserts. Spokespeople for Uber and Lyft told NPR that the bills would have left the companies unable to sustain their businesses in Minnesota.

How did it work out? Heres what happened after a lot of twists and turns for the drivers, politicians and Uber and Lyfts lobbyists.

Crystal Wilkinson's praisesong biscuits Felix Cruz hide caption

Check out what NPR is watching, reading and listening to this weekend:

Movies: Netflix's A Family Affair stars Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron in a fun romcom where a boss tries to woo his assistants mom. Pop Culture Happy Hour's Linda Holmes says it works well as a romcom because of its star power, solid writing and directing.

TV: Watchers, were in for a long, hot summer. If you are stuck inside and need a new show to watch, our critics have you covered. Theyve scoured broadcast and streaming options to recommend the best shows for June, July and August.

Books: It's Been A Minute host Brittany Luse says the biscuits in Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks are the best shes ever tasted. Author and former Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson joins Luse to talk about Appalachian food culture, turning oral recipes into written ones, and the emotional connections between food, family and memory.

Music: Public radio stations are always looking for new artists to slot in between your favorite established musicians on the air. Ten NPR member stations share a favorite emerging act thats made it into their 2024 rotations.

Quiz: What else celebrated its birthday on the Fourth? If you know the answer, congrats: you must follow NPR's coverage closely! Hint: There's also a non-political debate bonus.

The parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue has agreed to buy rival luxury department store Neiman Marcus. Lynne Sladky/AP hide caption

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.

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Up First briefing: Up-and-coming Democrats; Labour wins U.K. election - NPR