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Majd Al-Waheidi Majd Al-Waheidi is a digital editor for Morning Edition and Up First.
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Majd Al-Waheidi

Majd Al-Waheidi

Digital Editor, Morning Edition and Up First

Majd Al-Waheidi is a digital editor for Morning Edition and Up First, where she helped launch the Up First newsletter and the "From Our Hosts" essay series.

She now focuses on editing and producing original Morning Edition pieces for NPR.org and occasionally edits interviews for the show's books and arts coverage.

Before joining NPR, she wrote for The New York Times, Channel News Asia, the global technology magazine Rest of World and Business Insider.

Story Archive

Friday

International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan attends a United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan in January in New York City.

International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan attends a United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan in January in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

World

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan is on leave amid a sexual misconduct investigation

Facing allegations of sexual misconduct, Karim Khan has temporarily stepped aside as a U.N. investigation enters its final stage, the International Criminal Court announced Friday.

Thursday

British author and creator of James Bond Ian Fleming (1908-1964) with two pieces of original artwork from the American hardback editions of his books, circa 1960.

British author and creator of James Bond Ian Fleming (1908-1964) with two pieces of original artwork from the American hardback editions of his books, circa 1960. Horst Tappe/Getty Images/Archive Photos hide caption

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Horst Tappe/Getty Images/Archive Photos

Culture

Newly published stories show a different side of Ian Fleming and Graham Greene

The latest issue of "The Strand Magazine" contains rare stories by the iconic midcentury writers Ian Fleming and Graham Greene.

Newly published stories show a different side of Ian Fleming and Graham Greene

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Wednesday

In this 2019 photo, David Axelrod is seated and is wearing a suit jacket and button-down shirt. He's asking questions at an event and is gesturing with his hands.

David Axelrod asks Pete Buttigieg questions during an event at the University of Chicago on Oct. 18, 2019. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

Interview highlights

David Axelrod says book's allegations about Biden's cognitive decline are 'troubling'

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Democratic strategist David Axelrod about Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's book, which explores Biden's decline and how his inner circle has concealed it from the public.

David Axelrod discusses allegations of former President Biden's declining health

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Friday

NCAA president and former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker is interviewed by Boston Globe Sports writer Chris Gasper at the Globe Summit 2023.

NCAA president and former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker is interviewed by Boston Globe Sports writer Chris Gasper at the Globe Summit 2023. Boston Globe/Getty Images hide caption

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Boston Globe/Getty Images

Interview highlights

NCAA president on why he supports NIL settlement for college players

NCAA president Charlie Baker discusses a proposed settlement between college athletes and the NCAA for making direct payments to players for their name, image and likeness.

NCAA President Charlie Baker on why he supports NIL settlement for college players

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Thursday

A member of the Salvadorian army stands guard in a bus with inmates at CECOT on March 16, in Tecoluca, El Salvador.

A member of the Salvadoran army stands guard on a bus with inmates at CECOT on March 16 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. Handout/Salvadoran Government/Getty Images hide caption

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Handout/Salvadoran Government/Getty Images

Interview highlights

Deported over a tattoo? Lawyer claims client is not a gang member

Immigration attorney Linette Tobin shares details with NPR about the government's case against her client, Jerce Reyes Barrios, a Venezuelan soccer player and father of two.

Why a Venezuelan soccer player was deported to a prison in El Salvador — a tattoo

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Thursday

A refugee mother and child from the Tigray region of Ethiopia wait to receive basic medical attention from an understaffed clinic run by the Sudanese Ministry of Health with assistance from Doctors Without Borders located in the east Sudanese border village of Hamdayet on December 6, 2020, in Hamdayet.

A refugee mother and child from the Tigray region of Ethiopia wait to receive basic medical attention from an understaffed clinic run by the Sudanese Ministry of Health with assistance from Doctors Without Borders located in the east Sudanese border village of Hamdayet on Dec. 6, 2020. Byron Smith/Getty Images hide caption

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Byron Smith/Getty Images

Africa

'You can now die': The human cost of America's foreign aid cuts in Africa

International aid workers discuss the real-life impact of U.S. aid cuts in their countries and beyond.

Aid workers in Africa discuss the consequences of U.S. cuts to foreign aid programs

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Monday

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser (R) presents a Black Lives Matter Plaza street sign to a representative of the family as the hearse with the flag-draped casket of U.S. congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis drives on 16th Street, renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza, near the White House in Washington, DC July 27, 2020.

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser (R) presents a Black Lives Matter Plaza street sign to a representative of the family as the hearse with the flag-draped casket of U.S. congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis drives on 16th Street, renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza, near the White House in Washington, DC July 27, 2020. Alex Brandon/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AFP via Getty Images

News

Trump wants to clear homeless camps in D.C.; Mayor says his policies hurt the city

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser about the capital city under President Trump and the planned renaming of Black Lives Matter Plaza.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser discusses the capital city under President Trump

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Thursday

Runners cross the Verrazano Bridge before competing in the 52nd Edition of the New York City Marathon on November 5, 2023.

Runners cross the Verrazano Bridge before competing in the 52nd Edition of the New York City Marathon on November 5, 2023. Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images

Sports

Running in the New York City Marathon? It's hard to get into but here's how some do it

The New York City Marathon has a similar acceptance rate to Harvard. To secure a bib, runners can enter a lottery, fundraise with a charity, run nine qualifying racers and volunteer for one, or run a qualifying time.

Only about 3% of applicants to run in the NYC Marathon will be accepted

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Tuesday

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on the themes of her new novel, Dream Count: "I wanted to write about women's lives. And the reality of it is that for many women, the men in their lives in some ways, shape their lives."

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on the themes of her new novel, Dream Count: "I wanted to write about women's lives. And the reality of it is that for many women, the men in their lives in some ways, shape their lives." Ulf Andersen/Getty Images hide caption

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Ulf Andersen/Getty Images

Author Interviews

Celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: 'I have always longed to be known'

Celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie speaks with NPR's Michel Martin about her new book, "Dream Count."

Celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: ‘I have always longed to be known’

Listen · 6:53
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Friday

Former Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins at a press conference on the first day of an EU summit at the Europa building, the EU Council headquarters, on June 29, 2023, in Brussels, Belgium.

Former Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins at a press conference on the first day of an EU summit at the Europa building, the EU Council headquarters, on June 29, 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. Thierry Monasse/Getty Images Europe hide caption

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Thierry Monasse/Getty Images Europe

Europe

Latvia 'cannot exist without multilateralism, without democracies,' ex-PM says on U.S. shift

Former Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins gives a Baltic perspective on the U.S. policy shift on Ukraine.

Former Latvian PM Karinš gives a view from the Baltics of the U.S. U-turn on Ukraine

Listen · 4:36
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Monday

Victor Willis of Village People performs on stage at PNE Amphitheatre on September 2, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada.

Victor Willis of Village People performs on stage at PNE Amphitheatre on September 2, 2018 in Vancouver, Canada. Andrew Chin/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Chin/Getty Images

Culture

Village People founder says everybody can enjoy their music, Republican or Democrat

Victor Willis of the Village People says their music is for everyone, defending the group's choice to perform at Trump's inaugural celebrations as a message of inclusivity.

Village People founding member discusses Trump and his link to their song 'Y.M.C.A.'

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Sunday

A freed Palestinian prisoner is greeted after their release from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Jan. 20, 2025.

A freed Palestinian prisoner is greeted after their release from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Jan. 20, 2025. Mussa Qawasma/Reuters hide caption

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Mussa Qawasma/Reuters

The Picture Show

Photos: Families reunite as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire takes effect

After 15 months war, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday morning.

Friday

Palestinian musician Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, prepares to perform for sold out crowd at the 9:30 Club on December 12, 2024.

Palestinian musician Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, prepares to perform for sold out crowd at the 9:30 Club on December 12, 2024. Farrah Skeiky for NPR hide caption

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Farrah Skeiky for NPR

Music

A loverboy and a Palestinian: Saint Levant's new album is about loss and growth

Saint Levant has sold out U.S. and European venues with his album 'Deira,' an ode to his heritage and the Gaza hotel his father built that was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike.

A loverboy and a Palestinian: Saint Levant’s new album is about loss and growth

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Thursday

A photo of the trophy from the Game Awards.

A photo of the trophy from the Game Awards. The Game Awards. hide caption

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The Game Awards.

Gaming

The Game Awards 2024: Key nominees and what to expect

Co-host A Martinez and NPR gaming editor James Mastromarino discuss the nominees of this year's Game Awards and their significance in gaming culture

Winners are about to be crowned at the 11th annual Game Awards

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Thursday

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, during the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, during the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP/AP hide caption

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Charles Rex Arbogast/AP/AP

Politics

Hakeem Jeffries sees Democrats 'set up for a comeback' after election losses

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks with NPR's Michel Martin about his new book, The ABCs of Democracy, and what's next for Democrats after election losses.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses "The ABCs of Democracy"

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Wednesday

People gather for the America First Republicans meeting, a group of Republicans aligned with the Trump wing of the party on Oct. 3, 2024 in Hillsdale, Mich.

Attendees at an America First Republicans meeting raise their hands on Oct. 3, 2024 in Hillsdale, Mich. Sylvia Jarrus for NPR hide caption

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Sylvia Jarrus for NPR

We, The Voters

In a small Michigan town, election mistrust among Trump voters is on full display

Election workers faced an unprecedented wave of threats in the last presidential election. What are poll workers and election clerks in the swing state of Michigan doing to keep voting secure?

Election workers in Michigan town are anxious after Trump recruits poll watchers

Listen · 11:13
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Monday

A Trump and Harris sign side-by-side in a neighborhood on Oct. 3, 2024 in Hillsdale, Mich.

A Trump and Harris sign side-by-side in a neighborhood on Oct. 3, 2024 in Hillsdale, Mich. Sylvia Jarrus for NPR hide caption

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Sylvia Jarrus for NPR

We, The Voters

It’s a close race for Michigan. These factors could decide it for Harris or Trump

Vice President Harris needs to win back Michigan voters President Biden looked poised to lose. Donald Trump’s appeal remains strong here, but he’s not without his own struggles.

It’s a close race for Michigan. These factors could decide it for Harris or Trump

Audio will be available later today.

Friday

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., speaks during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., speaks during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. Erin Hooley/AP hide caption

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Erin Hooley/AP

We, The Voters

Q&A: Nevada Sen. Cortez Masto on teaming up with VP Harris as attorneys general

Morning Edition spoke to Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who worked with VP Harris when the two were state attorneys general, on why that experience is relevant to being Commander in Chief.

HARRIS AND THE NEVADA SENATOR

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Wednesday

A customer browses titles at JF Books on September 17, 2024.

A customer browses titles at JF Books on September 17, 2024. Maansi Srivastava for NPR hide caption

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Maansi Srivastava for NPR

Asia

A bookstore too controversial for China finds home in D.C.

This Shanghai bookstore, now in D.C., was revived by its owner, who hopes to create a space for open discussions in the diaspora community, where people can sit and read together.

Popular Shanghai bookstore

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Friday

Thursday

J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate, stands at a podium during a walkthrough for the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milkwaukee, WI.

J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate, stands at a podium during a walkthrough for the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milkwaukee, WI. Nickolai Hammar/NPR hide caption

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Nickolai Hammar/NPR

Up First Newsletter

Closer look at J.D. Vance's RNC speech. And, Biden tests positive for COVID

Trump's vice presidential pick Sen. J.D. Vance took the stage during Day 3 of the RNC, showing his softer side. Here are some takeaways from the speech. And, President Biden tests positive for COVID

Vance and Trump Speak, Congress Probes Secret Service, Biden COVID

Wednesday

Tuesday

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 27: U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) speaks to reporters in the spin room following the CNN Presidential Debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at the McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. President Biden and former President Trump are faced off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign.

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) speaks to reporters in the spin room following the CNN Presidential Debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at the McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus on June 27 in Atlanta, Georgia. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Up First Newsletter

Who is J.D. Vance, Trump’s VP pick? And, an R&B jam addresses climate change

Former President Donald Trump has selected Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate for the presidential election. Here’s more about him. And, a sultry R&B song about heat pumps.

RNC Day 2, Secret Service, Biden Campaign

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