Deep, deep down on the floor of the world's oceans, rare and precious minerals exist in abundance. Mining companies have long had their eyes on this treasure but haven't had the technology to access it. Now they do and the race to mine the sea floor seems poised to begin. Today on The Sunday Story, we head to the Bismarck Sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea. It's here that a massive mining ship was recently hauling up chunks of the sea floor from a mile down, trying to gauge the mineral wealth and the possible damage extraction might cause. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The Up First co-hosts spent the week diving into some the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for his return to the White House. From a pledge to pardon January 6th rioters and start mass deportations to a commitment to close the Department of Education, increase fossil fuel production, and roll-back protections for transgender people. 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 Lisa Thomson and it was produced by Kaity Kline. It was made in collaboration with the entire Morning Edition team and with our engineering and studio teams. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy