Up First from NPR
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NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 24min
Kiwi vs. Predator
Lauren Sommer, an NPR Climate Desk correspondent, shares her insights from New Zealand's ambitious Predator Free 2050 campaign aimed at eradicating invasive species. The discussion dives into the fascinating efforts of student volunteers trapping pests to protect vulnerable wildlife like the kiwi. Sommer also explores the ethical debates surrounding predator control, the immense costs involved, and cutting-edge technologies, including AI-enabled traps and species-specific poisons, that could revolutionize conservation efforts.
53 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 15min
House Members During Shutdown; Trump Visits Asia; US Military Buildup in Caribbean
Barbara Sprunt, NPR's congressional correspondent, shares insights from a Texas town hall where constituents express their concerns during the government shutdown. Anthony Kuhn discusses President Trump's Asia trip, focusing on the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the anticipated bilateral meetings. Ada Peralta reports on the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, explaining the deployment's rationale against drug trafficking and how it is perceived in the region.
138 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 14min
Missed Paychecks, NBA Gambling Scandal, Russia Reacts
Andrea Hsu, an NPR reporter, dives into the struggles of federal workers missing paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown. She outlines available resources to aid those impacted. Becky Sullivan, an NPR sports correspondent, unpacks a sensational NBA gambling scandal involving secret devices, revealing how insider tips and betting patterns led to arrests. Finally, Charles Maines, NPR's Moscow correspondent, discusses Russia's dismissive reaction to new U.S. sanctions and insights into the potential diplomatic fallout with the Kremlin.
233 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 13min
Ukraine-EU Meeting, National Guard Deployment Cases, Pentagon Press Corps
Terri Schultz, an experienced on-location Europe correspondent, talks about the EU's meeting with Ukraine and the complicated discussions surrounding frozen Russian assets. Kat Lonsdorf, a dedicated NPR legal reporter, dives into the contentious court battles over Trump's National Guard deployments, highlighting key cases in Portland and Chicago. Lastly, David Folkenflik, a savvy media correspondent, examines the Pentagon's press corps transformation and its implications for military reporting, noting the shift toward more partisan outlets.
199 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 13min
VP Vance In Israel, Shutdown Politics, White House Under Construction
Vice President JD Vance expresses optimism about a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting humanitarian needs and security measures. Meanwhile, the U.S. government shutdown enters its fourth week, with layoffs looming and pressure mounting on congressional negotiations. There's heated discussion around the White House's demolition of the East Wing for a lavish ballroom project, raising ethical concerns over funding and preservation. This mix of hope and tension sets the stage for a complex political landscape.
188 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 13min
Shutdown Economics, U.S.- Colombia Tensions, Louvre Heist Fallout
The mounting costs of the government shutdown are putting pressure on furloughed workers and stalling contracts, impacting small businesses. Tensions rise as the U.S. threatens to cut aid to Colombia, risking a long-standing alliance amid accusations and retaliations. Meanwhile, France grapples with the fallout from a brazen Louvre jewel heist, revealing major security failures and provoking public outrage. The museum faces scrutiny and planned security upgrades might not arrive until 2031.
157 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 13min
Airstrikes On Gaza, Shutdown Pressure Points, Venezuela Boat Strikes
Israel intensifies airstrikes in Gaza amid rising violence, putting a fragile ceasefire at risk. The government shutdown continues without the usual political pressure to reach a deal, leaving lawmakers in a stalemate. Meanwhile, U.S. military operations escalate in the Caribbean, causing tensions and fear in the region as local communities question the strikes and the fate of missing fishermen. Additionally, a shocking heist in Paris grabs attention with royal jewels stolen and the hunt for thieves underway.
41 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 23min
A Tiny Plot to Call Home
Shaina Sheely, a producer for Snap Judgment, shares her compelling experiences documenting a year-long story of the Union Point Park encampment in Oakland. She reveals the residents' fierce fight against city clearings, turning a tent city into a community oasis. Shaina discusses their unique co-governance model, granting autonomy over their living conditions, and the emotional factors influencing their placement choices. Through it all, Shaina highlights the resilience and unity of the people as they navigate the complexities of homelessness.
146 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 15min
"No Kings" Protests; Aid Slow for Gaza; U.S. - China Trade War Heats Up
Jane Arraf, an NPR reporter with firsthand experience in Gaza, shares critical insights on the humanitarian crisis during the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. She reveals that promised aid is drastically delayed, with Israel allowing far fewer shipments than needed. Additionally, Arraf highlights bureaucratic hurdles threatening aid organizations' operations. Meanwhile, the podcast dives into the escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, with new tech export restrictions rattling supply chains. Insightful discussions on civil liberties also emerge amid nationwide protests against the Trump administration.
204 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 15min
Bolton Indicted, Trump and Zelenskyy Meeting, Rebuilding Gaza
John Bolton faces 18 counts related to mishandling classified info during his time as national security advisor. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy seeks long-range missiles from Trump in a crucial meeting while pondering a potential ceasefire amid skepticism. The staggering challenge of reconstructing Gaza looms large, with unexploded bombs buried in rubble and questions over leadership and funding for recovery efforts. The discussion highlights the political intricacies surrounding military support and regional stability.
