Up First from NPR
NPR
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
95 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 13min
Hegseth Scrutiny, Jan 6th Pipe Bomb Suspect, Texas Redistricting Ruling
Tom Bowman, NPR Pentagon correspondent, discusses the scrutiny surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after a watchdog report revealed his sharing of classified details. Ryan Lucas, NPR Justice correspondent, breaks down the arrest of Brian Cole Jr., linked to the Jan. 6 pipe bombs, highlighting the forensic evidence leading to his capture. Hansi Lo Wong, covering elections, explains the Supreme Court's decision favoring Texas's controversial congressional map, potentially impacting future elections and redistricting litigation across the country.
75 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 13min
Trump's Racist Somali Remarks, Signalgate Report, CDC Vaccine Meeting
Joining the discussion are Greg Myrie, NPR’s National Security correspondent known for his insights on defense issues, and Ping Huang, NPR’s Health correspondent who focuses on public health policies. They dive into Trump's inflammatory comments about Minnesota's Somali community and the political ramifications behind his strategy. Myrie reveals alarming findings about Defense Secretary Hegseth's risky messaging practices that may have jeopardized U.S. troops. Huang highlights potential shifts in CDC vaccine recommendations, raising concerns over new proposals affecting children's health.
113 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 15min
Russia Rejects Peace Proposal, Hegseth Defends Boat Strikes, Tennessee House Election
Eleanor Beardsley, an NPR correspondent based in Europe, shares insights from the recent failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting Kyiv's firm stance against territorial concessions. Deirdre Walsh, a congressional correspondent, discusses the shifting narrative regarding the lethal U.S. strike on a drug boat and the increased scrutiny from lawmakers. Stephen Fowler analyzes the closely contested Tennessee House election, revealing shifts in voter energy and potential implications for the 2026 midterms, with both parties eyeing critical signs for the future.
107 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 16min
Hegseth Boat Strikes, Witkoff To Moscow, National Guard Shooting Suspect
Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR White House correspondent, dives into the controversy surrounding U.S. boat strikes on Venezuelan vessels and the conflicting narratives from the White House. Charles Maines, based in Moscow, provides insightful commentary on U.S.-Russia talks led by Steve Witkoff, highlighting Putin's demands and the revised Ukraine peace plan. Meanwhile, Brian Mann uncovers the background of the National Guard shooting suspect, focusing on his mental health struggles rather than radical influences, sparking a thoughtful discussion on mental health crises.
108 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 14min
National Guard Shooting & Immigration, Venezuela Latest, Ukraine Negotiations
In this engaging discussion, Jimena Bustillo, an immigration policy reporter, uncovers the White House's new measures on asylum and visa reviews following a tragic shooting in D.C. John Otis, covering Latin America, sheds light on U.S. strikes in the Caribbean and Venezuela's sharp reactions. Meanwhile, Charles Maines reports from Moscow on the complex, ongoing negotiations regarding Ukraine's peace talks. Each guest provides vital insights, highlighting the intertwining of policy and current events across borders.
75 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 14min
Your Next Great Listen
Lauren Gonzales, a writer and co-creator of NPR's Pod Club newsletter, shares her expertise in curating podcast recommendations. She discusses the evolution of Pod Club from Slack origins to a listener-friendly newsletter. Lauren highlights how personalized curation can reduce decision fatigue, making it easier to find hidden gems. Recommendations include tech-focused 'Close All Tabs,' the eerie 'Spooked,' and the compelling ThruLine episode about Captain America's cultural impact. Get ready to discover your next favorite listen!
98 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 16min
Airbus A-320 Inspections, Afghan Asylum Seekers in Limbo, Real Video or AI Generated?
Joel Rose, NPR's transportation correspondent, details a significant software issue affecting Airbus A-320 jets and its implications for holiday travel. Dia Hadid sheds light on the plight of Afghan asylum seekers left in limbo after the U.S. paused asylum decisions amid a recent violent incident. Jeff Brumfield dives into the growing challenge of distinguishing real videos from AI-generated ones, sharing practical tips on spotting fakes and discussing the alarming advancements in AI technology. A blend of aviation safety, human rights, and digital literacy makes for a compelling listen.
98 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 13min
Trump Suspends Immigration After Guard Attack, Holiday Economy, Retail Spending
Brian Mann, NPR national reporter, shares gripping details about the tragic DC National Guard shooting and its impact on immigration policies. Scott Horsley, NPR White House correspondent, explores the drop in consumer confidence and its implications for the job market and presidential politics. Alina Seljuk, NPR retail correspondent, reveals how holiday shopping is projected to exceed $1 trillion, driven by higher-income consumers and enticing discounts despite economic unease. The conversation delves into the contrasts between spending behaviors across different income levels.
49 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 13min
Targeted Attack On National Guard, Trump Case Dismissed, Russia Awaits Peace Terms
Kat Lonsdorf, NPR reporter, dives into the shocking shooting that left two National Guard members critically injured near the White House, revealing the suspect's connection to an Afghan resettlement program. Sam Greenglass discusses the surprising dismissal of Trump's election interference case in Georgia, shedding light on the prosecutor's reasoning and the potential political fallout. Charles Maines provides insights into U.S.-Russia peace negotiations, highlighting key developments in upcoming talks and the complex dynamics at play in the region.
116 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 13min
Ukraine Peace Negotiations, Trump's Ukraine Motivations, Holiday Travel
This time, Eleanor Beardsley, NPR's correspondent in Kyiv, shares insights from leaked transcripts revealing President Trump's controversial 28-point peace plan. She discusses the implications of U.S. negotiations with Russian aides. Franco Ordonez dives into Trump's motivations behind the deal, exploring legacy and humanitarian concerns. Meanwhile, Joel Rose gives a heads-up on Thanksgiving travel, highlighting expectations for record crowds and FAA readiness. The blend of politics and holiday travel creates a fascinating dialogue.
