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
50 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 13min
U.S. Strikes ISIS In Nigeria, The Year In Congress, Holiday Spending
Emmanuel Ekenwatu, NPR's Africa correspondent, shares insights on U.S. strikes against ISIS militants in Nigeria, discussing local security dynamics and implications for regional Christians. Claudia Grisales, NPR's congressional correspondent, highlights Congress's challenges, explaining how it ceded power to the president and its struggle with legislative productivity. The conversation also dives into record-breaking holiday spending amidst economic pessimism, showcasing surprising trends in consumer behavior despite gloomy sentiments.
63 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 14min
Christmas In Bethlehem, Honduras Election Result, Immigration Crackdown
Hadil El-Shalchi, a foreign correspondent, reports on the joyous return of Christmas festivities in Bethlehem, a significant change after the somber impact of the Gaza war. Eder Peralta, an NPR reporter from Mexico City, delves into the complex political landscape following the contentious presidential election in Honduras, highlighting allegations of fraud and U.S. interests. Jasmine Garst discusses the heartbreaking stories of families torn apart by U.S. deportation policies, emphasizing how children are stepping into roles as caregivers in the wake of these challenges.
167 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 13min
New Epstein Documents, SCOTUS National Guard, GDP Growth
Joining the discussion are Sarah McCammon, an NPR political correspondent delving into newly unsealed Justice Department documents surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, revealing notable names and connections, and Kat Lonsdorf, an NPR reporter offering insights on the Supreme Court's ruling regarding National Guard deployments in Chicago. They explore the implications of Epstein's uncovered ties, legal disputes affecting national security, and the surprising strength of the U.S. economy as consumer spending rises.
104 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 15min
Trump Announces 'Golden Fleet', Judge Rules Deportations Illegal, Heritage Exodus
Quill Lawrence, an NPR national security correspondent, analyzes President Trump's announcement of a new class of warships named after himself, discussing its security implications. Ximena Bustillo, an immigration correspondent, provides insights on a federal judge's ruling deeming the deportation of Venezuelan men illegal, highlighting legal and humanitarian aspects. Political correspondent Sarah McCammon details the exodus from the Heritage Foundation to a group linked with Mike Pence, revealing tensions within the GOP between MAGA supporters and traditional conservatives.
148 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 15min
Coast Guard Pursues Tanker, Epstein Files Release, Immigration Court No-Shows
Carrie Kahn, an NPR correspondent in Rio, discusses the U.S. Coast Guard's pursuit of a Venezuela-linked tanker, shedding light on sanctions enforcement and regional tensions. Luke Garrett covers the recent partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighting the political fallout and frustrations over redactions. Jimena Bastillo reveals concerning trends in immigration court no-shows, linking them to rising fears among immigrants and implications for due process. Together, they explore urgent issues affecting U.S. policy and justice.
90 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 15min
Where Kids Play
Eli Stark-Elster, a UC Davis researcher focused on childhood autonomy, joins host Ayesha Rascoe to discuss kids' holiday screen time. They explore how urbanization has limited children's unsupervised play, highlighting the historical norms of autonomy. Eli argues that digital spaces provide a new frontier for peer cultures but warns about the risks of commercialization in games like Roblox. He stresses the importance of balancing safety with opportunities for independence, as autonomy is crucial for child well-being. Quality of screen time matters!
184 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 15min
Epstein Files Release, Health Care Subsidies, Surviving The Holiday Season
Stephen Fowler, an NPR reporter, delves into the Justice Department's release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, highlighting surprising revelations and ongoing redactions. Larry Leavitt, a health policy expert, discusses the impending expiration of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that could leave millions facing higher costs for health insurance. Meanwhile, Allison Aubrey shares valuable strategies for navigating the holiday season, offering tips to manage stress and maintain healthy habits while celebrating with loved ones.
124 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 13min
Brown University Suspect Found Dead, Epstein Files Deadline, Kennedy Center Renamed
Ben Burke, a reporter for Ocean State Media, shares haunting details about the suspect in the Brown University shooting, discovered dead in a storage locker. Stephen Fowler delves into the Epstein Files Transparency Act, explaining the expected release of critical records amid Congressional pressures. Meanwhile, Andrew Limbong reports on the Kennedy Center's controversial name change to honor Donald Trump, exploring the board's governance shift and the public's reaction. It's a deep dive into pressing issues shaping the news landscape.
187 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 13min
Trump Addresses Nation, Congress ACA Vote, Venezuela Oil Tankers
Deepa Shivaram, NPR White House correspondent, analyzes President Trump's primetime address touting an impending economic boom despite low approval ratings. Barbara Sprunt, congressional correspondent, highlights a bipartisan push to extend healthcare subsidies, revealing notable Republican dissent. Greg Myrie, national security correspondent, discusses the U.S. ban on sanctioned oil tankers heading to Venezuela, shedding light on the potential escalations and challenges facing the country's oil exports. Tune in for insights on the latest political and economic moves!
120 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 13min
Republican Healthcare Vote, Susie Wiles Interview, Nuclear Reactor Regulations
In this discussion, Sam Greenglass, an NPR congressional reporter, breaks down the urgent debate around expiring health care subsidies and the partisan schism over potential extensions. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR White House correspondent, shares insights from Vanity Fair's extensive interview with Susie Wiles, revealing internal conflicts and her candid views on key figures. Jeff Brumfield, an energy reporter, introduces the Energy Department's Reactor Pilot Program, highlighting the tension between ambitious nuclear innovations and safety regulations.
