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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
11 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 20min
National Security, Unlocked
Mary Louise Kelly, a seasoned national security journalist and the host of NPR's new podcast Sources and Methods, dives deep into the world of intelligence and defense reporting. She shares her fearless interviewing style, including a viral moment with Mike Pompeo over Ukraine that highlighted journalistic accountability. Kelly discusses the intricacies of reporting on secretive agencies and the significance of source protection. Her insights from war zones like Ukraine and her thoughts on renaming the Defense Department add depth to this critical conversation.
89 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 14min
Hamas Agrees to Trump Plan, Shutdown Day 4, Medicaid Cuts
Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire plan, promising to release hostages, but demands for clearer timelines complicate implementation. Meanwhile, the government shutdown enters its fourth day with ongoing stalemate in the Senate. The discussion also highlights troubling Medicaid cuts affecting nursing home care, with states like Idaho and North Carolina facing provider payment reductions. Personal stories, such as a caregiver's struggle due to these cuts, underscore the real-world impact of these political decisions.
128 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 14min
Shutdown Day 3, No Jobs Report, Trump Pressures Universities
The Senate is in a stalemate over competing funding bills as a government shutdown continues. This impasse is delaying the release of critical job market data, leaving economists in the dark. Meanwhile, the White House is pressuring universities to agree to terms that tie federal funding to policies on free speech and diversity. Specific demands include tuition freezes and compliance with gender policies. It's a high-stakes negotiation that could reshape the landscape of higher education funding.
108 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 31min
Kentucky’s governor on the shutdown and political divisions
Andy Beshear, the popular Democratic governor of Kentucky, discusses navigating political divides in a red state. He highlights the impact of the federal shutdown on families and federal workers, emphasizing the importance of ACA tax credits to prevent rising health care costs. Beshear also critiques the president's rhetoric and explores the economic consequences of tariffs on Kentucky jobs. As he considers a potential presidential run, he argues for a focus on bipartisan governance and engaging rural voters by addressing everyday issues.
196 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 14min
White House Shutdown Cuts, Government Services Interrupted, Gaza City Evacuation
The podcast reveals how the White House is leveraging a government shutdown to propose massive budget cuts and potentially lay off federal workers. Experts discuss the legal ramifications of such actions. Key federal services are experiencing interruptions, affecting vulnerable programs like SNAP and WIC. Meanwhile, Israel's evacuation order for Gaza City highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis, with severe implications for civilians and ongoing diplomatic challenges. The discussion offers a deep dive into the political maneuvers and their real-world impacts.
155 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 13min
Government Shutdown Begins, Impact Of Shutdown, Trump Hegseth Military Meeting
The federal government has kicked off its first shutdown since 2019, leaving over two million workers in limbo. Tensions in Congress led to failed funding bills amid intense partisan standoffs. President Trump is facing backlash for threatening mass layoffs while suggesting the use of troops against 'enemies within' in Democratic cities. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Hegseth is pushing for tougher military standards, criticizing 'woke' culture, and emphasizing readiness for combat.
175 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 13min
Shutdown Deadline, Gaza Deal Reaction, Top Military Leaders Meeting
Congress faces a looming government shutdown as funding talks stall over health care issues. President Trump's ambitious 20-point Gaza plan aims for a ceasefire and new governance, but faces skepticism from Hamas. Meanwhile, a rare closed-door meeting of military leaders raises eyebrows, as many question the Pentagon's motives behind the unusual gathering. The discussions touch on military politics, recent officer removals, and the potential implications for military engagement.
123 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 13min
Michigan Church Shooting, Government Shutdown Negotiations, Trump Netanyahu Meeting
A tragic shooting unfolded at a Michigan church, sparking an FBI investigation into the gunman's motives. Meanwhile, President Trump faces looming government shutdown talks with Democrats, centered on health care funding. In a high-stakes meeting, Trump discusses a new ceasefire plan for Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting the complexities of achieving peace amid regional tensions and internal political pressures. Local reactions are gathered, revealing community shock and calls for action.
80 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 28min
American Voices on Trump
Debbie Elliott, an NPR reporter focused on Southern communities, and Kirk Sigler, who covers the West and rural resource issues, dive into the real impacts of Trump's policy changes. They explore how tariffs affect Tupelo manufacturers and create uncertainty for New Mexico's oilfields. Wheat farmers in Washington voice their frustrations over volatile trade, while concerns rise over DEI rollbacks in Alabama. Kirk highlights morale struggles among Forest Service workers due to cuts, revealing a nuanced portrait of everyday Americans navigating political shifts.
125 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 14min
Comey And Beyond, Costs Of TikTok Deal, Dreamers Amid Deportations
The discussions dive deep into the political implications of James Comey's indictment and President Trump's pointed remarks on targets. There's an intriguing examination of the hefty fees investors are shelling out for TikTok, raising eyebrows about government intervention and its potential to stifle innovation. Additionally, the plight of DACA recipients is addressed, highlighting increased deportation risks amid political shifts and legislative gridlock. It's a whirlwind of justice, economics, and immigration challenges.
