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
79 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 15min
Congressional To-Do List, Trump V. BBC, Ukraine Update
Deirdre Walsh, NPR's congressional correspondent, discusses the urgency of upcoming votes on health care subsidies and the Epstein files. Willem Marks, based in London, weighs in on Trump's threat to sue the BBC over their treatment of his January 6 speech. Meanwhile, Joanna Kakissis, reporting from Kyiv, shares insights on the dire situation in Ukraine, highlighting recent Russian attacks and an explosive corruption investigation involving the energy sector. Tensions are high as these issues unfold, impacting both politics and national security.
122 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 13min
Epstein Files Fallout, Charlotte Immigration Patrols, Economic Impact Of Shutdown
Deepa Shipran, NPR White House correspondent, discusses the political fallout from the recent releases of Jeffrey Epstein documents, highlighting how lawmakers are demanding transparency as the White House calls it a 'distraction.' Scott Horsley, NPR economics correspondent, breaks down the significant economic impact of the recent government shutdown, revealing potential long-term damages including lost wages and delayed federal data that may be irretrievable. The conversation sheds light on pressing national issues with urgency and insight.
103 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 13min
Epstein Documents Dump, Government Reopens, Affordable Care Act Limbo
Barbara Sprunt, NPR's congressional correspondent, discusses the fallout from the 43-day government shutdown, highlighting what Democrats gained and the challenges ahead for health-care subsidy negotiations. Selena Simmons-Duffin explains the intricacies of ACA tax credits and shares a personal story of how subsidy loss could skyrocket monthly premiums. Stephen Fowler reveals explosive emails from Epstein’s documents that link Trump to the financier, raising questions about political accountability as Congress moves to release more records.
145 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 13min
House Shutdown Vote, Aviation Challenges, USS Ford Heads to the Caribbean
Claudia Grisales, NPR's congressional correspondent, dives into the high-stakes negotiations over the longest government shutdown, analyzing the latest developments in health care subsidies. Joel Rose, NPR's transportation expert, reveals ongoing challenges in aviation, highlighting air traffic controller shortages and their impact on flight delays. Quill Lawrence, from the national security team, discusses the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Caribbean, raising questions about U.S. military intentions amid rising tensions with Venezuela.
212 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 13min
House Votes on Funding Bill, Shutdown Deal Dissent, COP30 Global Emissions
In this discussion, Sam Greenglass, an NPR congressional reporter, and Domenico Montanaro, NPR senior political editor, delve into the House's bipartisan funding bill aimed at preventing a prolonged government shutdown. They analyze the internal strife within the Democratic Party, sparked by senators who broke ranks, and the fallout that may impact the midterm elections. The conversation also shifts to COP30 in Brazil, highlighting alarming global emissions statistics and the challenges ahead in meeting climate targets, underscoring the urgency of decisive action.
182 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 15min
Senate Shutdown Breakthrough, SNAP Legal Battle, COP30 Climate Summit Starts
Claudia Gersadis, Congressional correspondent, dives into the Senate's surprising bipartisan deal to end the government's lengthy shutdown. Meanwhile, Tovia Smith tackles the ongoing SNAP benefit court battles, discussing how recent rulings may impact thousands facing food insecurity. Julia Simon shares insights on the urgency of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, highlighting the U.S.'s absence and the global shift toward actionable solutions. Tune in for a lively discussion on critical political and social issues!
24 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 27min
Carlson’s War: Part 1
Quill Lawrence, an NPR reporter with years of experience covering veterans, speaks with David Carlson, an Iraq War veteran whose life has been marked by the struggles of PTSD and substance use. They delve into the complexities of living through war, including Carlson's guilt from combat and the emotional detachment he felt during his service. The conversation reveals how early trauma intersected with his military experiences, ultimately leading to incarceration. Lawrence reflects on the decade-long journey to understand whether one can truly heal from the scars of war.
22 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 27min
Carlson’s War: Part 2
Veteran Dave Carlson shares his gripping journey through PTSD and incarceration. In prison, chaotic conditions triggered his combat mindset, leading to a dark path. He found faith in solitary confinement, igniting his desire to rebuild his life. After his release, he faced challenges with addiction but embraced recovery through VA rehab. Now a law graduate and practicing attorney, Carlson mentors at-risk youth, teaching the values he learned on his path to recovery. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience and community support.
68 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 14min
Who's Been Paying Tariffs, DHS Surveillance Tools, Israel Holds Florida Teen
Juliana Kim, an NPR reporter specializing in economic impacts, discusses the partial burden of President Trump's tariffs on consumers and the potential for significant price increases. Jude Joffe-Block, a privacy expert, reveals DHS's expansion of surveillance tools, raising concerns about civil liberties. Lauren Frayer shares the harrowing story of Mohammed Ibrahim, a Florida teen detained in Israel facing serious charges under military law. Each guest sheds light on the intricate balance between policy, privacy, and personal stakes.
87 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 13min
FAA Cuts Flights, SNAP Ruling, Trump Focused Abroad
Joel Rose, NPR transportation correspondent, discusses the FAA's directive for airlines to cut flights by 10% amid staffing issues caused by a government shutdown. Tovia Smith, covering SNAP benefits, highlights a court ruling that orders the restoration of food assistance, emphasizing the political pressures at play. Franco Ordoñez, White House correspondent, reports on Trump's international diplomacy, including a meeting with Hungary's Viktor Orbán, while critics urge him to refocus on domestic economic issues.
