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
87 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 15min
School Funding, Venezuelan Deportation Hearing, Key Bridge Inspection
The podcast delves into the chaos unleashed by President Trump's decision to shutter the Department of Education, throwing school funding into disarray. It also highlights judicial scrutiny over the controversial deportation of Venezuelan migrants, raising critical legal questions. Additionally, listeners learn about the shocking infrastructure failure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge due to neglected safety inspections, sparking nationwide concerns about other bridges. The intertwining issues of education, immigration, and infrastructure safety create a compelling narrative.
64 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 13min
Fed Rates Pause, USIP Loses Case, Israel Restarts Gaza Ground Invasion
The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady raises eyebrows amid rising inflation and trade policy challenges. A federal judge allows the government to take over the U.S. Institute of Peace, sparking controversy over legal tactics. Meanwhile, Israel's renewed ground invasion in Gaza leads to a humanitarian crisis, with tragic civilian impacts and stirring testimonies from residents. The podcast dives into these pressing issues, balancing serious news with lighter commentary.
66 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 14min
USAID Ruling, Ukraine On Trump Putin Agreement, Gaza Ceasefire Collapse
A federal judge ruled the Trump administration likely violated the Constitution by dismantling USAID, with Trump planning an appeal. Meanwhile, skepticism grows over a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as new attacks unfold. In Gaza, airstrikes resume following a breakdown of a ceasefire with Hamas, resulting in devastating casualties. Political maneuverings shape the ongoing conflicts, while the legal battles highlight the complexities of due process against a backdrop of political strife.
79 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 14min
Israel Strikes Gaza, Trump And The Courts, Takeover At US Institute Of Peace
The podcast covers escalating violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties and threaten ongoing ceasefire efforts. It discusses a federal judge challenging the Justice Department over controversial deportations of Venezuelans tied to the Trump administration's policies. The show also highlights a forceful takeover at the U.S. Institute of Peace, raising questions about government influence on its mission. Additionally, there's focus on the challenges of negotiating peace in Ukraine amid complex international relations.
43 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 13min
Alien Enemies Act, Legal US Immigrants Denied Entry, Deadly Storm System
Delve into the controversial deportation of Venezuelans under a wartime law, sparking legal challenges by civil liberties advocates. Discover the troubling experiences of legal U.S. residents denied reentry. Then, explore the devastating impact of a deadly storm system that left communities shattered across the Midwest and South, and witness the resilience of first responders in the aftermath. Each story uncovers layers of complexity in immigration policies and natural disasters.
42 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 29min
A Palestinian Reporter Returns Home to Gaza City
Anas Baba, NPR's producer in Gaza and one of the few Palestinian journalists reporting for an American outlet, shares his gripping experiences during the ongoing conflict. He dives into the emotional complexities of returning to his devastated hometown while navigating the dangers of war reporting. Baba highlights the resilience of local communities as they find joy in small moments, like cooking shakshuka amid destruction. He also discusses the importance of dignity in turbulent times and the impact of media restrictions on truthful storytelling.
36 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 14min
Democrat In-Fighting; Conservative Media on Trump; Mahmoud Khalil's Wife Speaks
Recent political tensions erupted as a Republican spending bill passed with unexpected Democratic support, prompting accusations of betrayal among party members. Meanwhile, conservative media is reevaluating its stance on Trump's economic policies amidst looming recession fears. In a personal narrative, the wife of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil shares the heart-wrenching ordeal of her husband's possible deportation over his campus protests, shedding light on broader immigration issues and personal sacrifices.
54 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 13min
Congress Budget Vote, Trump Speaks At DOJ, Federal Workers Reinstated
Congress is on the brink of a government shutdown as Senate Democrats wrestle with a Republican spending bill. Donald Trump visits the Justice Department, adding fire to ongoing legal challenges against his administration. Thousands of dismissed federal workers are ordered to be reinstated, but legal hurdles may complicate their return. The podcast also highlights the implications of budget decisions and the need for teaching financial literacy to ensure better money management for future generations.
44 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 13min
Russia Mulls Ceasefire, EPA Rollbacks, Iran Rebuffs Trump
Tensions rise as Russia weighs a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Ukraine, sparking a flurry of diplomatic activity. Meanwhile, the White House's rollback of environmental protections raises concerns about pollution and public health. In a surprising twist, Iran's Supreme Leader dismisses Trump's overtures for nuclear talks, accusing the U.S. of trying to exert pressure. This tangled web of geopolitics highlights the ongoing struggle between diplomacy and conflict on multiple fronts.
104 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 14min
Ukraine Ceasefire Talks, Education Department Layoffs, Spending Bill
Ukraine has secured a 30-day ceasefire, leading to the U.S. resuming military aid, while Russia is reviewing the agreement. Education feels the pinch as the Trump administration cuts nearly half of the Education Department's workforce, raising concerns over the impact on public education. Meanwhile, a stopgap funding bill has passed the House, pressing Congress to act swiftly to prevent a government shutdown. The dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the complexities of bipartisan negotiations add to the unfolding drama.
