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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
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.
157 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 13min
Ukraine Ceasefire Talks, Stock Market Slide, Columbia University Arrest Latest
Ukraine's ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia prompt debates over U.S. aid, amidst skepticism about Russia's trustworthiness. Wall Street suffers a sharp decline linked to evolving tariff policies and recession fears. The Education Department warns universities, including Columbia, about potential penalties for anti-Semitism, highlighting the consequences of campus climate issues. Legal battles surrounding dissent rights raise questions about freedoms amid current policy changes, adding to the complexity of the national landscape.
64 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 12min
Canada's New Leader, ICE Arrest Columbia Student, Congress and The Budget
Canada has a new leader, Mark Carney, who faces significant economic and trade challenges with the U.S. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student and pro-Palestinian activist, is arrested by ICE, raising concerns about deportation and activism on campuses. On the legislative front, House Republicans are pushing a budget bill amid internal conflicts, risking a government shutdown without bipartisan support. The convergence of these political developments highlights a tumultuous time for both countries and ongoing debates in Congress.
71 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 30min
Who gets to be an American?
Rond Abdel-Fattah and Ramteen Arablui, co-hosts of NPR's Throughline podcast, explore the contentious issue of birthright citizenship. They discuss the Trump administration's executive order aimed at challenging this right and dive into the historical significance of the Wong Kim Ark case, which solidified birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for identity and belonging faced by immigrant communities, drawing parallels between past legal battles and contemporary debates on citizenship.
131 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 15min
Limiting Musk's Powers; VA Employees On DOGE Emails; No Cure For Long COVID
President Trump distances himself from Elon Musk's staffing influence, igniting a debate over power dynamics. VA employees express frustration about mandatory DOGE emails, revealing the tension within federal workplaces. On a different front, long COVID remains a pressing issue, with ongoing research and advocacy efforts highlighting the struggle for effective treatments. The complexities of this condition are explored, underlining the need for more funding and clinical trials.
82 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 12min
BONUS: America's Shifting Alliances
The podcast dives into the dramatic shifts in America's global alliances under President Trump. It explores how his nationalist policies are redefining relationships, particularly with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Experts discuss the risks of distancing from traditional democratic partners in favor of autocratic regimes. The impact on European alliances and U.S.-Asia relations is also examined, highlighting concerns about American defense reliability for allies like Taiwan. This nuanced analysis reveals the complexities of navigating contemporary foreign policy.
150 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 13min
Jobs Report, White House Crypto Summit, Gaza Ceasefire Uncertainty
The latest jobs report hints at a slight increase in hiring, yet looming layoffs may dampen spirits. In a strategic move, the White House is gathering crypto innovators to foster growth in the sector. Meanwhile, tensions rise over rival ceasefire proposals in Gaza, as the U.S. administration demands hostages' release while engaging in secret negotiations. This podcast delves into the complex interplay of economic forecasts, digital currency policies, and geopolitical challenges that shape our world.
107 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 13min
EU Leaders On Ukraine, Auto Tariffs Paused, USDA Workers Return
European leaders are gathering urgently to discuss support for Ukraine after the U.S. cut military aid, signaling a shift in defense strategies. Meanwhile, President Trump has paused new auto tariffs for Canada and Mexico, influenced by automotive industry lobbying. In a surprising legal twist, nearly 6,000 USDA workers have been reinstated after being wrongfully dismissed, raising questions about agency protocols. These topics explore the intricate web of politics, defense spending, and labor rights in today's dynamic landscape.
132 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 13min
What Trump Said Last Night, Trump On Immigration, China Tariff Confidence
President Trump's address to Congress sparked heated reactions as he emphasized his administration's tough immigration policies and economic plans. He labeled certain gangs as terrorist organizations, stirring controversy and partisan tensions. Meanwhile, China's premier responded to new U.S. tariffs, outlining the nation's economic priorities and potential retaliation. The podcast offers a dynamic analysis of these developments, exploring their implications on both domestic and international fronts.
47 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 13min
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
The White House has paused military aid to Ukraine, raising eyebrows about U.S. foreign policy. President Trump is set to address Congress, tackling immigration, tax cuts, and the controversial situation in Ukraine. New tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China have ignited a trade war, leading to international retaliation. The political landscape in Canada is shifting as the Liberal Party rises while the Conservatives struggle due to their ties with Trump. Expect a heated discussion on these pressing global and domestic issues.
