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
46 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 14min
Trump Remaking Government, RFK Jr. Confirmation Hearings, US Education Report Card
This week, Trump’s strategy to reshape the federal government is making waves, including new incentives for federal employees to resign. Senate confirmation hearings for RFK Jr. are igniting controversy, especially around his public health viewpoints and anti-vaccine stance. Meanwhile, a national assessment reveals alarming declines in math and reading skills among students post-pandemic, highlighting significant educational challenges ahead. The impact of federal funding freezes adds another layer of tension to these issues.
66 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 13min
Justice Department Firings, Humanitarian Parole Ends, China And AI
The podcast dives into recent shake-ups in the Justice Department, revealing the dismissal of prosecutors linked to Trump investigations. It also discusses the end of humanitarian parole for over 1.4 million immigrants, shedding light on personal stories amid changing immigration policies. In a tech twist, a Chinese company introduces a free competitor to ChatGPT, raising eyebrows about AI competition and regulatory challenges. Tune in for a blend of political insights and technology trends!
47 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 14min
Mideast Ceasefire, Florida Immigration Session, Congolese City Captured
Palestinians are cautiously returning home to Gaza after a year of displacement, filled with emotional reunions. Florida's Governor DeSantis proposes giving local law enforcement immigration powers, stirring debate about its implications. Meanwhile, Rwandan-backed rebels have captured Goma, igniting discussions about the historic Rwandan genocide's aftermath and its impact on present-day conflicts. Amidst these serious topics, fans also dive into the upcoming Super Bowl matchup, making for a dynamic blend of news and sports.
73 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 33min
Reckoning with the Assad Regime's 'Machinery of Death'
Ruth Sherlock, an NPR correspondent who has reported extensively on Syria, shares her insights into the aftermath of the Assad regime's fall. She uncovers chilling details from notorious Sednaya prison, where dissenters faced brutal punishment. Sherlock visits mass gravesites and hears heart-wrenching stories from former prisoners, revealing the psychological terror inflicted by the regime. The podcast also explores the ongoing search for the disappeared and the challenges of seeking justice in a country still grappling with the scars of war.
43 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 14min
More Hostages Go Free, Trump Halts Foreign Aid, RFK Jr.'s Confirmation
Four female Israeli soldiers are released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement, stirring reactions in Tel Aviv. Significant changes in U.S. foreign aid policy could jeopardize $60 billion in assistance, raising alarms among aid organizations. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial nomination for health secretary is met with strong opposition from medical professionals, focusing on his anti-vaccine stance and the implications for public health.
68 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 13min
Trump Visits Disaster Zones, DEI and the Military, London Hacking Hearing
President Trump visits disaster zones in California and North Carolina, stirring political debates over federal aid. The Trump administration seeks to dismantle diversity programs in the military, raising alarms about extremism. Meanwhile, there's a legal battle involving an Israeli investigator linked to a hacking scheme targeting climate activists. In the UK, gripping testimonies from Assad regime survivors highlight the grim realities of oppression. These diverse topics weave a complex narrative of politics, accountability, and human resilience.
143 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 13min
Immigration Crackdown, Health Officials Muted, Oscar Nominations
Congress has taken a bold step with new immigration laws that could reshape the landscape for undocumented individuals. Meanwhile, increased federal control has dampened health officials' voices, raising alarms about transparency in public health. The Hollywood scene is on edge as wildfires disrupt the awards season, impacting everything from actors to film crews. Amidst these challenges, the determination of filmmakers shines, reflecting resilience as they gear up for the Sundance Film Festival and Oscar nominations.
67 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 13min
New ICE Policies, Hegseth Claims, West Bank Attacks
Recent changes in U.S. immigration policies now enable arrests at schools and churches, raising concerns among community leaders. The podcast also discusses serious misconduct allegations against prominent political figure Pete Hegseth, revealing a dramatic family history. Tensions escalate in the West Bank as military operations intensify, highlighting the daily struggles of Palestinians. Insights into how U.S. policies intertwine with these regional conflicts add a layer of complexity to the current geopolitical landscape.
99 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 13min
Trump Day One, Immigration, January 6 Pardons
Donald Trump makes headlines with a flurry of executive orders aimed at dismantling Biden's immigration policies. He takes controversial steps to grant clemency to defendants from the January 6 Capitol attack, raising questions about political accountability. The podcast dives into the implications of these pardons and the constitutional tensions surrounding them. Experts discuss the potential legal challenges ahead and the broader effects on political norms, emphasizing the volatile landscape of U.S. immigration policy.
57 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 13min
Inauguration Day, Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, TikTok
A bold new chapter unfolds as Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th president, braving freezing weather for the ceremony. Meanwhile, a ceasefire brings emotional reunions in the West Bank, but the conflict finds new twists. TikTok returns after a short hiatus, raising questions about its future amidst rising legal challenges. The intersection of politics, technology, and social media sets the stage for a lively discussion of triumph, defiance, and uncertainty in today's landscape.
