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
74 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 16min
USAID Programs Halted, Netanyahu in Washington, Rubio Visits Panama, Cannabis Safety
Foreign aid programs face a major halt, creating turbulence within USAID and sparking discussions around its future amid Trump administration changes. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's pivotal talks in Washington highlight international diplomacy. In Panama, Marco Rubio addresses foreign influence over the Panama Canal. Additionally, the podcast dives into the cannabis landscape, addressing safety concerns, potency risks, and the challenges of unregulated markets, aiming to guide consumers toward safer products.
46 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 26min
Time to Leave
Lauren Sommer and Rebecca Hersher, both reporters from NPR's Climate Desk, delve into the crucial issue of climate change's impact on housing. They discuss the challenges faced by communities from California to Arizona as they confront wildfires, water scarcity, and flooding. Key topics include innovative housing designs for fire resistance, legal battles over new developments, and the urgent need for sustainable growth strategies. The emotional struggles of residents navigating these disasters offer a powerful lens on the intersection of climate and housing.
65 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 14min
Tariffs Come Due, Chopper Traffic After Crash
President Trump's looming tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China spark discussions on economic implications and trade tensions. The episode delves into the motivations behind these tariffs, including their links to fentanyl trafficking. Meanwhile, aviation safety comes under scrutiny as the FAA imposes helicopter flight restrictions near Reagan National Airport to enhance security. The podcast also highlights a recent helicopter and jet incident, raising critical questions about air travel safety.
44 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 12min
Plane Crash Latest, German Far Right, Nuclear Testing
Cockpit recordings are shedding light on a recent plane collision near Washington, D.C., revealing the personal stories of those involved. Meanwhile, Germany's far-right party is making waves as it enters mainstream politics, sparking debate on immigration policy. On another front, researchers are probing the implications of nuclear weapons programs at a secret Nevada facility, weighing scientific needs against political motives. Each topic intertwines complex social issues with urgent current events, making for a compelling discussion.
82 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 14min
D.C. Plane Crash, Migrant Housing At Guantanamo, January 6th Criminal Records
A shocking plane collision between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter creates a desperate rescue operation over the Potomac River. Meanwhile, a contentious plan emerges to house deported migrants at Guantanamo Bay, stirring up historical and ethical debates. Additionally, an investigation reveals troubling criminal records of some pardoned January 6th defendants, shedding light on the complexities of their backgrounds and the legal implications of these pardons. This gripping mix of tragedy and political controversy keeps listeners on edge.
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.
