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
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.
137 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 13min
State Of The Shutdown, SCOTUS Tariff Arguments, Chicago ICE Ruling
Sam Greenglass, an NPR congressional reporter, dives into Trump's push to eliminate the filibuster amid a government shutdown, revealing Senate dynamics post-election. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR's White House correspondent, discusses the Supreme Court’s scrutiny of Trump's tariff powers, raising questions on constitutional limits. John Seidel, from Chicago Public Media, highlights local courtroom battles over immigration enforcement, including a ruling for better conditions in detention centers. Each guest lays out critical implications for governance and law enforcement.
169 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 13min
VA NJ Governor Races, Mamdani Elected NYC Mayor, California Redistricting
Margaret Barthel, a reporter for WAMU, shares insights on the Democratic victories in Virginia and New Jersey, framing them as a backlash against Trump, while highlighting voters' economic concerns. Bridget Bergen, a producer at WNYC, discusses the historic election of Zohran Mamdani as NYC's first Muslim mayor, emphasizing his transformative policy platform and how he rallied voters. The conversation also touches on California's redistricting and its implications for Democratic gains in upcoming elections.
181 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 15min
Four Big Races To Watch, Partial SNAP Funding, Sudan Famine, Dick Cheney Dies at 84
Ashley Lopez, NPR political correspondent, delves into crucial elections in California, New York City, Virginia, and New Jersey, highlighting the stakes and potential power shifts. Jennifer Ludden, food and nutrition policy expert, discusses the partial restarting of SNAP benefits and the looming uncertainty for millions of families. Emmanuel Akhenwotu provides harrowing on-the-ground insights into the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, focusing on the dire consequences of recent violence and the urgent needs of trapped civilians.
248 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 13min
Trump's Shutdown Travel, SNAP Benefits Gap, NYC Mayoral Race
Tamara Keith, NPR's senior White House correspondent, discusses President Trump's continued travel amid a prolonged government shutdown, and how this strategy pressures Senate Democrats. Joe Hernandez, a SNAP policy reporter, outlines the urgent impacts of SNAP benefits running out, legal challenges, and the administration's hesitation to use emergency funds. Brian Mann, reporting from NYC, dives into the tense mayoral race, highlighting Zohran Mamdani's energized campaign against Andrew Cuomo, and the implications for the Democratic Party's future.
92 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 22min
How Smaller Families are Changing the World
Joining the discussion are Sarah McCammon, an NPR correspondent focused on demographic change, and Brian Mann, who reports on population decline. They dive into the implications of shrinking family sizes and the challenges of aging populations. The conversation touches on the balance between personal fulfillment and career, the impact of economic and cultural changes on birth rates, and local issues like school closures. They also explore the role of government policies, community responses, and potential adaptations necessary to address these demographic shifts.
59 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 14min
SNAP decision, Open Enrollment, Electricity Prices Increase
Jennifer Ludden, an NPR reporter specializing in food policy, breaks down recent court rulings affecting SNAP benefits and their implications for recipients. Selena Simmons-Duffin, a health policy expert, highlights critical changes in the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment, including expiring subsidies and new enrollment tips. Finally, Scott Horsley, covering national politics, discusses how rising electricity prices are shaping gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, revealing voter frustrations and potential political ramifications.
130 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 13min
Democrats' Shutdown Pressure, SNAP Deadline, Nuclear Testing
Jennifer Ludden, a seasoned NPR reporter, sheds light on the SNAP funding crisis affecting 42 million Americans, exploring state responses and legal challenges. Barbara Sprunt, a congressional correspondent, delves into political pressures faced by Democrats amidst a government shutdown. Jeff Brumfield, an expert in science and security, discusses the implications of the U.S. potentially resuming nuclear weapons testing, warning of an impending arms race and environmental risks. Tune in for a riveting discussion on critical policy and security issues!
186 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 14min
Trump-Xi Meeting, Head Start Funding, Surgeon General Nominee
Anthony Kuhn, NPR's South Korea correspondent, discusses the recent Trump-Xi meeting, revealing limited trade agreements aimed at easing tensions. Corey Turner highlights the looming risk of Head Start program closures that could leave over 65,000 children without care, detailing local efforts to cope with funding lapses. Will Stone delves into the contentious nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General, unpacking her background as a wellness influencer and addressing public health controversies surrounding her views.
133 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 13min
Hurricane Melissa Aftermath, Israel Strikes Gaza Again, Air-Traffic Controllers
Eder Peralta, an NPR reporter based in Mexico City, shares insights on the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Cuba, highlighting flooding and evacuation challenges. Daniel Estrin, reporting from Tel Aviv, discusses the volatile Gaza ceasefire, including recent deadly strikes and the complex U.S. involvement. Joel Rose, NPR's transportation correspondent, addresses the strain on air-traffic controllers working without pay during the government shutdown, raising concerns about safety and delays in aviation.
