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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
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63 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 14min
Trump Issues Travel Ban, Musk Criticizes Budget Bill, Iran Nuclear Talks Latest
President Trump has implemented a travel ban affecting 12 countries, igniting widespread controversy. Elon Musk takes a stand against a Republican budget plan, questioning its impact on the economy. Meanwhile, U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are at a critical juncture, with Russia possibly stepping in to aid negotiations. The podcast offers a mix of serious analysis and light-hearted banter, making it both informative and entertaining.

118 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 14min
Imported Steel Tariffs Double, White House Rescission Request, Gaza Aid Paused
Imported steel and aluminum tariffs have doubled to 50%, raising concerns about consumer costs and economic ripple effects. The White House is seeking to cut $9.4 billion in foreign aid and public media funding, causing significant debate. Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has paused food distribution amid escalating violence, highlighting a growing humanitarian crisis. The resignation between protective economic policies and humanitarian needs presents a complex challenge for the administration and affected communities.

79 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 13min
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
A man in Colorado faces federal hate crime charges after a violent attack on a pro-Israeli rally, raising community safety concerns. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine engage in talks that lead to a new prisoner swap but no ceasefire. The political landscape in South Korea heats up as citizens vote for a new president amid past controversies and their impact on U.S. relations. The podcast dives into these pressing issues, offering insights and reflections on resilience in the face of tragedy.

83 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 12min
Ukrainian Drone Strikes, Senate Budget Bill, Colorado Attack
Ukraine launched significant drone strikes on Russian military bases just before key peace talks, raising questions about their impact. Meanwhile, the Republican Senate is back from break, facing heated debates over President Trump's ambitious budget proposal. In a shocking incident, a man used a makeshift flamethrower to attack participants at a gathering for Israeli hostages, igniting serious concerns about safety and community tensions. These pressing issues highlight the complexities of current global politics and domestic strife.

78 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 14min
The Day The Dinosaurs Died
Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR's TED Radio Hour, dives into paleontologist Ken Lacovara's groundbreaking discoveries at the Edelman Fossil Park. They discuss the amazing fossil bed unearthed near a Lowe's store that links directly to the catastrophic asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The conversation highlights the importance of fossil excavation in understanding our planet's history and inspires listeners to appreciate the urgency of climate action to protect biodiversity.

68 snips
May 31, 2025 • 13min
Shangri-La Dialogue, Nippon/U.S. Steel Deal, Taylor Swift Gets Her Masters
The podcast delves into global security issues, especially highlighting U.S. concerns about China's military strategies and regional threats. It also covers the celebration of a billion-dollar partnership between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, raising community and union concerns. In a cultural twist, Taylor Swift triumphantly regains control over her master recordings, a significant move impacting artists' rights. These diverse topics paint a compelling picture of shifting dynamics in both international relations and the music industry.

83 snips
May 30, 2025 • 13min
Trump's US Steel Reversal, Court Win For Harvard, Musk Leaves DOGE
A surprising turn as Trump backs a multi-billion dollar partnership between US Steel and Japan's Nippon Steel, previously blocked for national security. Harvard celebrates a legal win allowing the enrollment of international students, a significant boost for higher education. Meanwhile, Elon Musk steps away from government efficiency initiatives, raising questions about his influence and the political pressures that shaped his role. Dive into the implications of these pivotal moments in politics and business!

106 snips
May 29, 2025 • 13min
Court Blocks Most Trump Tariffs, Trump Grows Frustrated With Putin, CPAC Hungary
A federal court has ruled against most of Trump's tariffs, determining he overstepped his authority. This sparks discussions about the balance of power in trade policy. Meanwhile, tensions between Trump and Putin are on the rise as airstrikes in Ukraine continue, questioning the future of peace negotiations. Additionally, the Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary highlights growing support for Viktor Orban's leadership among U.S. conservatives, reflecting a shared narrative against liberal ideologies.

82 snips
May 28, 2025 • 13min
Gaza Food Distribution Chaos, New COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines, Children Of ISIS
Amid rising tensions, Israeli forces opened fire at a food distribution site in Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis. The new U.S. COVID-19 vaccine guidelines have stirred controversy by no longer recommending vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women. Additionally, thousands of children linked to ISIS fighters are stuck in Syrian camps, raising urgent calls for their repatriation. The podcast tackles these pressing issues, shedding light on the complexities of conflict and health in today's world.

128 snips
May 27, 2025 • 19min
Harvard President says critics' "fire is misdirected"
In this discussion, Alan Garber, President of Harvard University, addresses the Trump administration's actions against the institution, including the revocation of its ability to enroll international students. He emphasizes the significance of diversity and international perspectives in academia. Garber also shares insights on the campus climate, particularly regarding social dynamics amidst rising anti-Semitism. He warns about the potential impacts of government funding cuts and underscores the importance of upholding educational values in these contentious times.