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Up First from NPR

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

Sudan's 'Forgotten War'

12 million displaced. As many as 150,000 dead. Half the country facing starvation. The simple truth? War is tearing apart Sudan. NPR's West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu recently reported near the heart of that fighting. Along the way, he met a young man who, with his family, survived for months on flour and water while hiding under a bed. He found doctors caring for the sick and dying even as shells exploded nearby. The current humanitarian crisis in Sudan is seen as one of the worst i...

Oct 27, 202424 min

Israel Strikes Iran, Washington Post Won't Endorse a Candidate, World Series Start

Israel hits military targets in Iran in retaliation for Iran's attacks earlier this month. The Washington Post editorial page declines to endorse a presidential candidate, shocking the paper's newsroom. Also, Game 1 of the World Series ends with thrills for the LA Dodgers and disappointment for the New York Yankees. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 26, 202416 min

Harris in Texas, Georgia On Edge, Menendez Brothers Case

T​he presidential candidates are racing around the seven swing states and today they're both in Texas — one of the reddest states in the country. Swing states like Georgia are on edge as the FBI warns state and local officials that extremists with election grievances could turn to violence in the coming weeks. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is recommending that the Menendez brothers be resentenced and released from prison. And President Biden is set to make a formal apology f...

Oct 25, 202416 min

BONUS: "We, The Voters," an NPR Live Elections Event

NPR's Morning Edition radio news show hosted a live event about the election on October 22, 2024 at WHYY in Pennsylvania. This bonus episode features interviews from that event with experts and campaign surrogates for presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Democratic Congress member Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania spoke on behalf of the Harris campaign and Republican Congress member Byron Donalds of Florida spoke on behalf of the Trump campaign. Want more comprehensive analysis o...

Oct 24, 202412 min

North Gaza Siege, North Korean Troops in Russia, Pennsylvania Voters

Parts of north Gaza are under siege where the Israeli military says it's working to stop Hamas from regrouping. The U.S. confirms at least three thousand North Korean troops are training in Russia but whether they'll be deployed to fight in Ukraine is still uncertain. And NPR's Michel Martin and Steve Inskeep discuss some of the views about the election they've heard from voters in Pennsylvania. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe ...

Oct 24, 202413 min

Trump Doubles Down, California House Races, Italy's Migration Deal

In the final days on the presidential race former President Donald Trump doubles down on his approach to campaigning. California won't swing the presidential race, but voters in the blue state could determine who controls the House of Representatives. And Italy's right-wing government is trying to salvage a deal to send migrants to offshore detention centers in Albania. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter...

Oct 23, 202413 min

Trump's Threats Investigation, Louisiana 10 Commandments, Russia's BRICS Summit

An NPR investigation has found former President Donald Trump has made more than 100 threats to investigate, prosecute, jail or otherwise punish his perceived opponents - including private citizens. A federal court in Louisiana is weighing whether a state law requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in public schools is constitutional. And Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting a summit of world leaders despite the west trying to isolate him over the war in Ukraine. Want more comprehensiv...

Oct 22, 202413 min

Israel Targets Hezbollah Bank, DOJ Under Trump, Pennsylvania Voters

Israeli forces carried out a series of airstrikes across Lebanon late Sunday night targeting a Hezbollah-operated financial institution. Former President Donald Trump vows to carry out retribution against political adversaries, which could mean investigations by the Justice Department and the FBI. NPR's Michel Martin and Steve Inskeep preview some of the voices they've heard while reporting in the swing state, Pennsylvania. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, ...

Oct 21, 202413 min

The Art of Being Single

For generations, we've been sold a singular story of happiness: find "the one," live happily ever after. But what if there is no "one?" What if you're alone? When Meghan Keane, the creator of NPR's Life Kit , found the dating process miserable, she set off to find fulfillment in being single. Her new book Party of One , illustrated by LA Johnson, follows her voyage beyond the traditional path. With insights from marriage historians and rumination researchers, the ideas she gathers ease the relat...

Oct 20, 202424 min

Harris and Trump in Michigan, Sinwar Death Aftermath, Cuba In The Dark

Both presidential candidates court swing state voters. With Hamas' leader dead, what does this mean for the militant group, and for the October 7th hostages believed held in Gaza? Also - Cuba's electrical system fails. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 19, 202414 min

Hamas Leader Killed, 'Double-Hater' Voters, President Biden Visits Berlin

Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas who is believed to be the architect of the Oct 7th attack on Israel has been killed. What a group of voters who disliked both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are thinking now that Vice President Harris is in the race. And President Biden is in Berlin today to meet with European leaders for the last time as President. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newslett...

Oct 18, 202413 min

VP Harris Courts Republicans, Trump Pitches Latinos, Ukraine's 'Victory Plan'

Vice President Harris is making the case that she's the right president for Republicans. Former President Donald Trump is courting Latino voters with an economic argument for his candidacy. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address leaders of the European Union to lay out his plan to end the war with Russia. And the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $880 million to victims who say they were abused by catholic priests. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important n...

Oct 17, 202414 min

Swing State Polling, U.S. Letter To Israel, North Korea's Ties to Russia

With less than three weeks to go in the election the race is narrowing in the swing states — with former President Donald Trump polling slightly ahead on average. The U.S. sends a letter warning Israel to increase aid to Palestinians in northern Gaza or possibly risk access to weapons funding. And Ukraine says North Korea is military personnel to Russia, on top of the munitions it already sends. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe ...

Oct 16, 202414 min

North Gaza Aid, VP Harris Courts Black Voters, Zillow Climate Score

A new Israeli military offensive in north Gaza has humanitarian organizations raising the alarm over the threat of starvation. Vice President Kamala Harris is on a push to shore up support among Black men. And a new feature on the real estate website Zillow will show potential property buyers climate risks on listings. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Hannah ...

Oct 15, 202413 min

Trump's Campaign Rhetoric, Wisconsin Senate Race, Hezbollah Drone Attack

Former President Donald Trump is ratcheting up his political rhetoric to appeal to extreme-right voters. A close Senate race in Wisconsin could determine whether or not Democrats retain control of the Senate. And, the latest from the Middle East after a Hezbollah drone attack strikes an Israeli military base. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Krishnadev Calamu...

Oct 14, 202413 min

Ta-Nehisi Coates On Why Books Scare People

Author Ta-Nehisi Coates is no stranger to controversy. Over a decade ago Coates wrote his thought provoking article in The Atlantic magazine titled The Case for Reparations . The article sparked a global conversation and led to Coates testifying in front of congress about reparations. Now Coates is back with a new book of essays, one of which takes on the conflict in the West Bank. Today on The Sunday Story host Ayesha Rascoe talks to author Ta-Nehisi Coates about his new book, The Message and w...

Oct 13, 202424 min

Hurricane Evacuation Saves Lives, Mass Gathering in D.C., Mortgage Rate Mystery

The death toll from Milton is lower than expected because many residents got out of harm's way. Some of the leaders behind the Stop the Steal movement are back on the National Mall today. Home mortgage rates climbed this week even despite cuts by the Federal Reserve. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 12, 202414 min

TikTok Documents, Hurricane Milton Damage, SpaceX Water Pollution

Redacted TikTok documents describe how habit-forming the app can be. Cleanup is underway in Florida two days after Hurricane Milton battered the state. And, SpaceX runs afoul of environmental regulations. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Luis Clemens, Gigi Douban, Gisele Grayson, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Paige Waterhouse, Christoph...

Oct 11, 202413 min

Milton Makes Landfall, Israel and Lebanon, Detroit's Black Voters

Hurricane Milton brought a devastating storm surge and high winds to a huge swath of Florida's western Gulf Coast. A view of the Israeli incursion from southern Lebanon. NPR speaks with Black male voters in Detroit about who they support for president. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Gigi Douban, James Hider, Russell Lewis, Ally Schweitzer and ...

Oct 10, 202413 min

Waiting For Milton, States Sue TikTok, New Rules For Lead Pipes

Hurricane Milton is expected to be catastrophic when it makes landfall Wednesday. Fourteen attorneys general sue TikTok, saying it places profit over kids' mental health. The EPA issues a rule requiring replacement of all lead pipes within 10 years. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Scott Hensley, Russell Lewis, Kara Platoni, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. ...

Oct 09, 202413 min

FEMA Misinformation, Candidates On the Podcast Circuit, Israelis Mark Oct. 7

Disaster relief officials try to push back on rampant misinformation about hurricane relief. Why presidential candidates appear on podcasts. And Israelis mark one year after Oct. 7. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Megan Pratz, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Perez. We get engineering supp...

Oct 08, 202412 min

One Year Since Oct. 7, How The War Shapes The Vote In Michigan

This week NPR is reporting on how the war between Israel and Hamas has changed people's lives, one year in. Also, how is the conflict affecting Arab-American voters' attitudes in the swing state of Michigan? Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Vincent Ni, Arezou Rezvani, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas and Ana Per...

Oct 07, 202414 min

The Activists Working to Abolish IVF

In the last few years, more than a dozen states have enacted laws that ban almost all abortions. Some include exceptions for rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother. But a small, vocal group of anti-abortion activists say even these exceptions are morally wrong. They want to see a ban not only on all abortions but also on some fertility treatments, including IVF. They believe an embryo deserves the same rights as any human. On this episode of The Sunday Story from Up First, NPR's Sar...

Oct 06, 202426 min

Lebanese Conflict Moves North, Week in Politics, Helene Recovery

Israel attacked northern Lebanon for first time in year-long conflict. Strong job numbers recalibrate the U.S. economic outlook. Rescue efforts struggle to reach mountainous areas. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 05, 202415 min

Dockworker Strike Suspended, Harris' October Surprises, Tyre Nichols Case

The strike by dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts is suspended, after the two sides reached a tentative agreement on wages. The Harris campaign tries to show it's on top of October surprises. A federal jury in Memphis convicts three ex-police officers in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Pallavi Gogoi, Russell Lewis, Robe...

Oct 04, 202413 min

New Jan. 6 Evidence, Hezbollah Offers Tours To Journalists, Tyre Nichols Case

Prosecutors reveal new details about their election interference case against former President Donald Trump. A defiant Hezbollah offers journalists tours of its bombed-out Beirut stronghold. A federal jury deliberates in the police brutality case against officers accused of killing Tyre Nichols. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, James Hider, Rus...

Oct 03, 202413 min

Israel Vows Repercussions For Iran, Veep Debate Takeaways, Flood Recovery

Israel has promised retaliation after the Iranian missile attack, launched after Israel invaded southern Lebanon. What went right and wrong for the VP candidates in last night's debate. In parts of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, efforts to clean up from flooding after Tropical Storm Helene are slow-going. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Russel...

Oct 02, 202413 min

Israel Escalates In Lebanon, Vice Presidential Debate

Israel says it has launched a "limited" ground operation into Southern Lebanon, launching a major escalation in its conflict with Hezbollah. Plus, what to listen for during tonight's vice presidential debate. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episode of Up First was edited by Vincent Ni, Megan Pratz, Ally Schweitzer and Alice Woelfe. It was produced by Iman Maani, Paige Waterhouse, Nia Dumas a...

Oct 01, 202413 min

Burying Nasrallah, Flooding In NC, Veterans and the Election, How to Stress Less

Lebanon prepares to bury Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In North Carolina, damage from flooding is "widespread and catastrophic," according to Gov. Roy Cooper. The two candidates for vice president are both veterans. How do their campaigns approach vets' issues? And for NPR's new series on stress reduction, we consider the benefits of "positive reappraisal." Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today...

Sep 30, 202416 min

Special Coverage: Hassan Nasrallah Is Dead. What's Next For The Middle East?

Israel's assassination of Hassan Nasrallah — who led Hezbollah for more than 30 years — has been met with mixed reactions in the region. In Israel, there have been celebrations, even as people prepare for the possibility of retaliation. In Ramallah, in the West Bank, streets filled with Palestinians chanting promises to continue resistance against Israel. Nasrallah's death raises questions about who will fill a power void at the top of what the US considers a terrorist organization. For more cov...

Sep 29, 202420 min