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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

Trump's New AG Pick, Ukraine Turning Point, West Coast Storm

President-elect Donald Trump swiftly replaced his controversial pick for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, with his former lawyer, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the right to strike NATO countries supplying Ukraine with weapons, as Moscow escalates its military efforts in the war. And, a massive atmospheric river is drenching the West Coast, fueling concerns about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. Want more comprehensive analysis of...

Nov 22, 202415 min

Baltic Cable Cut, Trump's NATO Ambassador, Republican Voter Turnout

European officials investigate whether severed Baltic internet cables were an act of Russian sabotage, raising fears about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. President-elect Trump names Matthew Whitaker, a loyalist with no foreign policy experience, as U.S. ambassador to NATO. And, with historic voter turnout helping Donald Trump secure a sweeping victory, will Republicans shift their stance on policies that make voting easier? Your feedback helps us make Up First better. Tell us what...

Nov 21, 202413 min

McMahon Ed Secretary, FEMA Chief Testifies, X-odus Fuels Bluesky, Gaza Sniper Drones

President-elect Donald Trump taps WWE executive Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education, sparking questions about her qualifications and Trump's promise to close the agency. Republicans accuse FEMA of political bias in disaster response as its chief testifies before Congress amid a funding request for the agency. Dissatisfaction with Elon Musk's platform X fuels the rise of Bluesky as a social media alternative. And, Eyewitness accounts allege the Israeli military is using sniper drone...

Nov 20, 202417 min

Russia-Ukraine 1000 Days, Hong Kong Activists Sentenced, Trump And Your Money

1,000 days of war have devastated Ukraine and transformed life in Russia, as President Vladimir Putin expands nuclear threats amid the escalating conflict. In Hong Kong, pro-democracy activists are sentenced under a sweeping national security law. And, President-elect Donald Trump promises sweeping tax cuts, but experts warn his plans could deepen the national debt. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . T...

Nov 19, 202413 min

Ukraine Missiles, G20 Summit, Trump's Plans on Fentanyl

Ukraine gets U.S. approval to fire long-range missiles into Russia, raising the stakes in a war that's entering a harsh winter. President Biden pushes his climate agenda at the G20 summit in Brazil, seeking to solidify U.S. leadership as allies prepare for President-elect Trump's return. And, Trump's plan to combat the fentanyl crisis sparks debate over whether tougher crackdowns on traffickers will help or harm efforts to save lives. Your feedback helps us make Up First better. Tell us what you...

Nov 18, 202414 min

Mining's New Frontier

Deep, deep down on the floor of the world's oceans, rare and precious minerals exist in abundance. Mining companies have long had their eyes on this treasure but haven't had the technology to access it. Now they do and the race to mine the sea floor seems poised to begin. Today on The Sunday Story , we head to the Bismarck Sea off the coast of Papua New Guinea. It's here that a massive mining ship was recently hauling up chunks of the sea floor from a mile down, trying to gauge the mineral wealt...

Nov 17, 202424 min

Trump's National Security Picks, STI Rates Drop, COP29 Latest

What do President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his national security team say about his 2nd term priorities? New data shows a slight decline in sexually transmitted infections. The latest from the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 16, 202415 min

BONUS: Trump's Day One Promises

The Up First co-hosts spent the week diving into some the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for his return to the White House. From a pledge to pardon January 6th rioters and start mass deportations to a commitment to close the Department of Education, increase fossil fuel production, and roll-back protections for transgender people. 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...

Nov 15, 202420 min

RFK Jr. Tapped To Head HHS, Trump & Government Bonds, Biden Meets Xi In Peru

President-elect Donald Trump selects vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Bond markets are reacting to Trump's economic proposals, with fears of rising inflation and higher borrowing costs that could affect everyday Americans. And, President Biden meets China's Xi Jinping in Peru for a final summit, aiming to maintain stability during the transition of power to a new administration. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news ...

Nov 15, 202413 min

Gaetz Tapped For AG, Blue State Opposition, Israel Vs. France Soccer Match

President-elect Donald Trump taps Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, sparking questions about Senate approval for the controversial nominee. Democratic-led states are organizing coalitions to push back against policies they expect from the incoming administration. And, Paris police deploy thousands of officers for a tense soccer match between France and Israel, amid fears of violence following unrest after a match in the Netherlands. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of th...

Nov 14, 202414 min

Trump Foreign Policy, Abu Ghraib Ruling, Cop 29 Climate Summit

President-elect Donald Trump's unconventional picks for his second-term team signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy. A jury awarded $42 million to three Iraqi men tortured at Abu Ghraib, holding a military contractor accountable for its role in their abuse. And, as the Trump administration signals rollbacks on climate action, the UK is stepping up with ambitious plans to combat global warming. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to ...

Nov 13, 202413 min

Congress Returns, Trump's Justice Department , Biden's Global Bind

As Congress reconvenes, Trump allies are pushing the president-elect's preferences for Republican leadership. As Trump considers his pick for attorney general, questions grow about the future direction of the Justice Department. And, President Joe Biden will meet with world leaders in South America in what could be his final big foreign trip while in office. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's e...

Nov 12, 202413 min

Trump's New Government, Future Of Obamacare, Fired Israeli Minister Slams Netanyahu

President-elect Donald Trump has begun choosing members of his staff, as Republicans control the Senate and possibly even the House. Trump's return to the White House revives questions about the future of the Affordable Care Act. And, protest erupt in Israel after fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant slams Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Today's episo...

Nov 11, 202414 min

The Invisible Architecture of Our Democracy

We're in a moment of political change. This change often brings with it a reinterpretation of our democratic values. Those values originate with The U.S. Constitution and its 27 amendments. The words in these documents are the foundations of our democracy and the promises made are powerful, like the right to free speech, the right of the people to keep and bear arms and the promise that a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime. But what do these words really guarantee, especially as the...

Nov 10, 202433 min

Antisemitic Attacks In Amsterdam, Musk And Trump, Federal Judiciary Future

Dutch authorities ban demonstrations for 3 days after attacks on Israeli soccer fans following a game in Amsterdam. President-elect Donald Trump benefited from his relationship with billionaire Elon Musk during his campaign - how could Musk benefit once Trump returns to office? And with Republicans controlling the Senate next congress, what could this mean for the federal judiciary? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Nov 09, 202417 min

Presidential Transition, Trump First 100 Days, January 6 Pardons

Donald Trump's presidential transition plans are lagging. What can be expected from Trump's first 100 days in office. And January 6 rioters are already angling for a presidential pardon under Trump. 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 Roberta Rampton, Megan Pratz, Anna Yukhananov, Olivia Hampton and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Linds...

Nov 08, 202414 min

BONUS: Biden's Speech At White House, Trump's Victory, Administration Transition

In this bonus episode, Up First co-hosts Leila Fadel and A Martinez break down the latest analysis of the election results and what's ahead for the next Trump administration with the day's reporters, experts and analysts. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . This bonus episode of Up First was Edited by Lisa Thomson and Produced by Kaity Kline. It was made by the Morning Edition and Up First teams along w...

Nov 07, 202416 min

Election Takeaways, Trump Legal Cases, Trump And The Economy

Donald Trump won after building a broad coalition. Trump's election victory gets rid of at least two of his criminal prosecutions. And stocks climb on hopes that Trump's re-election will boost economic growth. 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 Calamur, Anna Yukhananov, Rafael Nam, Olivia Hampton and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Du...

Nov 07, 202413 min

BONUS: Trump's Return To The White House

In this bonus episode, Up First co-hosts Leila Fadel and A Martinez break down what's behind President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House with the day's reporters, political strategists and analysts. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 06, 202414 min

Trump Wins White House, Congressional Race Results

Donald Trump will return to the White House as the 47th president of the United States. And Republicans regain control of the Senate. 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 Eric McDaniel, Dana Farrington, Olivia Hampton and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical direc...

Nov 06, 202412 min

Final Campaign Push, Israel Cuts Ties With UNRWA

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Harris wrap up their campaigns in the wee hours of the morning on Election Day. Israel bans the UN aid agency for Palestinians, but aid workers say there is no Plan B in place. And Boeing's strike ends. 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 Megan Pratz, Roberta Rampton, Russell Lewis, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfl...

Nov 05, 202416 min

Final Campaign Stops, Boeing Strike Vote

We catch up with the final flurry of the campaign on the eve of Election Day. And striking Boeing machinists vote on the company's latest proposal backed by union leaders to end a seven-week strike. 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 Megan Pratz, Roberta Rampton, Russell Lewis, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Linds...

Nov 04, 202414 min

What It Will Take To Get 270

There are only two days left until Election Day and for both the campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump swing states are the key to victory. In order to help us understand each campaign's strategy, today on the show we feature our colleagues at the NPR Politics Podcast . Host Miles Parks is joined by Domenico Montanaro and Mara Liasson to talk about what each campaign is doing to gain those magical 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House. Learn more...

Nov 03, 202418 min

Final Campaign Ad Blitz; Political Fights At Work; Deadly Floods In Spain

We look at the last minute political ads hitting swing states the weekend before the presidential election. We'll also look a at how political divides at work are causing an uptick in workplace incivility and what employers are doing about it. Plus, we'll have the latest from Spain, where deadly floods have ravaged swaths of the country's east. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Nov 02, 202416 min

BONUS: "We, The Voters" Swing State Debrief

This bonus episode features Up First co-hosts Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, Leila Fadel and A Martinez. In the closing days of the election they get together to talk about their biggest takeaways from the voters they spoke with in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nevada – swing states that could decide the election. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . This episode was edited by Lisa Thomson, HJ Mai, Jan Johns...

Nov 01, 202420 min

Campaigns Go West, Job Numbers and the Election, Union Canvassing Push

Vice President Harris and former President Donald Trump visit Arizona and Nevada, reports offer a picture of the economy ahead of Election Day, and labor unions deploy thousands of canvassers. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Emily Kopp, Rafael Nam, Roberta Rampton, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Robert...

Nov 01, 202415 min

North Gaza Crisis, Election Conspiracies, Presidential Abortion Powers

North Gaza's fate at stake in Israeli offensive, law enforcement agencies gear up for election violence and result challenges, and a look at presidential powers to change abortion access. Plus, the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series 4-1 against the New York Yankees. 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 Lauren Migaki, Brett Neely, Catherine Laidlaw, Olivia H...

Oct 31, 202415 min

Harris' Closing Argument, Trump Mass Deportations Plan, Head Start Changes

Vice President Harris delivers her campaign's closing arguments, ex-President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan, and a federally funded preschool program struggles to hire and pay enough staff. 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 Roberta Rampton, Alfredo Carbajal, Steve Drummond, Nicole Cohen, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Ni...

Oct 30, 202415 min

Trump's Speeches, Israel and UNRWA, KY Police Killing Retrial

Trump's speeches have become more erratic and even profane, Israel has banned the UN agency for Palestinians refugees, UNRWA, and an ex-police detective accused of blindly firing shots into Breonna Taylor's apartment in 2020 is on trial again for violating her civil rights. 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 Megan Pratz, Ryland Barton, Russell Lewis, Olivia Ham...

Oct 29, 202414 min

Trump at Madison Square Garden, NATO North Korea, World Series

Trump returns to New York for major rally, South Korea briefs NATO on North Korean troops backing Russia and the Yankees seek a comeback after losing the first two World Series games. 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 Megan Pratz, Ryland Barton, Russell Lewis, Olivia Hampton and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ana Perez, Nia Dumas, Chris Thomas, and Chad Cam...

Oct 28, 202414 min