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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 Wants Powell Out, Administration Risks Contempt, and Homegrowns Are Next

President Trump is feuding with Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell. This all comes as Americans are feeling gloomier about the economy. Also, a judge found probable cause to find the government in criminal contempt, ruling that the Trump administration willfully disregarded an order to turn back airplanes carrying deported migrants to El Salvador, and President Trump says he is looking into whether the U.S. can detain citizens who commit crimes in overseas prisons. Want more comprehensive an...

Apr 17, 202513 min

Hearing For Wrongly Deported Man, Prescription Drug Prices, Harvard Battle Continues

This episode covers several key news stories: a judge questions the Trump administration's efforts to retrieve a wrongly deported man, President Trump's executive action aiming to lower drug prices, and his threats against Harvard University's tax-exempt status. It also includes an update on NPR's special report about Doge accessing sensitive data at the National Labor Relations Board.

Apr 16, 202514 min

Wrongly Deported, DOGE And Agency Data, Harvard Defies The White House

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele says he has no plans to return a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, an NPR report details unusual data events at the National Labor Relations Board, and Harvard University says that it won't comply with a list of demands from the Trump administration. 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, Brett Neely,...

Apr 15, 202514 min

China Tariffs, El Salvador President In DC, Meta Antitrust Trial

This episode of Up First covers three major news stories: the U.S. and China trade negotiations and tariff exemptions, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele's visit to the White House, and the FTC's antitrust case against Meta regarding the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The episode discusses the implications of these events.

Apr 14, 202513 min

The State of Free Speech in America

The first amendment is a cornerstone of American democracy. This week on The Sunday Story , we hear from people who feel their right to free speech might be changing under the Trump Administration. NPR's Morning Edition co-host Leila Fadel joins Ayesha Rascoe to share what she learned when she talked to teachers and students, pastors and scientists, and others about whether they feel emboldened or silenced in America today. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices N...

Apr 13, 202533 min

China's Counter-Tariffs; CEOs Respond to Market Uncertainty; Trump's Deportations

China's 125 percent tariffs will hit U.S.-made goods today. We'll look at the view from China on President Trump's trade war. Plus, we'll hear from American business leaders dealing with this uncertain economy. And we'll hear the latest on the deportation cases of foreign nationals who were in the U.S. legally. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 12, 202513 min

Tariff Fears, Trump Budget Plan Passes House, Deportation Ruling

This episode of Up First covers the economic implications of President Trump's tariff changes on Chinese goods, including market reactions and potential impacts on inflation. It also discusses the House's approval of a budget extending tax cuts and increasing federal borrowing, as well as a Supreme Court ruling on a deportation case. Finally, the episode touches on a First Amendment case involving pro-Palestinian activism.

Apr 11, 202514 min

Trump Pauses Tariffs, Businesses Welcome Relief, Trump Targets Former Officials

President Trump has hit pause on nearly all new tariffs for 90 days. Businesses struggle to plan for the future amid economic uncertainty. And President Trump has signed executive orders targeting two individuals who served in his first administration. 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, Rafael Nam, Megan Pratz, Lisa Thomson and Janaya Williams. ...

Apr 10, 202512 min

Trump's Tariff Talks, China's Tariff Response, SCOTUS Probationary Workers

President Trump's new tariffs went into effect just after midnight as U.S. trade partners seek negotiations. President Trump has raised the import tax on Chinese goods to a minimum of 104 percent. And, the U.S. Supreme Court has said the Trump administration is free to proceed with the firing of 16,000 probationary federal employees for now. 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...

Apr 09, 202512 min

Trump's Tariff Response, Economics of Tariffs, SCOTUS Rules on Deportations

President Trump faces questions on whether tariffs will remain in place as he welcomes trade negotiations with other countries. Forecasters warn of a heightened risk of recession as tariffs could mean higher prices and slower economic growth. And, the Trump administration has two legal wins in its efforts to crackdown on immigration. 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 edi...

Apr 08, 202513 min

Global Markets Plummet, Wrongful Deportation Deadline, Second Measles Death

This episode of Up First covers three major news stories: the market decline prompted by President Trump's trade war and economists warning about a potential recession, the Trump administration's deadline to return a man wrongfully deported to El Salvador, and the second measles death in Texas amid a growing outbreak.

Apr 07, 202513 min

Fear and Dreaming in the USA

Fear is consuming many immigrant communities since the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration. This week on The Sunday Story, NPR Immigration Correspondent Jasmine Garsd travels from Florida to a meatpacking town in Nebraska to a food bank near Chicago and finally to North Carolina to find out how immigrants are coping with the current situation. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 06, 202528 min

Trump's Tariffs Hit Groceries; GOP Spending Bill; College Basketball and Hockey

With some of President Trump's hefty tariffs in place, Americans will see the prices of some grocery items rise - we'll tell you which items might get hit first. Plus, Senate Republicans are pushing a spending bill that would make some of President Trump's signature policies permanent. We'll also look at a hockey great's goal record, finally matched last night after 26 years, plus, a look at what's ahead in college basketball finals. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/a...

Apr 05, 202520 min

Tariffs Hit At Midnight, Small Business Reactions, National Security Firings

Steep new tariffs are set to take effect at midnight on nearly everything the U.S. imports. Big businesses are losing market value and small businesses feel like they're caught in the middle of something they can't control. And, a number of National Security Council staffers have been fired after President Trump met with a far-right activist. 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 Firs...

Apr 04, 202514 min

Trump's New Tariffs, Global Tariff Reactions, TikTok Deadline

President Trump's new tariffs spark global dismay and potential trade war concerns, with reactions and possible countermeasures discussed. The episode also covers the impending sale of TikTok, focusing on Oracle's bid and the implications for national security and China's influence. Experts weigh in on the economic impact and potential outcomes of these developments.

Apr 03, 202512 min

Trump's 'Liberation Day', Wisconsin Supreme Court Race, Mistaken Deportation

This episode of Up First covers three main news stories: President Trump's planned tariffs and their potential economic impact, the results of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race where a liberal judge won against a conservative candidate backed by Elon Musk, and the Trump administration's admission of mistakenly deporting a Maryland father to El Salvador, leading to legal challenges.

Apr 02, 202513 min

Wisconsin Supreme Court Race, Florida's Special Elections, Trump's Trade War

This episode of Up First covers three major news stories: the expensive Wisconsin Supreme Court race and the implications of the results, the special congressional elections in Florida and how Trump's influence is playing a role, and the potential impacts of President Trump's trade war and tariffs on various industries, including sugar and auto manufacturing. The episode analyzes the financial and political factors influencing these events.

Apr 01, 202513 min

President Trump Third Term, Smithsonian Executive Order, Myanmar Earthquake

President Trump declines to rule out the possibility of serving a third term in office as the Constitution stipulates a two-term limit. The executive order "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" seeks to influence the Smithsonian Institution and the monuments and memorials overseen by the Department of the Interior. And, the death toll in Myanmar is rising as the window to find survivors following Friday's earthquake closes. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news o...

Mar 31, 202512 min

Gambling with Memes

What do Moo Deng the pygmy hippo, social media sensation Hawk Tuah, and the President of the United States all have in common? They've all inspired highly valuable, highly volatile memecoins. The memecoin began as a sort of joke cryptocurrency, but it soon became very real. On today's episode of The Sunday Story, we turn to our friends at NPR's Planet Money to help us understand the phenomenon of memecoins. What are they, and how did they go from a one-off joke to a speculative frenzy worth tens...

Mar 30, 202529 min

Myanmar Quake, Who Pays Tariffs, E.O. Impacts On Arts

A powerful earthquake struck Southeast Asia Friday, killing more than 1,000 people. New tariffs come into effect in days, with American consumers likely paying for them. President Trump's executive actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion are having effects on arts and culture across the country. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 29, 202517 min

ICE Student Arrests, HHS Cuts, Stefanik Nomination Pulled, China Trade City

The Trump administration has revoked hundreds of visas of foreign students, including PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk who was detained on the street by ICE agents. The Trump administration plans to cut 20,000 jobs from the Department of Health and Human Services. President Trump pulls Elise Stefanik's nomination for UN Ambassador to keep her in the House, protecting the GOP's razor-thin majority. And, NPR looks at how U.S. tariffs are putting pressure on Chinese businesses, with some raising prices a...

Mar 28, 202517 min

Intelligence Officials Testify, Trump's Auto Tariffs, DOGE Access

A group chat among top U.S. national security officials discussing airstrikes in Yemen has been made public, sparking outrage and raising questions about the Trump administration's handling of classified information. President Trump imposes a 25% tariff on car imports to boost U.S. manufacturing, but auto industry leaders warn it could raise prices and disrupt markets. And, the Department of Government Efficiency's access to sensitive personal data from multiple federal agencies is sparking lega...

Mar 27, 202513 min

Intel Hearing On Group Chat, Return To Office Mandate, Black Sea Deal

President Trump's top intelligence officials face tough questions from lawmakers after a group chat security breach involving secret war plans and a journalist. Federal workers are being called back to the office, but some are finding chaotic conditions, including assignments to storage units. And, the U.S. brokers a deal to allow safe passage through the Black Sea, but Russia demands sanctions relief before it takes effect. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day,...

Mar 26, 202513 min

War Plans Group Chat, Alien Enemies Act, U.S. Greenland Visit

A national security breach reveals that U.S. military plans were accidentally shared in a group chat on a commercial app, including a journalist. The Trump Administration faces legal challenges over deporting Venezuelan migrants under a centuries-old law, while the White House invokes state secrets privilege to block a court inquiry. And, Second Lady Usha Vance's controversial visit to Greenland raises questions about the U.S. government's intentions amid ongoing diplomatic tensions. Want more c...

Mar 25, 202513 min

Occupy Gaza Plan, Ukraine Ceasefire Talks, China Economy

This episode of Up First covers Israel's potential plans for military occupation of Gaza, ceasefire talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia in Saudi Arabia, and China's response to economic instability. The discussion includes insights from NPR correspondents on the ground, offering perspectives on the complexities and potential outcomes of these global issues.

Mar 24, 202513 min

The Long Shadow of Duterte's Drug War

With the recent arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, a spotlight is again on actions taken during his presidency. Even years after Duterte declared his war on drugs, the reverberations continue to tear through the country. The loved ones of those killed are still left seeking justice and the extra-judicial killings, commonly called EJKs, that defined Duterte's war continue to sow fear amongst the people. Today on The Sunday Story , we share an episod...

Mar 23, 202529 min

DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest

The Department of Homeland Security makes cuts to its office for civil rights and civil liberties and other oversight offices, saying these offices slow down enforcement. Immigration officials at checkpoints are detaining travelers to the US over what were once minor visa violations. Sudan's military has retaken the seat of the country's government after nearly two years. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 22, 202516 min

School Funding, Venezuelan Deportation Hearing, Key Bridge Inspection

President Trump shuts down the Department of Education, leaving federal funding for schools in limbo. A judge demands answers from the Trump administration after Venezuelan migrants were deported despite a court order. And, Maryland failed to inspect the Francis Scott Key Bridge before its collapse last year, raising concerns about other bridges nationwide. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today's epi...

Mar 21, 202515 min

Fed Rates Pause, USIP Loses Case, Israel Restarts Gaza Ground Invasion

This episode covers the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady amidst rising inflation, influenced by President Trump's tariffs. It also discusses the legal battle surrounding the U.S. Institute of Peace takeover and the concerns raised by a federal judge. Finally, the episode reports on Israel's renewed ground invasion in Gaza after breaking the ceasefire with Hamas, detailing the impact on Palestinian civilians.

Mar 20, 202513 min

USAID Ruling, Ukraine On Trump Putin Agreement, Gaza Ceasefire Collapse

A federal judge rules that President Trump's administration likely violated the Constitution when it shut down USAID, but Trump vows to appeal. Hours after Trump and Putin announced a limited ceasefire, Russia and Ukraine launched new attacks, raising doubts about the deal. And Israel breaks the ceasefire with Hamas and resumes airstrikes on Gaza, killing hundreds of Palestinians. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First...

Mar 19, 202514 min