Up First from NPR - podcast cover

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
Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu

This episode of Up First covers three main topics: the fallout from a heated exchange between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, demotions within the Department of Justice that appear to be politically motivated, and the Department of Agriculture's response to the bird flu outbreak and rising egg prices. The episode details Ukrainian reactions, the potential impact on the Justice Department, and measures being considered to combat the virus and stabilize egg supplies.

Mar 01, 202516 min

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Says She's Fighting President Trump's "Illusion of Power"

In this episode, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discusses the Democratic Party's resolve in the face of Republican policies, particularly concerning budget cuts and healthcare. She addresses Trump's appeal to working-class voters, the immigration debate, and the challenges Democrats face. Ocasio-Cortez also touches on corruption, government efficiency, and the need for systemic economic reforms.

Mar 01, 202524 min

Zelenskyy Visits DC, Tate Brothers In Florida, USAID Standoff, AOC and DOJ

The Ukrainian President is arriving in Washington to discuss a deal involving his country's rare earth minerals, social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were charged with human trafficking in Romania and have now arrived in Florida, and the Supreme Court weighed in on a case involving frozen funds at USAID. Also, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez asks the Justice Department if she is under investigation. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscri...

Feb 28, 202514 min

Foreign Aid Terminated, Migrants At Guantánamo, Legal Challenges To Federal Firings

This episode of Up First covers three major news stories: the Trump administration's decision to terminate most USAID foreign aid programs, allegations of mistreatment of immigrants detained at Guantanamo Bay, and legal challenges to the firing of federal probationary employees. The episode features interviews with NPR correspondents who provide details and context on each of these developments. These policy changes have broad implications across global health, immigration, and the federal workforce.

Feb 27, 202513 min

House Budget Plan, DOGE Resignations, Battle Against Bird Flu

This episode of Up First covers three main topics: the House Republican's newly passed budget plan and its potential impacts, Elon Musk's involvement in government and internal conflicts, and the ongoing bird flu outbreak and challenges faced by egg farmers. Experts discuss the details of the budget, the confusion surrounding Musk's role, and potential solutions for combating the spread of bird flu.

Feb 26, 202513 min

Federal Worker Email Confusion, UN On Ukraine, Colorado River, France Surgeon Trial

Confusion remains after the "What did you do last week?" email that federal workers received, the Trump administration's break with European allies over Ukraine was reflected in several votes at the UN, funds set aside to keep the Colorado River flowing have been halted, and a surgeon in France is on trial for abusing his young patients. 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 wa...

Feb 25, 202515 min

Federal Worker Confusion, European Leaders In DC, German Election, Greenpeace Lawsuit

This episode covers several pressing issues: the confusion among federal workers after receiving an email demanding a list of their work accomplishments, European leaders' attempts to influence President Trump on Ukraine, Germany's new chancellor and the implications for Europe, and Greenpeace facing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit for allegedly disrupting construction of an oil pipeline. It dives into the political strategies, potential shifts in alliances, and the legal battles surrounding environmental activism.

Feb 24, 202514 min

Alternate Realities

Conspiracy theories are all over social media. For some, that's as far as they go. But for reporter Zach Mack, conspiracy theories have infiltrated his family. After Mack's father became obsessed with conspiracy thinking, family relationships began to fray. Today on The Sunday Story , a look at what happens to a family when the people in it can't agree on what's true and what isn't. To hear more of Mack's story about the impact conspiracy theories have had on his family check out his three-part ...

Feb 23, 202522 min

Pentagon Upheaval, Hamas Releases More Hostages, NY State Prisons

President Donald Trump fires the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, plus the Defense Department is set to lose more than 5 thousand personnel. Hamas releases 6 more living hostages as part of its ceasefire agreement with Israel. Corrections officers in NY protest working conditions and some walk off the job, prompting the governor to send in National Guard troops to secure some state prisons. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship an...

Feb 22, 202515 min

Migrants Leave Guantanamo, Israeli Hostages Update, Changes at FEMA

Nearly all migrants held at Guantánamo Bay have been released, with over 170 Venezuelans flown to their home country. Israeli authorities say a hostage body returned by Hamas is not who the militants claimed it to be. And the impact of job cuts at FEMA. 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 Westervelt, Didi Schanche, Neela Banerjee, Reena Advani and Janaya Wi...

Feb 21, 202513 min

Trump and Zelenskyy Feud, DOGE Savings Claims, Hamas Releases Four Hostage Bodies

A look at the roots of the difficult relationship between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. DOGE says its saved taxpayers billions of dollars. How do these claims stack up against the evidence? And Hamas returns the bodies of four Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack. 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 Dana Farrington, Padmanand...

Feb 20, 202513 min

Measles Outbreak, Foreign Aid Cuts, Bolsonaro Charges

Health officials are warning about a measles outbreak in Texas. Trump administration efforts to shrink the federal government have temporarily cut off funding to pro-democracy groups abroad. And Brazil's former leader Jair Bolsonaro is charged with participating in a coup. 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 Alfredo Carbajal, Padmananda Rama, Tara Neill, Reena A...

Feb 19, 202514 min

Ukraine Talks, U.S. Health Agency Cuts, NYC Mayor Eric Adams Fallout

American and Russian officials meet in Saudi Arabia for talks on negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine. The Trump administration has started making broad cuts to federal health agencies. Days after the Justice Department moved to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, four of his top aides and deputy mayors announced their resignations. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter . Tod...

Feb 18, 202512 min

Paris Emergency Summit, Marco Rubio in the Middle East, Trump's First Month

European leaders meet in Paris to discuss an emerging transatlantic chasm over security and the war in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in the Middle East amplifying President Trump's vision for Gaza. And a review of Trump's first four weeks reshaping the U.S. government. 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 Ryland Barton, Didi Schanche, Krishnadev...

Feb 17, 202513 min

A Home But Not A Cure

Thirty years ago, housing activists began an unusual experiment to help people struggling with homelessness and chronic addiction. They decided to get people into housing first and then try to help their clients with their addictions. This idea, called "Housing First," is now the central strategy guiding homeless services in America. But the concept is facing new scrutiny and growing criticism from conservative lawmakers. Today on The Sunday Story , we look at the controversy around Housing Firs...

Feb 16, 202529 min

The Future of Ukraine ... and a US Consumer Agency. More on Black Hawk Crash

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeals to Europe for support as President Trump changes U.S. foreign policy. A tumultuous week at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. More details about the Jan. 29 aerial crash near Washington, D.C. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

Feb 15, 202514 min

Justice Department Shakeup, Guantanamo Migrants Lawsuit, Immigration Crackdown Poll

Multiple prosecutors have resigned from the Justice Department after refusing to drop a corruption case against the New York City mayor and legal aid groups are demanding attorneys for migrants being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Also, results from an NPR/Ipsos poll show growing support for some restrictions 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 edited by Kr...

Feb 14, 202515 min

Migration and Trade with India, Trump and Putin Chat, Future of Education Department

Trump to meet India's Prime Minister after he says the two nations have an unfair trade relationship. After a long call with President Putin, Trump say's he'll work closely with Russia. The nominee to lead the Department of Education faces questions about the agency she's charged with eliminating. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

Feb 13, 202514 min

Federal Worker Surveillance, Trump's Team In Europe, Elon Musk And Mars

Employees at the General Services Administration are facing massive staff cuts and threats of near-constant monitoring, three top Trump administration officials are in Europe this week talking with European leaders about transatlantic issues, and proponents of going to Mars see an opportunity in Elon Musk's close relationship with President 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...

Feb 12, 202513 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android