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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

Israel Strikes Gaza, Trump And The Courts, Takeover At US Institute Of Peace

Hundreds of Palestinians were killed or injured in surprise Israeli strikes, threatening a tenuous ceasefire. A federal judge ordered the Department of Justice to explain why it ignored a ruling not to deport hundreds of Venezuelans, and the US Institute of Peace was the scene of a hostile takeover by the Trump administration's government efficiency group. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today's epis...

Mar 18, 202514 min

Alien Enemies Act, Legal US Immigrants Denied Entry, Deadly Storm System

The Trump Administration invoked a wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of Venezuelans accused of being gang members, several legal immigrants living in the US were denied reentry into the country, and a powerful storm system killed dozens in the Midwest and South. 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 Kevin Drew, Luis Clemons, Alice Woelfle...

Mar 17, 202513 min

A Palestinian Reporter Returns Home to Gaza City

Anas Baba is NPR's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza. He's also one of the only Palestinian journalists working full time for an American news organization in Gaza. Israel has banned international journalists from independent access to the territory throughout this war. But Baba is from Gaza City, and he chose to stay and report when the war began. Today on The Sunday Story , what it's like to cover the war while also living through it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices....

Mar 16, 202529 min

Democrat In-Fighting; Conservative Media on Trump; Mahmoud Khalil's Wife Speaks

The partisan, Republican stopgap budget was narrowly passed by the Senate with the help of a few Democrats. Some Congressional Democrats view that vote as a betrayal. Plus, we look at how the conservative news media, often favorable of President Trump, is covering the economic consequences of his policies. Plus, we hear from Noor Abdalla, wife of Palestinian student and activist Mahmoud Khalil, who is now facing deportation over his role in campus protests. Learn more about sponsor message choic...

Mar 15, 202514 min

Congress Budget Vote, Trump Speaks At DOJ, Federal Workers Reinstated

Congress faces a shutdown deadline today as Senate Democrats weigh whether to back a Republican spending bill or risk being blamed for closing the government. President Trump makes a rare visit to the Justice Department, delivering a speech on law and order while his administration purges career prosecutors. And, federal judges order thousands of fired government workers to be reinstated, but legal battles could delay their return. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of t...

Mar 14, 202513 min

Russia Mulls Ceasefire, EPA Rollbacks, Iran Rebuffs Trump

President Trump's special envoy is in Moscow for talks as Russia reviews a U.S. backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. The White House is rolling back more than two dozen environmental protections regulations, a move critics warn could lead to more pollution and health risks. And, Iran's Supreme Leader rejects President Trump's effort to start nuclear talks, calling it a deceptive attempt to pressure Tehran. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, pl...

Mar 13, 202513 min

Ukraine Ceasefire Talks, Education Department Layoffs, Spending Bill

The U.S. is resuming military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after negotiators agree to a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia is now reviewing. The Trump administration is cutting nearly half of the Education Department's workforce. And, the House passes a stopgap funding bill with just days until a potential government shutdown, now it's headed for a vote in the Senate. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First new...

Mar 12, 202514 min

Ukraine Ceasefire Talks, Stock Market Slide, Columbia University Arrest Latest

As Ukraine begins ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia, the Trump administration signals that aid could resume if Ukraine makes concessions. A steep sell-off on Wall Street followed new tariffs from China and Canada, as investors worry that Trump's trade policies could tip the U.S. into a recession. And, after an ICE arrest at Columbia University, the U.S. Education Department is warning 60 universities they could face penalties over antisemitism investigations. Want more comprehensive analysi...

Mar 11, 202513 min

Canada's New Leader, ICE Arrest Columbia Student, Congress and The Budget

Canada's ruling Liberal Party has a new leader, Mark Carney, a former central banker who now faces the challenge of steering the country through economic turmoil and a tense trade relationship with the United States. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, has been arrested by ICE agents. And, House Republicans unveil a stopgap funding bill to keep the government running through September, but with Democrats opposing it, passing the bill will require ...

Mar 10, 202512 min

Who gets to be an American?

On the first day of his second term as President, Donald Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. whose parents are in the country illegally. The Trump Administration asserts that the children of noncitizens are not "subject to the jurisdiction of the United States" and therefore are not entitled to citizenship. But birthright citizenship is a Constitutional guarantee, explicitly laid out in the 14th Amendment. On this episode of The ...

Mar 09, 202530 min

Limiting Musk's Powers; VA Employees On DOGE Emails; No Cure For Long COVID

President Trump says that his Cabinet secretaries are actually supposed to be the ones to make staffing decisions, not Elon Musk and his DOGE entity. Also, we hear from employees at the Veterans Health Administration about how they feel about DOGE emails asking them to spell out what they did last week. Plus, a look at where things stand on the treatment of Long COVID. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 08, 202515 min

BONUS: America's Shifting Alliances

President Trump has shaken up America's global alliances with policy reversals and realignments being felt around the world. How are writers, analysts, and leaders making sense of it all? 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 Lisa Thomson, Arezou Rezvani, Reena Advani and Olivia Hampton. It was produced by Claire Murashima, Nia Dumas, Chris Thomas, Paige Waterhous...

Mar 07, 202512 min

Jobs Report, White House Crypto Summit, Gaza Ceasefire Uncertainty

The Labor Department is expected to show a modest uptick in hiring as part of its monthly jobs report card, but layoffs could cast a chill over the job market in coming months. The White House meets with founders and investors in the crypto industry to discuss how to grow the sector. And, rival ceasefire plans create uncertainty in Gaza, the Trump administration is demanding Hamas release hostages immediately, while holding secret talks with the group. Want more comprehensive analysis of the mos...

Mar 07, 202513 min

EU Leaders On Ukraine, Auto Tariffs Paused, USDA Workers Return

European leaders are meeting for an emergency summit to find ways to raise billions for defense and aid to Ukraine after after the U.S. cut military support. President Trump has granted a one-month exemption on new auto tariffs for Canadian and Mexican imports. And, a federal board has ordered the USDA to reinstate nearly 6,000 fired workers, ruling their dismissals were likely unlawful. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the U...

Mar 06, 202513 min

What Trump Said Last Night, Trump On Immigration, China Tariff Confidence

In his first address to Congress of this term, President Trump criticized Democrats and highlighted his administration's policy achievements. Trump used his address to Congress to highlight his administration's aggressive immigration policies, including designating certain gangs as terrorist organizations. And, China's premier outlined the nation's economic priorities and Beijing's retaliation against new U.S. tariffs. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus ...

Mar 05, 202513 min

Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin

The White House put a pause on military aid to Ukraine after a heated Oval Office exchange with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump will address Congress tonight, outlining his agenda on immigration, tax cuts, and his approach to Ukraine. And, Trump's new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China have sparked retaliation, escalating a trade war that could impact the global economy. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First ne...

Mar 04, 202513 min

Zelenskyy in London, Gaza Ceasefire Status, Judicial Accountability

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a warm welcome in London from the British prime minister and other European leaders, after a contentious meeting with President Trump in Washington. Israel and Hamas are at loggerheads over the next phase of the six-week-old Gaza ceasefire. And, an NPR investigation finds gaps in the systems to report misbehavior by federal judges and a widespread culture of fear about reporting abuse. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of...

Mar 03, 202513 min

Who Will Win at the Oscars

Tonight, big blockbuster films Dune: Part Two and Wicked are competing against critic favorites like The Brutalist , Nickel Boys and The Substance at the Academy Awards. With so many films out there it's hard to keep up, but the team at Pop Culture Happy Hour has seen them all and they are joining us today to share their predictions for who will be the big winners at this evening's ceremony. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 02, 202531 min

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

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