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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
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Episodes

Harvard President says critics' "fire is misdirected"

Harvard President Alan Garber discusses the Trump administration's actions against the university, including cutting grants and banning international students, which Harvard has sued over, calling it retaliation. He addresses government accusations and Harvard's own acknowledged issues around speech and anti-Semitism, while defending the value of university research and international students to the nation. Garber views the government's actions as a warning to all universities and shares his message for other academic leaders.

May 27, 202519 min

New Gaza Aid Group Faces Criticism, Harvard President Speaks Out, DEI Rollbacks

NPR examines the scrutiny surrounding a new U.S.-backed group delivering aid in Gaza, facing criticism from the UN and aid workers over its structure and goals. Harvard President Alan Garber discusses the university's lawsuits against the Trump administration regarding funding and international students, addressing conservative critiques. The episode also details the widespread elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion positions across U.S. companies, highlighting the trend reversing the post-2020 hiring push and the impact on affected professionals.

May 27, 202513 min

Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast

Ukrainian officials say Russia launched its largest airstrikes since the start of the conflict. Sunday's attack, which killed 12 people, happened only hours before a prisoner exchange. Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer and the summer travel season, but a deadly midair collision in the nation's capital in January and reports of air traffic control outages have raised safety concerns. Also, government forecasts predict an above normal wildfire risk for some parts of the cou...

May 26, 202513 min

The Class of 2025

A lot has changed in higher education since President Trump took office. This week on The Sunday Story , Ayesha reflects on her own college graduation, and she sits down with three graduating college seniors. They talk about how funding cuts have upended their postgrad plans and how the last semester has made them think differently about what college is all about. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsors...

May 25, 202519 min

National Security Council Shakeup, George Floyd Murder and Political Extremism

Another major shakeup at the White House National Security Council. Officials tell NPR that dozens of staff were fired yesterday. Also, Sunday marks five years since George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. His death triggered a reckoning with racism. But we explore how Floyd's murder also fueled conspiracies and political extremism. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferenc...

May 24, 202520 min

Suspected D.C. Shooter Charged, Trump vs. Harvard, SCOTUS Ruling On Agency Firings

The man suspected of killing two Israeli Embassy employees outside a Jewish museum in D.C. has been charged with two counts of murder, among other crimes. The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, sowing confusion for those who are already enrolled. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court said President Trump can fire two members of independent agencies — for now. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little ...

May 23, 202514 min

Israeli Embassy Employees Killed, Israel's Occupation Plans, Trump Bill Latest

Officials in Israel and Washington are condemning the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees outside a Jewish museum in Washington. Plus, Israel seeks full control of Gaza as a condition to end its war with Hamas, and Republicans close in on passage of a massive bill at the heart of President Trump's domestic agenda. 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 G...

May 22, 202513 min

Negotiating Trump's Sweeping Agenda, South Africa's President, DOGE Cuts

President Trump's large tax and immigration bill faces hurdles in the House due to resistance from Republican factions concerned about taxes and spending cuts, with analysis showing varied economic impacts and potential healthcare loss. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visits Washington to reset tense relations following US aid cuts and refugee status grants, navigating Trump's rhetoric and promoting economic ties. Separately, Elon Musk's ad hoc Department of Government Efficiency is targeting dozens of small federal entities, facing legal challenges as it seeks to shrink government, highlighting the clash between the administration's vision and existing laws.

May 21, 202513 min

Trump's Talk With Putin, Israel's Incursion, Weather Service Budget Cuts

This episode covers President Trump's conversation with Russian President Putin regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, highlighting conflicting accounts of progress and international pressure on Russia. It also delves into the intense pressure on Israel from allies to end its Gaza offensive amidst a soaring death toll and stalled ceasefire talks. Finally, the episode examines the recent surge in tornado outbreaks in the U.S., the ongoing debate about a link to climate change, and challenges facing the National Weather Service due to budget cuts.

May 20, 202513 min

Biden Cancer Diagnosis, Escalation In Gaza, Kentucky Storm Recovery

The diagnosis of prostate cancer for the former president comes just days ahead of the release of a book detailing questions about his mental fitness as president. Israel's military says troops are now operating in multiple points throughout Gaza strip, in an operation dubbed Gideon's Chariots. More than two dozen people are dead in Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia after tornadoes and storms over the weekend. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fu...

May 19, 202513 min

Is America becoming an autocracy?

Hundreds of U.S.-based scholars say the United States is swiftly heading away from liberal democracy and towards some form of authoritarianism. In this episode of The Sunday Story , NPR's Frank Langfitt speaks to people who have fled authoritarian regimes for America. They say some of the Trump administration's tactics remind them of home. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Priv...

May 18, 202529 min

Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections

Deadly storms and tornadoes tore through several states overnight. In Kentucky, a local mayor says more than 20 people were killed. Also, the Supreme Court says the Trump administration cannot deport a group of Venezuelans while their cases are being litigated in the courts. Plus, it's a big weekend for elections in Europe with voters in both Poland and Romania going to the polls. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your...

May 17, 202514 min

Birthright Citizenship Arguments, Trump's Mideast Trip, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial

The U.S. Supreme Court seemed divided as justices heard arguments debating how lower courts should handle President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship. Trump heads back to Washington after four days of pomp in the Middle East. The first week of the federal criminal trial of Sean Combs featured testimony alleging a pattern of control and violence. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today's...

May 16, 202513 min

Syria's Relationship With Israel, Birthright Citizenship, Trump's Big Bill

President Trump did not make normalizing relations with Israel a condition for dropping sanctions against Syria, raising questions about how the two neighbors must navigate an unclear future. The Supreme Court hears historic arguments in a case challenging the constitutional provision guaranteeing birthright citizenship. House Republicans are still negotiating the details of a wide-ranging legislative package they hope to advance by the end of next week. Want more comprehensive analysis of the m...

May 15, 202513 min

Trump Meets Syria's President, Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks, RFK Jr. On Capitol Hill

This episode of Up First covers President Trump's meeting with Syria's new leader and the lifting of sanctions, potential Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial changes to the Department of Health and Human Services. The episode provides analysis of these developments and their implications.

May 14, 202512 min

Seesawing Tariffs, Trump's Middle East Agenda, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial

This episode covers several key news stories: the uncertainty surrounding a temporary US-China trade deal and its impact on businesses, President Trump's visit to the Middle East focusing on economic and security agreements, the start of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial, and the controversy over the US government's refugee resettlement policies, particularly regarding white South Africans.

May 13, 202515 min

Trump In The Middle East, Hamas Hostage Release, Mulling Medicaid Cuts

President Trump chose Saudi Arabia - again - for the first state trip of his second term. What does that say about his foreign policy? Hamas says it will release the last living American hostage held in Gaza, Edan Alexander. And as Republicans look for massive budget cuts, what could happen to Medicaid? 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, Krishnade...

May 12, 202513 min

The Trial of Sean Combs

Sean Combs who was once at the forefront of hip-hop music and fashion is now on trial for sex trafficking. The hip-hop mogul launched the careers of numerous stars and grew his business empire to a reported $1 billion dollars in 2022. A fortune that has since shrunk considerably as he faces multiple civil lawsuits, a crumbling media empire and the prospect of years behind bars. With his trial set to begin tomorrow, today on The Sunday Story NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmineto shares how ...

May 11, 202523 min

India and Pakistan Agree Ceasefire, Food Stamps Data, Nuclear Reactor Watchdog

India and Pakistan agree to a full and immediate ceasefire. It follows US-led talks. Plus, NPR learns that the Department of Agriculture is demanding states hand over the personal data of those receiving food stamps. Critics fear the information could be used to carry out deportations. Also, the Trump administration tightens its control over the independent agency regulating America's nuclear reactors. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsors...

May 10, 202514 min

Scene From Vatican City, Life Of Pope Leo XIV, China Trade Talks

People traveled to the Vatican from all over the world to witness the election of a new pope. What more do we know about the life of the Chicago-born pontiff who also holds Peruvian citizenship? Also, negotiators from the US and China will meet this weekend in Switzerland for talks about the trade war between the two countries. 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...

May 09, 202513 min

India And Pakistan Latest, Libya Deportations, The Fed And Interest Rates

This episode covers escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the US plan to deport migrants to Libya, and the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady amidst economic uncertainty. Dia Hadid reports from Mumbai on the India-Pakistan conflict, while Jimena Ostio discusses the controversial deportation plan. Scott Horsley analyzes the Fed's decision and its implications for the US economy.

May 08, 202513 min

India And Pakistan Conflict, Papal Conclave Begins, Transgender Military Ban

India struck multiple targets across Pakistan in the most extensive strikes in more than 50 years, the papal conclave to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic church begins today, and the Supreme Court has allowed a ban on transgender people serving in the military. 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, Daniel Burke, Krishnadev Calamur, Janaya ...

May 07, 202514 min

Canada's Prime Minister Meets Trump, Abortion Lawsuit Surprise, Film Tariffs

This episode of Up First covers three main topics: the meeting between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the contentious relationship between the two countries, the Justice Department's move to dismiss a case restricting access to abortion medication, and Trump's proposal to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S. The discussion explores the potential impacts and implications of these developments.

May 06, 202513 min

Trump And The Constitution, Gaza Food Aid Plan, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial Begins

This episode of Up First covers three main stories: President Trump's comments on upholding the Constitution regarding immigration, Israel's controversial plan to control food aid in Gaza, and the beginning of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The discussion includes analysis of Trump's stance on tariffs, the implications of Israel's aid restrictions, and details of the charges against Combs and jury selection.

May 05, 202514 min

Syria's Missing Children

NPR's Dia Hadid reports on the heartbreaking story of children who disappeared within Syria's civil war, often taken from their mothers in prisons. The investigation uncovers how orphanages were used to hide these children, the struggles families faced in searching for them, and the difficult choices orphanage directors had to make under the Assad regime. It highlights the work of activists and organizations trying to reunite families and bring these injustices to light.

May 04, 202530 min

President Trump's 2026 Budget, Gloomy Economic Outlook, Secretary of State's New Role

President Trump proposes major cuts to several federal agencies in next year's budget, but he wants defense and border security spending to increase. The budget plan comes after the economy shrank during the first three months of this year. We'll have the latest on the state of the economy. Plus, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has added the title of national security adviser to his growing roster of roles. But will he have the bandwidth to do both jobs? See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ...

May 03, 202520 min

Public Media Cuts, Waltz Out As National Security Advisor, Alien Enemies Act Ruling

A new executive order aims to cut federal subsidies to PBS and NPR. President Trump is nominating national security adviser Mike Waltz as his ambassador to the United Nations, and a federal judge ruled that the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan immigrants from the US is "unlawful." 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 Gerry Holmes, Roberta Rampton,...

May 02, 202514 min

Steve Bannon on Trump's First 100 Days

Steve Inskeep speaks with War Room Podcast Host and Trump ally Steve Bannon about the changes the U.S. President has introduced in his first months in office in 2025 and where he sees things heading. 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 Reena Advani and produced by Barry Gordemer. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data f...

May 01, 202518 min

Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension

This episode of Up First covers three major global events: the shrinking US economy and its future outlook, a new US-Ukraine agreement to jointly profit from Ukraine's mineral resources, and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly militant attack in Kashmir. Experts weigh in on the economic challenges facing the US, the potential benefits and risks of the US-Ukraine deal, and the possibility of further conflict between India and Pakistan.

May 01, 202515 min

Trump Marks 100 Days, Steve Bannon On Trump's Presidency, The "Big Beautiful Bill"

This episode of Up First covers President Trump's first 100 days of his second term, including a review of his policy changes and his rally in Michigan. It features an interview with Steve Bannon about his vision for the country and a report on the Republican effort to pass Trump's 'big beautiful bill' before Memorial Day, highlighting the challenges and divisions within the party.

Apr 30, 202513 min
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