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.
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President Trump issues a new travel ban impacting 19 countries, drawing comparisons to his first term ban. Elon Musk criticizes the Republican budget bill for potentially adding trillions to the deficit, aligning with some conservative senators while leaders defend the plan. Meanwhile, US-Iran nuclear talks face a sticking point on uranium enrichment, with potential Russian involvement and Israeli concerns over Iran's nuclear progress.
This episode covers major news stories including the doubling of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum and its impact on industries and consumers. It also examines the White House's formal request to Congress to rescind funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, and the potential consequences. Finally, the episode reports on the pause in food aid distribution in Gaza by a U.S. group following deadly shootings near delivery sites.
This episode reports on the latest developments in the Boulder, Colorado attack, including details about the suspect's motive and federal charges. It also covers the outcome of Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks in Istanbul, which yielded no ceasefire but included discussions on abducted children and a limited prisoner exchange. Finally, the episode looks at the snap presidential election in South Korea, shaped by recent political turmoil and voters' concerns about democracy, candidates, and international relations.
Ukrainian drone strikes hit deep inside Russia just hours before peace talks were scheduled in Turkey, raising questions about the message sent. The Republican-led Senate returns to take up President Trump's budget plan, facing internal divisions and a July 4th deadline. Meanwhile, the FBI is investigating an attack at an event for Israeli hostages in Colorado as an act of terrorism, highlighting growing concerns about hate.
Explore the remarkable Edelman Fossil Park in Mantua, New Jersey, where paleontologist Ken Lacovara discovered a unique 66-million-year-old bone bed. This site provides unprecedented insight into the day the asteroid struck, detailing the rapid, calamitous events that led to the dinosaurs' extinction. Learn how this museum aims to connect visitors to Earth's deep history and the thrill of discovering fossils.
At the annual security forum in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterizes China as a threat. President Trump celebrates a partnership between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, but he's short on specifics. After years of wrangling, Taylor Swift gets control of her first master recordings. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
This episode covers President Trump's shift in stance on the US Steel-Nippon Steel partnership, now approving the deal after campaigning against it. It also details Harvard University's legal victory allowing international students to remain enrolled despite an administration ban. Finally, it discusses Elon Musk's departure from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency and the lack of evidence regarding its impact.
A federal court has blocked most of President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. The judges said the president overstepped his authority when he put tariffs on nearly every country in the world last month. Trump also appears increasingly frustrated with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over Moscow's ongoing airstrikes in Ukraine. How could this affect any peace negotiations? And one of the largest right-wing political gatherings is getting underway in Eastern Europe. Want more comprehensive analysis...
This episode covers the chaos surrounding a new U.S.-backed food distribution system in Gaza following an incident where Israeli forces fired shots at a swarmed aid site. It also details updated U.S. COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, which no longer recommend the shot for healthy children or pregnant women, raising concerns among some experts. Finally, the episode examines the humanitarian crisis of children of ISIS fighters held in Syrian camps and U.S. efforts to repatriate them.
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.
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.
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...
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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
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 ...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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 ...
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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
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...
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.
