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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.

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Episodes

Pete Buttigieg warns democrats can't go back to pre-Trump status quo

Steve Inskeep speaks with former U.S. Secretary for Transportation Pete Buttigieg about where Democrats went wrong, how they can regain public trust, and why so many Americans don't believe what the government tells them about the Epstein files. 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 Reena Advani. It was produced by Phil Harrell. We get engineering support from Cena...

Jul 28, 202538 min

Trump In Scotland, Gaza Aid, Pete Buttigieg on Democrats

President Trump spent the weekend in Scotland where he announced a new tariff deal with the European Union. Following days of global outrage about images of starvation in Gaza, the Israeli military announced a daily pause in fighting and a revival of aid airdrops, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg weighs in on the path ahead for the Democratic party. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. T...

Jul 28, 202513 min

How is Trump Changing the Justice Department?

Since Donald Trump's reelection, the Justice Department is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Once guided by norms of independence from the White House, the department now appears closely aligned with the president's personal agenda. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe and Justice Correspondent Ryan Lucas look at how Trump's new team—many of them his former personal attorneys—are reshaping the DOJ's mission, from the handling of specific prosecutions to sweeping changes in the Civil Rights Division. Critics ...

Jul 27, 202522 min

Trump In Scotland, Detainee Abuse Allegations in Florida, Stocks Surging

President Trump is spending the weekend in Scotland, but he can't get away from questions about his disgraced former friend, Jeffrey Epstein. Some people held at the immigrant detention center in Florida's Everglades say they are experiencing inhumane conditions and abuse at the hands of guards. Anxiety persists about where the economy is headed, but right now the stock market is hitting record highs. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorsh...

Jul 26, 202516 min

Trump Pressures The Fed, Epstein Town Halls, France Recognizes Palestinian State

President Trump personally inspected renovations of the Federal Reserve's headquarters as part of a pressure campaign on chair Jerome Powell, House Republicans are being asked questions back home about the push to release records related to Jeffrey Epstein, and France intends to recognise a Palestinian state. 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, P...

Jul 25, 202514 min

Epstein Files Subpoena, Columbia $221 Million Settlement, 'Woke' AI

The White House is pushing against the wave of questions around the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, Columbia University agreed to pay over $220 million to the federal government in order to resolve investigations and restore access to federal research funding, and President Trump signed an executive order instructing tech companies to address what he labeled "woke AI." Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsl...

Jul 24, 202513 min

Epstein Troubles In Congress, 2016 Election Interference, Columbia Student Discipline

House Republicans went home early for summer recess to avoid dragging out a fight over the Jeffrey Epstein saga, President Trump's spy chief published Obama-era emails claiming a conspiracy, and dozens of Columbia students are being suspended or expelled for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests. 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 Kelsey Snell, Krishna...

Jul 23, 202514 min

Troops In Central Gaza, Military Detention Centers, Harvard Hearing

Israel has expanded its military ground operation into central Gaza, the US Homeland Security Department is preparing to use military bases in New Jersey and Indiana for immigration detention, and attorneys for Harvard University are in federal court over the administration's attempt to cut billions of dollars in research funding and contracts. 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 Fi...

Jul 22, 202514 min

Gaza Aid Violence, Harvard On Trial, Congress Redistricting

Many Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military fire as they try to get food aid, the Trump administration is in court pushing Harvard University to comply with its demands, and lawmakers in Texas are heading into a special session to try to redraw voting districts for Congress. 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 Hannah Bloch, Steve Drummond, Ben Swasey, ...

Jul 21, 202513 min

The Talk

It's been five years since George Floyd was murdered, yet for many Black families, the fear remains unchanged. In this episode of The Sunday Story , Ayesha Rascoe sits down with Ryan Ross and his teenage son Gavin to discuss "The Talk" — the painful but necessary conversation Black parents have to prepare their children for encounters with police. From childhood memories of Tamir Rice to fatherly rules for surviving traffic stops, we take a look at how Black parents explain to their sons how to ...

Jul 20, 202517 min

Epstein Conspiracies, US Drug Manufacturing, Student Loan Overhaul

The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to unseal more records relating to Jeffrey Epstein, but will this satisfy conspiracy theorists? President Trump is using tariffs to put pressure on pharmaceutical companies to move production back to the U.S. The recently signed spending and tax law includes major changes to the student loan system. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. ...

Jul 19, 202517 min

Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now. 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

Jul 18, 20252 min

Rescission Vote, Trump And The Wall Street Journal, Trump's Health

House Republicans passed a rescissions bill taking back $9 billion in funding for public media and foreign aid. President Trump says he intends to sue the Wall Street Journal after they published an article about his relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and President Trump was diagnosed with a common medical condition affecting the veins in his legs. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. T...

Jul 18, 202513 min

Public Media Cuts, Trump And Fed Chair, Israel Strikes Syria

Senate Republicans voted to take back billions of dollars in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, President Trump has been threatening to fire Fed chair Jerome Powell before his term ends next year, and Israel launched airstrikes into Syria's capital of Damascus. 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, Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Janaya ...

Jul 17, 202513 min

Tariffs And Inflation, Epstein Conspiracy Theories, Public Broadcasting Cuts

Escalating import tariffs are beginning to show up in the prices that consumers pay. The President has backtracked on his promise to release government's files on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the Senate has approved a cut of more than one billion dollars for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting – which provides money to NPR, PBS and their member stations. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today...

Jul 16, 202513 min

Moscow On Trump, Supreme Court On Education Department, Epstein Files

President Trump threatened Russia with heavy tariffs if a ceasefire deal with Ukraine is not reached by September, and he promised Ukraine billions of dollars worth of military equipment. The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can continue to dismantle the Education Department, and the President is facing backlash from his supporters over his handling of the so-called Epstein files. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscrib...

Jul 15, 202513 min

Tariffs View From The EU, Ukraine Weapons Plan, Texas Flood Update

President Trump sent letters to leaders of the European Union and Mexico threatening to impose higher import sanctions. The President has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and says he will cut a deal coordinating arms shipments to Ukraine. And, as flood recovery efforts continue in central Texas, the magnitude of the disaster is coming into clearer focus. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First...

Jul 14, 202513 min

Chinese manufacturing meets Small Town, USA

The Trump administration is pushing to bring manufacturing back to America. But what happens when one multinational company actually tries to set up shop in Small Town, USA? Today we bring you the Planet Money story of how a battery factory ignited a political firestorm over what kind of factories we actually want in our backyard. And what happens when the global economy meets small town democracy. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship ...

Jul 13, 202530 min

President Trump Visits Texas, Immigration Raids Ruling, New Antidepressants Study

President Trump visits Texas a week after the devastating floods. Questions are now being raised whether cuts to FEMA hampered the rescue response. Also, a federal judge orders a stop to indiscriminate immigration raids in Los Angeles. Plus, a new study on antidepressants sheds light on the severity of withdrawal when people come off the medications. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preference...

Jul 12, 202515 min

Trump Visits Kerr County, Trump And Putin, DOGE And Farmers' Data

President Trump is visiting Kerr County, Texas to meet with first responders and families affected by the flash floods. The cozy relationship between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may be turning sour, and an NPR investigation reveals that DOGE recently got high-level access to a database that controls loans and payments to American farmers. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today...

Jul 11, 202513 min

Texas Vigil, Flood Danger Zones, Ukraine Air Defenses

Hundreds of mourners gathered in the football stadium at Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas to remember those who died in last week's flash floods. An NPR investigation finds that flood risk data from FEMA is out of date, and Russia is intensifying its attacks against Ukraine. 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, Barrie Hardymon, Jane Greenhalg...

Jul 10, 202514 min

Texas Storm Toll, Trump's Foreign Policy, Supreme Court Allows Federal Layoffs

Rescue and recovery efforts trudged on for a fifth day after devastating floods hit central Texas, President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House as they worked to make a Gaza deal, and the Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to move forward with plans to lay off hundreds of thousands of federal employees. 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 U...

Jul 09, 202513 min

Texas Flooding Update, Tariff Limbo, Health Groups Sue RFK, Jr.

Crews continue their search and rescue efforts in Central Texas, the Dow tumbled on Monday after President Trump threatened stiff new import taxes, and prominent health organizations filed a lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy. 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, Rafael Nam, Jane Greenhalgh, Janaya Williams...

Jul 08, 202513 min

Texas Flooding Update, Trump And Netanyahu Meeting, Tariff Plans

In central Texas, crews are continuing the search for victims of last week's flash flooding, and local officials have been fielding questions about why residents were not warned to evacuate. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with President Trump to advance a cease-fire deal for Gaza and see Hamas release some hostages, and the President says his administration is on the verge of many new deals with countries regarding tariff rates. Want more comprehensive analysis of the ...

Jul 07, 202513 min

When News Broke

Just a few decades ago most people used — and trusted — the same news sources. Now, Americans are siloed in separate ecosystems, consuming conflicting depictions of reality. Misinformation runs rampant. Conspiracy theories flourish. And extremism grows. Today on The Sunday Story from Up First , reporter Ben Bradford brings us back to the moment when the first crack formed in America's news media. And how that crack widened and widened, until we split into separate worlds. To hear more check out ...

Jul 06, 202527 min

Texas Flash Floods, Trump's Next Priorities, Buy Now-Pay Later and Credit Scores.

Heavy rains caused deadly flash floods in the Texas Hill Country, leaving many dead and missing. President Trump celebrated the signing of his "Big Beautiful Bill," outlining future priorities like immigration and tariffs. FICO will begin incorporating Buy Now, Pay Later loan data into credit scores, potentially impacting users based on payment history and providing lenders a fuller financial picture.

Jul 05, 202515 min

Trump's Victory Lap, Ukraine Weapons, Immigration And The Economy

President Trump is having an Independence Day ceremony to celebrate the signing of his domestic policy bill, the U.S. has decided to withhold some weapons from Ukraine, and a new forecast predicts a net loss of immigrants to the U.S., a shift that is likely to take a toll on the economy. 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, Rafael Nam, Ryland Bart...

Jul 04, 202513 min

GOP Megabill Latest, Tax Cuts And Debt, Sean Combs Conviction

House Republicans are racing to pass President Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill and have it to his desk by July 4th. Budget analysts say it would add trillions of dollars to the government's debt. And, Sean Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but on the more serious charges, the jury found him not guilty. 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...

Jul 03, 202513 min

One-on-One with Zohran Mamdani

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Zohran Mamdani about his vision for New York City and his surprise win in the Democratic primary for mayor. 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 Arezou Rezvani and produced by Mansee Khurana and Lilly Quiroz. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sp...

Jul 02, 202537 min

Tax And Spending Bill, Medicaid Concerns, Gun Tracing Fund

The Senate approved President Trump's megabill, which includes tax cuts and boosts border security and defense programs. Cuts to Medicaid in the bill are unpopular with some Senators and the general public. Also, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is planning to loosen or eliminate some gun regulations. 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 Kel...

Jul 02, 202514 min
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