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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This episode covers three major news stories: Vice President J.D. Vance's personal and political response to Charlie Kirk's death, vowing to target groups he blames for violence. It also examines FBI Director Kash Patel's controversial conduct and leadership questions as he testifies on Capitol Hill. Finally, it explores the Federal Reserve's expected interest rate cut and President Trump's efforts to influence the central bank's board and independence.
Authorities in Utah are still searching for a motive in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Jerusalem after Israel’s strike on Doha put the U.S. at odds with two close allies. And at the Emmys, Adolescence , The Studio , and The Pitt took top prizes. 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 Russell Lewis, Kevin ...
As a young woman, Kate Riley’s search for meaning led her to a Christian commune. She lived there for a year and embraced collective life – everyone dressed the same and no one owned any private property. Kids growing up there didn’t have contact with cell phones or money. In this week’s conversation, Riley sits down with Ayesha Rascoe to explore what it means to be an individual in a communal place. And she shares what she learned about her own identity. These experiences informed her first nov...
NPR's Up First details the ongoing investigation into the Utah Valley University shooting, including the suspect's arrest and initial motive clues. The episode also explores the critical discussion surrounding college campus security, weighing community access against the need for student safety. Additionally, it covers Missouri's new congressional map, a response to President Trump's call to secure a Republican House majority, highlighting the political implications and legal challenges.
Police have released video and pictures of a suspect who they believe shot and killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with tips. Stocks are surging on hopes of lower interest rates, even as Americans face rising prices at the store and a cooling job market. And in Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro has been found guilty of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important new...
Police are still searching for the gunman who killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk during a speech at a Utah college campus. We look back at Kirk’s rise in conservative politics through Turning Point USA and the controversies that defined him. And in Europe, Russian drones crossing into Poland are testing NATO’s limits and raising fears of a wider war. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episo...
JB Pritzker is in a battle with President Trump over crime and immigration--or really, Pritzker says, over a power grab. Pritzker has so far blocked Trump's effort to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, but immigration agents have arrived. As they did, Pritzker sat for a wide-ranging talk with NPR's Steve Inskeep about the president, immigrants, Chicago's development, and his party's future. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to...
Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar as they were considering a deal to release all hostages, several people were killed but Hamas says none of its leaders were hit. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker spoke with Steve Inskeep as the Trump administration launches “Operation Midway Blitz “ in Chicago— sending hundreds of immigration agents to the city. And, the White House unveils its Make Our Children Healthy Again plan — with more than 100 recommendations on kids’ health, but critics say it leans...
This episode covers the Supreme Court's decision to permit aggressive immigration sweeps in Los Angeles, raising concerns about racial profiling. It also details the House Oversight Committee's release of limited Jeffrey Epstein estate documents, including an alleged letter from President Trump. Finally, the podcast examines Russia's escalating attacks on Ukraine, noting President Trump's unsuccessful attempts to de-escalate the conflict through sanctions and peace talks.
President Trump walks back a weekend social media post warning Chicago is “about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR,” while the city braces for possible immigration crackdowns and National Guard deployment. Jury selection begins for Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump, as he represents himself in court. And Russia launches its largest drone assault of the war, striking a government building in Kyiv and testing the limits of U.S. mediation. Want...
Drilling for oil has been going on in the US for over 150 years. Across the country we have bored millions of holes in the ground to pump the liquid gold that has fueled the country's energy appetite. But those wells don’t last forever. When the oil begins to dry up, wells are supposed to be plugged to prevent toxic, climate-altering chemicals from escaping. So why then is there, by some estimates, more than 2 million unplugged abandoned wells around the country? Today on The Sunday Story , NPR ...
The Trump administration is eying more cities even as it builds up a National Guard presence near Chicago and fights a lawsuit by Los Angeles. Federal immigration authorities arrested nearly 500 workers they said were in the U.S. illegally at a South Korean battery maker's Georgia construction site. An Idaho pastor is gaining influence among national Republicans and expanding his presence in Washington, D.C. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sp...
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has defended his actions on vaccines in a contentious Senate hearing. European leaders have finalized a commitment to provide post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, including troops. And, the Attorney General for the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration calling the use of the National Guard in the District illegal. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little...
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify in the Senate today following a week of upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Senate committee holds a hearing on President Trump’s nominee to fill a vacant seat on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. And, a federal judge in Boston has handed Harvard University a win, ruling the Trump administration unlawfully froze billions of dollars in research funds. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most...
Lawmakers are pushing to release more Jeffrey Epstein files, citing human rights concerns and political pressure on the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Trump family's new cryptocurrency, World Liberty Financial, has launched publicly, raising questions about conflicts of interest and the ethics of profiting from the presidency. The episode also features China's elaborate military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of WWII's end, highlighting its growing influence and challenge to the U.S.-led post-war order.
This episode covers critical global and domestic news. In Washington, Congress confronts a looming government shutdown deadline and debates presidential executive power, while also facing demands to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Internationally, Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro stands trial for attempting to overthrow the government, a case influenced by US political interference. Additionally, Afghanistan is struggling with rescue efforts and a humanitarian crisis following a devastating earthquake, exacerbated by recent cuts in international aid and Taliban restrictions.
European leaders are drafting plans to send a coalition of troops to Ukraine as part of a possible post-war security guarantee. China's President Xi Jinping is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit with the leaders of Russia and India gathering in a challenge to US influence. And, how The Trump administration is faring with workers as the President marks his first Labor Day since returning to the White House. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, ...
Air travel is stressful enough–and then there are people who can pay to jump the queue. How do some people get ushered straight to the front of the airport security line, while others find themselves waiting? The answer lies in the rise of a private company, CLEAR. Today on The Sunday Story , we look at how CLEAR inched its way into airport security. What actually happens when public and private interests try to coexist? See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...
A federal appeals court ruled that most of President Trump’s tariffs are illegal, but is holding off enforcing the decision until October. Also, Texas lawmakers are on track to pass further restrictions aimed at reducing the use of abortion medication. The bill would allow members of the public to file lawsuits against the medicine’s providers. And Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he will release new dietary guidelines, but will they change the nation’s eating habits? See pcm.adswizz....
The episode begins with an update on the Minneapolis church shooting, sharing the father's poignant statement and details about the young victims, alongside law enforcement's ongoing investigation. It then explores the contentious changes within the CDC leadership, including the appointment of a new acting director and the resignations of several top medical officials concerned about scientific integrity. Finally, the podcast previews an unprecedented summit in Beijing where leaders from Russia, China, and North Korea will meet, discussing their strategic alliance and individual motivations.
Investigators in Minneapolis are working to determine why a heavily armed 23-year-old opened fire at a Catholic school on Wednesday morning. The new Director of the Center for Disease Control has been fired less than a month after being sworn into the job. And, NPR reporters spoke with more than two dozen former senior Biden administration officials for a behind the scenes look at the discussions that shaped U.S. policy towards Israel’s war in Gaza. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most i...
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook’s attorney has plans to file a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s bid to remove Cook from her position. The Democratic National Committee wraps up its first major gathering since President Trump’s return to the White House. And, music superstar Taylor Swift is engaged to football player Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today...
NPR's Up First reports on President Trump's latest actions, including his move to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook amidst allegations and concerns about the Fed's independence. The episode also details Trump's crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., focusing on his push to eliminate cashless bail and expand the National Guard's involvement in policing, which faces local and legal opposition. Finally, it provides an update on the contentious deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is back in custody as a judge intervenes to prevent his removal to Uganda.
This episode covers President Trump's threat to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, sparking debate over executive power and local governance, following a similar deployment in Washington D.C. It also delves into the Justice Department's release of the Ghislaine Maxwell interview, raising questions about its timing and her credibility. Finally, the podcast previews a US-South Korea summit discussing critical trade negotiations and the modernization of their military alliance amidst changing geopolitical priorities.
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, this episode delves into New Orleans' public school system, which was entirely transformed into charter schools. Initially, this reform aimed to fix a failing system and showed significant improvements in test scores and graduation rates. However, the discussion reveals the complex human cost, including the displacement of veteran teachers and the limitations of an accountability model solely focused on test scores. The city is now rethinking its definition of success, exploring diversified metrics, and even reintroducing traditional public schools to address the ongoing challenges and build a more equitable system.
The Justice Department released transcripts and recordings of their recent talks with convicted sex trafficker and Jeffrey Epstein partner Ghislaine Maxwell yesterday. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signals the Fed may start interest rates cuts soon. After nearly two weeks of stepped-up arrests and federal law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital, many immigrants are afraid to attend church, worried they could be detained and deported. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...
A UN-backed panel of experts says there is famine in northern Gaza, the Justice Department is expected to deliver a first batch of files from its Jeffrey Epstein investigation to the House Oversight Committee and California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a California redistricting plan today to counter Texas Republicans. 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 Jason Br...
NPR's Up First reports on Israel's complex situation, balancing plans for a Gaza City offensive with a potential two-month ceasefire offer from Hamas, highlighting concerns over hostages and humanitarian aid. The episode also details U.S. and European efforts to develop security guarantees for Ukraine, facing strong Russian opposition to any NATO presence. Finally, it covers Hurricane Erin's significant impact on North Carolina's Outer Banks and its projected path up the East Coast.
Six governors are sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. to back President Trump's crime crackdown there. European leaders weigh the options for a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine. And the Texas Legislature appears on the verge of redrawing congressional districts that will help Republicans in the midterm elections, as requested by Trump. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’...
President Trump is actively brokering peace in Ukraine, proposing direct talks between Putin and Zelensky, with discussions focusing on security guarantees, ceasefires, and land issues. The Kremlin's perspective on these talks and its 'red lines' are also explored. Domestically, California Democrats are pushing a new congressional map designed to counter a Trump-backed move in Texas, igniting a significant redistricting battle.
