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
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Minnesota braces for a possible escalation as federal troops stand by amid protests against immigration enforcement and renewed threats to invoke the Insurrection Act. Tensions rise with European allies as the White House pressures Denmark and other NATO countries over Greenland, prompting warnings of damage to transatlantic relations. And world leaders are being asked to buy into a new U.S.-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza and other conflicts, with billion-dollar commitments and President Trump at...
This episode explores how cognitive disabilities often go unrecognized in the criminal justice system, leading to a "revolving door" of incarceration. It highlights an innovative unit in the LA Public Defender's office, which identifies and supports clients with cognitive impairments, offering alternatives to prison through comprehensive diversion programs. The story of Jimmy, a client whose life was transformed by such support, illustrates the possibilities and challenges of this approach.
The episode covers a Justice Department investigation into Minnesota's Governor and Minneapolis Mayor for allegedly obstructing ICE operations amidst rising tensions and protests. It also details the severe impact of a brutal Ukrainian winter, exacerbated by Russian strikes targeting the energy grid, leaving many without heat and electricity. Finally, a new study highlights concerns about generative AI's negative effects on children's foundational and social-emotional development, despite some potential benefits.
NPR's Up First reports on the escalating situation in Minneapolis, where federal agents are responding to protests, and President Trump is threatening to deploy the military. The episode also details Venezuela's political landscape, including opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's meeting with Trump and the interim president's defiant speech. Finally, it examines Trump's newly unveiled 'Great Healthcare Plan,' discussing its sparse details and potential impact on ACA subsidies and insurance coverage.
This episode highlights several key news stories: the FBI's controversial search of a Washington Post reporter's home, sparking concerns about press freedom and the administration's pattern of undermining independent journalism. It also delves into the diplomatic tensions surrounding President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, where Denmark firmly pushed back while a working group was formed. Finally, the podcast examines the sudden cut and subsequent restoration of $2 billion in mental health and addiction funding, revealing the chaos and political backlash that led to the reversal and its implications for public health.
Veteran federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned, citing political pressure from the Justice Department to investigate a shooting victim's widow rather than the ICE agent involved. Meanwhile, President Trump presented his economic message in Detroit, downplaying inflation while pitching affordability. A new Department of Labor report revealed that while gas prices dipped, overall inflation remains stubborn with rising heating and grocery costs.
This episode covers President Trump's consideration of military action and tariffs against Iran amidst ongoing protests and his offers of support to demonstrators. It also details Minnesota's lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging unconstitutional conduct by federal immigration agents after a fatal shooting. Finally, the Supreme Court hears arguments in two cases concerning state laws that ban transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, exploring arguments for fairness versus discrimination.
NPR's Up First reports on critical global and domestic news. In Minneapolis, federal agents' deployment sparks protests following an ICE shooting, fueling community unrest. Internationally, deadly protests intensify across Iran, prompting U.S. warnings and threats of military action against the regime. Domestically, the Justice Department subpoenas the Federal Reserve, leading to Chairman Powell accusing President Trump of attempting to influence interest rates and undermine the central bank's independence.
The episode explores a significant shift in American gun ownership, highlighting how concerns over political violence and discrimination under the Trump administration are prompting liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals to purchase firearms. It delves into personal stories like Charles and Dana's, showcasing their journey from anti-gun stances to seeking self-defense, and examines the role of supportive gun clubs and inclusive training environments. This trend challenges long-held stereotypes of gun owners and reflects deep-seated fears about societal stability.
The episode details the aftermath of an ICE agent killing Renee Good in Minneapolis, sparking protests and highlighting the community's ongoing trauma and resistance against the Trump administration's targeting of the Somali population. It also explores the burgeoning anti-government protests across Iran, driven by economic collapse and met with a severe crackdown, while external pressures mount. Finally, the segment delves into how U.S. states are preparing for potential federal interference in the midterm elections, examining concerns over federal troops or ICE agents at polling places and the former President's continued influence on election integrity.
Protests erupt in Minneapolis following an ICE agent's fatal shooting, prompting a federal investigation. The episode examines a wider pattern of increasing violence in federal immigration enforcement, highlighting aggressive tactics and a lack of proper training for agents in crowd control. Additionally, it details the Trump administration's controversial stance on Venezuela, including long-term oversight of the country's oil and future, and the president's broad foreign policy worldview.
This episode delves into the federal investigation of a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, where conflicting accounts of self-defense versus reckless power have sparked protests. It also details the dramatic two-week U.S. pursuit and seizure of an oil tanker carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil, highlighting the Trump administration's expanding control plans. Finally, it examines Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new dietary guidelines, which prioritize meat and dairy, challenging decades of nutritional advice and raising concerns among public health experts.
President Trump outlines a U.S. role in Venezuela post-Maduro, including rebuilding oil infrastructure, while facing scrutiny over the actual plan and the continued influence of the former regime. He also addresses House Republicans on their 2026 midterm strategy, emphasizing culture war issues despite voter concerns about the cost of living. Separately, European leaders convene to discuss Ukraine's future, but the meeting is largely overshadowed by Trump's renewed claims that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security, prompting concerns about European sovereignty.
NPR's Up First reports on Nicolás Maduro's plea of not guilty following his capture and appearance in a New York court, amid protests and legal questions regarding his sovereign status. The episode also delves into the divided congressional response to the U.S. operation in Venezuela, with lawmakers debating presidential authority and future implications. Finally, it examines the CDC's controversial scaling back of routine childhood vaccine recommendations, sparking concerns among pediatricians about public health risks.
President Trump says the United States will run Venezuela after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez shifts from defiance to calls for cooperation as the White House ramps up pressure and threatens further action. And Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York courtroom, facing drug trafficking, weapons, and narco-terrorism charges that could test the reach of U.S. law overseas. Want more analysis of the most important news of...
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York, awaiting trial on charges of narcoterrorism, cocaine-importation conspiracy and weapons charges. The operation to capture Maduro happened in the middle of the night as U.S. troops enjoyed the element of surprise. The U.S. says Maduro is not the legitimate president of Venezuela and accuse him of being the leader of a violent drug cartel. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal d...
The U.S. bombed the Venezuelan capital Caracas and other areas of the country, and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Maduro is being flown to the U.S. and Attorney General Pam Bondi says he will be indicted in the Southern District of New York. The events come after months of escalating U.S. pressure, sending troops and warships to the Carribean. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage...
Somali-run day care centers in Minnesota report threats and vandalism after a viral right-wing video accusing them of fraud prompts federal action with nationwide consequences. The Justice Department misses its deadline to release the Epstein files, fueling confusion and conspiracy theories as heavily redacted and unreliable documents trickle out. And Switzerland begins days of mourning after a deadly New Year’s Eve fire rips through a crowded nightclub at a ski resort, killing dozens and injuri...
Millions face higher health insurance costs as pandemic-era ACA subsidies expire, leading to difficult choices for families and political debate. The Trump administration has frozen federal child care funding nationwide, specifically targeting Minnesota amid unproven fraud claims concerning Somali-run daycares, sparking legal challenges. Additionally, Zohran Mamdani makes history as New York City's youngest and first Muslim mayor, sworn in with a democratic socialist agenda and significant grassroots support.
President Trump confirms the first known U.S. strike inside Venezuela, saying it targets drug trafficking as critics warn it risks escalation. Iranian authorities shut down cities and security forces move in to contain growing protests as anger over inflation and sanctions boils over. And the flu is spreading fast across the U.S., with a new strain driving cases higher just as vaccination rates slip and hospitals brace for what’s next. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, pl...
President Trump doubles down on demanding Hamas disarm after meeting with Israel’s prime minister, and warned Iran not to rebuild its nuclear program. Ukraine’s president presses the White House for decades-long U.S. security guarantees as part of a proposed peace deal with Russia. And a year after DOGE’s push to shrink government, agencies are smaller, spending is higher, and millions of Americans’ data remains in play. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun...
President Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy signal momentum on peace talks, but fighting continues and key disputes remain. Israel’s prime minister is in Mar-a-Lago today as pressure mounts over Gaza, Iran, and what comes next in Trump's ceasefire deal. And anti-poverty groups warn funding chaos is forcing cuts just as more Americans need help. Want more 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 ...
At the end of every year, many of us resolve to make small changes in our lives. But what would it take to make a radical change–and can it still be done if you’ve reached retirement age? Today on The Sunday Story , WBUR reporter Anthony Brooks shares stories about people he’s met who’ve done just that. To hear more of Anthony’s reporting on people who reinvented themselves late in life, check out his series " The Third Act ." This interview originally aired on January 19, 2025. See pcm.adswizz....
NPR’s Ron Elving has been thinking about the state of U.S. politics since President Donald Trump returned to power. Also, several countries in South America elected conservative and even far right leaders in 2025, marking a political and ideological shift in the region. And, we’ll have the highlight reel from the year in sports. 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...
President Trump has announced the U.S. launched a number of strikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria. Congress started 2025 with an ambitious legislative agenda, but 12 months later has ceded much of its power to President Trump and has passed a record low number of bills. And, shoppers spent a record amount of money this holiday season even as polling finds Americans are feeling glum about the economy. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a littl...
After two years of not celebrating because of the war in nearby Gaza, Christmas festivities have returned to Bethlehem. Election officials in Honduras have named the winner of the country’s presidential election, after more than three weeks of counting the votes. And, in a year of record breaking immigration enforcement, deportations and detentions are separating families and in some cases that means the oldest children become the family breadwinner. Want more analysis of the most important news...
The Justice Department released about 30,000 pages of new documents related to the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against the Trump administration to block the deployment of National Guard troops to the Chicago area. And, the U.S. economy grew faster than economists had predicted, in July through September. (00:00) Introduction (02:17) New Epstein Documents (06:15) SCOTUS National Guard (10:00) GDP Growth Want more analysis of the...
President Trump has announced the Navy will begin building a new class of warship named after himself. A federal judge has ruled the deportations of more than 100 Venezuelan men to El Salvador were illegal. And, a number of staff members have left the think tank behind Project 2025 to join a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. (00:00) Introduction (04:03) Trump Announces 'Golden Fleet' (07:50) Judge Rules Deportations Illegal (11:39) Heritage Foundation Exodus Want more analysis o...
The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker in the Caribbean that it says has links to Venezuela. The Department of Justice has released a limited number of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And, an analysis by NPR finds thousands of immigrants without legal status aren’t showing up to immigration court, leading to a rise in deportation removals. (00:00) Cold Open (01:37) Introduction (03:43) Coast Guard Pursues Tanker (08:02) Epstein Files Release (10:43) Immigration C...
During the holidays, the kids are off from school, so they might be enjoying some extra screentime. It’s a reality many parents begrudgingly accept. But is time spent playing online games always a cause for concern? On The Sunday Story , host Ayesha Rascoe (whose kids are spending a lot of time lately playing Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite) sits down with researcher Eli Stark-Elster to clear up some misconceptions around the harms of screentime. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our coll...
