Up First from NPR
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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
Episodes
Mentioned books
86 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 13min
Minneapolis Protests, Immigration Enforcement Shootings, Running Venezuela
Joining the discussion are Meg Anderson, an NPR reporter on the ground in Minneapolis; Sergio Martinez Beltran, who covers immigration enforcement; and Danielle Kurtzleben, a political analyst. They dive into the resurgence of protests in Minneapolis following an ICE shooting, with eyewitness accounts highlighting community resilience. Sergio reveals alarming trends in immigration-related violence, while Danielle discusses the implications of U.S. plans for Venezuela, including oil strategy and diplomatic outreach. This engaging dialogue sheds light on complex and urgent issues.
216 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 13min
Minnesota ICE Shooting, Venezuela Oil Tanker Pursuit, RFK Jr's New Dietary Guidelines
Join Meg Anderson, NPR's criminal justice correspondent, as she details the harrowing ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, revealing eyewitness accounts and community reactions. Greg Meyer shares insights on a dramatic two-week chase of a Venezuelan oil tanker, exploring U.S. plans to control oil sales. Meanwhile, Alison Aubrey discusses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial new dietary guidelines that elevate meat and dairy, stirring debate among health experts. A gripping mix of crime, geopolitics, and nutrition!
127 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 13min
Next Steps In Venezuela, GOP 2026 Roadmap, Greenland and Europe
Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, discusses U.S. strategies for Venezuela amidst a backdrop of Maduro-era officials. He highlights Trump's call for U.S. companies to aid in rebuilding Venezuela's oil sector. Domenico Montanaro, NPR's political editor, analyzes the GOP's struggles as Trump focuses on culture-war issues over pressing economic concerns ahead of the 2026 midterms. Eleanor Beardsley reports on European leaders united against Trump's claims on Greenland, stressing the need for local autonomy amid growing security talks regarding Ukraine.
106 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 13min
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty, Congress On Venezuela, Vaccine Schedule Overhaul
Jasmine Garst, a courtroom reporter for NPR, shares insights from the dramatic New York court appearance of Nicolás Maduro, who claims he was kidnapped by U.S. forces. Barbara Sprunt, a congressional correspondent, discusses the split reactions from lawmakers after a classified briefing on the Venezuelan operation, highlighting partisan divides. Ping Huang, a health policy reporter, explains the CDC's controversial overhaul of childhood vaccine recommendations, which some pediatricians warn could jeopardize child health.
206 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 13min
U.S. In Venezuela, Future Of Venezuela, Maduro In NYC Court
Greg Myrie, NPR national security correspondent, breaks down the complexities of U.S. actions in Venezuela and the limitations of American influence. Kerry Kahn, a correspondent in Colombia, shares insights on Delcy Rodriguez's shift from defiance to potential cooperation amid U.S. pressures. Kerry Johnson, justice correspondent, details the legal implications of Nicolás Maduro's looming court appearance in New York, facing serious charges among jurisdictional challenges. Together, they unravel the intricate dynamics at play in Venezuela's political landscape.
176 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 17min
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in New York City, faces narcoterrorism charges
In this discussion, Greg Myrie, a national security correspondent, reveals the tactical detail behind the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Carrie Johnson, a justice correspondent, breaks down the serious narcoterrorism charges against him and the legal justifications for the operation. Ada Peralta adds local context, highlighting mixed reactions in Venezuela and insights into the interim leadership by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. Together, they illuminate the complexities of this unfolding geopolitical drama.
96 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 16min
The U.S. strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro
Carrie Kahn, NPR's South America correspondent, provides first-hand accounts of the dramatic U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, analyzes the administration's actions and the implications of these events. Greg Myrie, covering national security, discusses the military operations and historical parallels. Together, they explore regional reactions, potential successors to Maduro, and the high-stakes political fallout of this unprecedented situation.
93 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 13min
Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout, Epstein Files Mess, Swiss Nightclub Fire
Brian Mann, an NPR reporter focusing on investigative stories, discusses the threats faced by Somali-American daycare centers in Minnesota after a viral video sparked accusations of fraud. Stephen Fowler, an NPR correspondent covering Justice Department matters, delves into the confusion around the redacted Epstein files, shedding light on their disorganized release and the conspiracy theories they fueled. Ruth Sherlock, an NPR Rome correspondent, reports on the tragic Swiss nightclub fire that claimed many lives, sharing firsthand accounts and details of the ongoing investigation.
105 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 13min
Healthcare Subsides Expire, Trump and Minnesota, Mamdani Takes Office In NYC
Health reporter Sarah Bowden highlights the abrupt end of pandemic-era ACA subsidies, discussing the impending costs that millions will face. She also explores the possibility of Congress restoring these subsidies amidst political gridlock. Meanwhile, Clay Masters reveals the freezing of child care funding in Minnesota due to unfounded fraud claims against Somali-run centers, affecting thousands of families. Lastly, the newly sworn-in NYC Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is introduced as a progressive leader, ready to change the political landscape.
147 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 15min
U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela, Iran Protests, Flu Cases Surge
Franco Ordóñez, NPR White House correspondent, discusses the implications of the U.S. strike inside Venezuela, highlighting congressional oversight issues and risks of civilian casualties. Jackie Northam, an international affairs correspondent, covers the widespread protests in Iran driven by inflation and regime crackdowns, pondering the potential threat to the government. Gabriela Emanuel, health reporter, explains the surge in flu cases linked to a new strain, emphasizing low vaccination rates and public health recommendations to combat the outbreak.
