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
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.
137 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 14min
Trump Pushes Hamas Disarmament, Ukraine Peace Talks, A Year Of DOGE
Michelle Kellerman, an NPR correspondent in Jerusalem, shares insights on Trump's push for Hamas disarmament after his meeting with Israel's prime minister, raising concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Joanna Kakis, stationed in Kyiv, discusses Ukraine's plea for U.S. security guarantees amid ongoing peace talks with Russia, revealing the complexities of the situation. Stephen Fowler reviews the first year of the DOGE initiative, highlighting unexpected outcomes such as rising federal spending and ongoing data access issues despite a supposed push for government efficiency.
99 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 14min
Trump Zelensky Meeting, Netanyahu Mar-a-Lago Meeting, Rough Year For Poverty Aid
Jennifer Ludden, an NPR correspondent specializing in anti-poverty programs, discusses the escalating funding challenges faced by Community Action Agencies amid rising needs. Michelle Kellman, reporting from Jerusalem, dives into Netanyahu's high-stakes visit with Trump regarding the Gaza ceasefire and regional tensions with Iran and Hezbollah. Together, they navigate the complexities of international diplomacy and the grassroots impacts of funding crises, illuminating how these issues interconnect on both a local and global scale.
80 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 25min
A New Chapter, Later in Life
Anthony Brooks, a WBUR reporter and creator of the 'Third Act' series, shares inspiring stories of people reinventing themselves later in life. He reveals how a personal health scare fueled his passion for this subject. Hear about Tom Andrew, who became a deacon at 61, and Juliana Richardson, who transitioned from law to create HistoryMakers, archiving Black oral histories. Brooks discusses the challenges and financial barriers of late-life reinvention, while also highlighting the joy of pursuing passion projects, as seen with the Ace of Cups band.
90 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 18min
The Second Trump Administration, South America Shifts Right, Time For Sports
Ron Elving, a seasoned NPR politics contributor, discusses the complexities of Trump's second term, from staff loyalty to legal boundaries. Kerry Kahn, an NPR correspondent in Brazil, explores the alarming rightward shift in South America, highlighting how voter concerns about crime are driving hardline policies. Meanwhile, sports commentator Howard Bryant reviews a tumultuous year in sports, addressing gambling scandals and celebrating the Dodgers–Blue Jays World Series along with the remarkable talent of Shohei Ohtani.
139 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 13min
U.S. Strikes ISIS In Nigeria, The Year In Congress, Holiday Spending
Emmanuel Ekenwatu, NPR's Africa correspondent, shares insights on U.S. strikes against ISIS militants in Nigeria, discussing local security dynamics and implications for regional Christians. Claudia Grisales, NPR's congressional correspondent, highlights Congress's challenges, explaining how it ceded power to the president and its struggle with legislative productivity. The conversation also dives into record-breaking holiday spending amidst economic pessimism, showcasing surprising trends in consumer behavior despite gloomy sentiments.
71 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 14min
Christmas In Bethlehem, Honduras Election Result, Immigration Crackdown
Hadil El-Shalchi, a foreign correspondent, reports on the joyous return of Christmas festivities in Bethlehem, a significant change after the somber impact of the Gaza war. Eder Peralta, an NPR reporter from Mexico City, delves into the complex political landscape following the contentious presidential election in Honduras, highlighting allegations of fraud and U.S. interests. Jasmine Garst discusses the heartbreaking stories of families torn apart by U.S. deportation policies, emphasizing how children are stepping into roles as caregivers in the wake of these challenges.
167 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 13min
New Epstein Documents, SCOTUS National Guard, GDP Growth
Joining the discussion are Sarah McCammon, an NPR political correspondent delving into newly unsealed Justice Department documents surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, revealing notable names and connections, and Kat Lonsdorf, an NPR reporter offering insights on the Supreme Court's ruling regarding National Guard deployments in Chicago. They explore the implications of Epstein's uncovered ties, legal disputes affecting national security, and the surprising strength of the U.S. economy as consumer spending rises.
104 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 15min
Trump Announces 'Golden Fleet', Judge Rules Deportations Illegal, Heritage Exodus
Quill Lawrence, an NPR national security correspondent, analyzes President Trump's announcement of a new class of warships named after himself, discussing its security implications. Ximena Bustillo, an immigration correspondent, provides insights on a federal judge's ruling deeming the deportation of Venezuelan men illegal, highlighting legal and humanitarian aspects. Political correspondent Sarah McCammon details the exodus from the Heritage Foundation to a group linked with Mike Pence, revealing tensions within the GOP between MAGA supporters and traditional conservatives.
148 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 15min
Coast Guard Pursues Tanker, Epstein Files Release, Immigration Court No-Shows
Carrie Kahn, an NPR correspondent in Rio, discusses the U.S. Coast Guard's pursuit of a Venezuela-linked tanker, shedding light on sanctions enforcement and regional tensions. Luke Garrett covers the recent partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighting the political fallout and frustrations over redactions. Jimena Bastillo reveals concerning trends in immigration court no-shows, linking them to rising fears among immigrants and implications for due process. Together, they explore urgent issues affecting U.S. policy and justice.
