Up First from NPR
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.Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
90 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 15min
Where Kids Play
Eli Stark-Elster, a UC Davis researcher focused on childhood autonomy, joins host Ayesha Rascoe to discuss kids' holiday screen time. They explore how urbanization has limited children's unsupervised play, highlighting the historical norms of autonomy. Eli argues that digital spaces provide a new frontier for peer cultures but warns about the risks of commercialization in games like Roblox. He stresses the importance of balancing safety with opportunities for independence, as autonomy is crucial for child well-being. Quality of screen time matters!
193 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 15min
Epstein Files Release, Health Care Subsidies, Surviving The Holiday Season
Stephen Fowler, an NPR reporter, delves into the Justice Department's release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, highlighting surprising revelations and ongoing redactions. Larry Leavitt, a health policy expert, discusses the impending expiration of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that could leave millions facing higher costs for health insurance. Meanwhile, Allison Aubrey shares valuable strategies for navigating the holiday season, offering tips to manage stress and maintain healthy habits while celebrating with loved ones.
124 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 13min
Brown University Suspect Found Dead, Epstein Files Deadline, Kennedy Center Renamed
Ben Burke, a reporter for Ocean State Media, shares haunting details about the suspect in the Brown University shooting, discovered dead in a storage locker. Stephen Fowler delves into the Epstein Files Transparency Act, explaining the expected release of critical records amid Congressional pressures. Meanwhile, Andrew Limbong reports on the Kennedy Center's controversial name change to honor Donald Trump, exploring the board's governance shift and the public's reaction. It's a deep dive into pressing issues shaping the news landscape.
187 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 13min
Trump Addresses Nation, Congress ACA Vote, Venezuela Oil Tankers
Deepa Shivaram, NPR White House correspondent, analyzes President Trump's primetime address touting an impending economic boom despite low approval ratings. Barbara Sprunt, congressional correspondent, highlights a bipartisan push to extend healthcare subsidies, revealing notable Republican dissent. Greg Myrie, national security correspondent, discusses the U.S. ban on sanctioned oil tankers heading to Venezuela, shedding light on the potential escalations and challenges facing the country's oil exports. Tune in for insights on the latest political and economic moves!
120 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 13min
Republican Healthcare Vote, Susie Wiles Interview, Nuclear Reactor Regulations
In this discussion, Sam Greenglass, an NPR congressional reporter, breaks down the urgent debate around expiring health care subsidies and the partisan schism over potential extensions. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR White House correspondent, shares insights from Vanity Fair's extensive interview with Susie Wiles, revealing internal conflicts and her candid views on key figures. Jeff Brumfield, an energy reporter, introduces the Energy Department's Reactor Pilot Program, highlighting the tension between ambitious nuclear innovations and safety regulations.
26 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 13min
Nick Reiner Arrested, Brown University Suspect Search, Bondi Beach Aftermath
Mandelit Delbarco, an NPR reporter, delves into the troubling case of Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, focusing on his arrest and struggles with addiction. Christina Kulkaya offers a gripping report from Bondi Beach, detailing the aftermath of a mass shooting linked to ISIS inspiration. She discusses the community's response, proposed changes to gun laws in Australia, and the broader sentiments around anti-Semitism. Together, they explore the impact of these events on families and communities.
133 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 13min
Bondi Beach Attack, Brown University Latest, Reiner Investigation
Christina Kuklia, a Melbourne journalist, delves into the tragic Hanukkah shooting in Sydney, detailing the identities of victims and the community's response. Paul C. Kelly Campos provides updates on the Brown University shooting, revealing investigative challenges and campus support initiatives as finals are canceled. Steve Futterman discusses the mysterious deaths at Rob Reiner's home, highlighting police investigations and reactions from the entertainment industry, raising questions about safety and community grief.
56 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 24min
Best Friends and Life Partners
Raina Cohen, an NPR producer and author of "The Other Significant Others," dives into the world of platonic life partnerships. She discusses how deep friendships can serve as central life relationships, often misunderstood in a marriage-centric society. Raina shares compelling stories, including a five-decade friendship that resulted in shared family life and caregiving. She highlights historical roots of devoted friendships and why cultural recognition of these bonds is essential, advocating for valuing commitment over traditional marital forms.
102 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 15min
Health Care Subsidies, Flooding In Washington, DOJ Under President Trump
Join Don Gagné, NPR's political correspondent, as he unpacks the impending expiry of health care subsidies and the political gridlock surrounding them. Scott Greenstone provides vivid, on-the-ground insights into the catastrophic flooding in Washington, detailing evacuations and community resilience. Meanwhile, Kerry Johnson sheds light on the turbulent changes at the Justice Department during the Trump administration, including staff turnover and how it affects public safety. Expect a blend of urgent news and impactful analysis in this engaging conversation.
