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
107 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 16min
Hegseth Boat Strikes, Witkoff To Moscow, National Guard Shooting Suspect
Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR White House correspondent, dives into the controversy surrounding U.S. boat strikes on Venezuelan vessels and the conflicting narratives from the White House. Charles Maines, based in Moscow, provides insightful commentary on U.S.-Russia talks led by Steve Witkoff, highlighting Putin's demands and the revised Ukraine peace plan. Meanwhile, Brian Mann uncovers the background of the National Guard shooting suspect, focusing on his mental health struggles rather than radical influences, sparking a thoughtful discussion on mental health crises.
114 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 14min
National Guard Shooting & Immigration, Venezuela Latest, Ukraine Negotiations
In this engaging discussion, Jimena Bustillo, an immigration policy reporter, uncovers the White House's new measures on asylum and visa reviews following a tragic shooting in D.C. John Otis, covering Latin America, sheds light on U.S. strikes in the Caribbean and Venezuela's sharp reactions. Meanwhile, Charles Maines reports from Moscow on the complex, ongoing negotiations regarding Ukraine's peace talks. Each guest provides vital insights, highlighting the intertwining of policy and current events across borders.
75 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 14min
Your Next Great Listen
Lauren Gonzales, a writer and co-creator of NPR's Pod Club newsletter, shares her expertise in curating podcast recommendations. She discusses the evolution of Pod Club from Slack origins to a listener-friendly newsletter. Lauren highlights how personalized curation can reduce decision fatigue, making it easier to find hidden gems. Recommendations include tech-focused 'Close All Tabs,' the eerie 'Spooked,' and the compelling ThruLine episode about Captain America's cultural impact. Get ready to discover your next favorite listen!
98 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 16min
Airbus A-320 Inspections, Afghan Asylum Seekers in Limbo, Real Video or AI Generated?
Joel Rose, NPR's transportation correspondent, details a significant software issue affecting Airbus A-320 jets and its implications for holiday travel. Dia Hadid sheds light on the plight of Afghan asylum seekers left in limbo after the U.S. paused asylum decisions amid a recent violent incident. Jeff Brumfield dives into the growing challenge of distinguishing real videos from AI-generated ones, sharing practical tips on spotting fakes and discussing the alarming advancements in AI technology. A blend of aviation safety, human rights, and digital literacy makes for a compelling listen.
98 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 13min
Trump Suspends Immigration After Guard Attack, Holiday Economy, Retail Spending
Brian Mann, NPR national reporter, shares gripping details about the tragic DC National Guard shooting and its impact on immigration policies. Scott Horsley, NPR White House correspondent, explores the drop in consumer confidence and its implications for the job market and presidential politics. Alina Seljuk, NPR retail correspondent, reveals how holiday shopping is projected to exceed $1 trillion, driven by higher-income consumers and enticing discounts despite economic unease. The conversation delves into the contrasts between spending behaviors across different income levels.
49 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 13min
Targeted Attack On National Guard, Trump Case Dismissed, Russia Awaits Peace Terms
Kat Lonsdorf, NPR reporter, dives into the shocking shooting that left two National Guard members critically injured near the White House, revealing the suspect's connection to an Afghan resettlement program. Sam Greenglass discusses the surprising dismissal of Trump's election interference case in Georgia, shedding light on the prosecutor's reasoning and the potential political fallout. Charles Maines provides insights into U.S.-Russia peace negotiations, highlighting key developments in upcoming talks and the complex dynamics at play in the region.
116 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 13min
Ukraine Peace Negotiations, Trump's Ukraine Motivations, Holiday Travel
This time, Eleanor Beardsley, NPR's correspondent in Kyiv, shares insights from leaked transcripts revealing President Trump's controversial 28-point peace plan. She discusses the implications of U.S. negotiations with Russian aides. Franco Ordonez dives into Trump's motivations behind the deal, exploring legacy and humanitarian concerns. Meanwhile, Joel Rose gives a heads-up on Thanksgiving travel, highlighting expectations for record crowds and FAA readiness. The blend of politics and holiday travel creates a fascinating dialogue.
32 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 37min
One-on-one with Utah Governor Spencer Cox
Spencer Cox, the Governor of Utah, discusses his call for civility following the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. He emphasizes the importance of depolarization and urges leaders to avoid demonizing groups. Cox vetoes a bill on trans athletes, advocating for practical solutions and bipartisan reform. He supports the expansion of nuclear energy and voices concerns about the impacts of AI on society. Faith plays a significant role in his governance, shaping his commitment to transparency and unity in politics.
89 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 13min
Comey and James Indictments Dismissed, New Ukraine Peace Plan, Pressure On Venezuela
Carrie Johnson, an investigative reporter covering the Justice Department, discusses a federal judge's dismissal of the indictments against James Comey and Letitia James due to improper appointment. She elaborates on the implications for presidential power. Eleanor Beardsley, an NPR correspondent in Europe, contrasts a new European peace proposal for Ukraine with Trump's plan, highlighting Zelensky's cautious response. The podcast also touches on the U.S. labeling of Maduro as a terror leader, underscoring the rising tensions in Venezuela.
148 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 13min
Updated Ukraine Peace Plan, MAGA Fractures, Fragile Gaza Ceasefire
Rob Schmitz, NPR's Berlin correspondent, offers insights into the revamped U.S.-Ukraine peace plan, addressing European skepticism about its feasibility. Kat Lonsdorf reports from Israel, highlighting the escalating tensions in Gaza, where accusations of ceasefire violations abound. Stephen Fowler dives into Marjorie Taylor Greene's impending resignation from Congress, exploring her critique of both Trump and the GOP, and the fallout within the party amidst shifting voter sentiments.
