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
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.
260 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 28min
Higher Education’s AI Problem
Leigh Gaines, an education reporter specializing in AI and higher education, discusses the transformative impact of AI on college campuses. She highlights how ChatGPT quickly became a go-to tool for students, raising concerns about academic integrity and the value of degrees. Universities are urged to focus on irreplaceable skills like critical thinking, while students adapt by using AI responsibly. Gaines also explores implications for teaching practices, noting the challenge of fostering genuine learning in an AI-driven landscape.
94 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 20min
Parsing the Peace Deal, MAGA Star Quits, Obesity Pills, (Bonus!) Books We Love
Charles Maines, a Moscow-based correspondent, discusses the U.S.-brokered peace deal for Ukraine, detailing contentious points like territory and troop limits. Stephen Fowler analyzes Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation and its implications for GOP dynamics. Sydney Lupkin introduces new oral semaglutide obesity pills, explaining their unique absorption method and potential accessibility issues. Andrew Limbong shares exciting recommendations from NPR's Books We Love roundup, highlighting both gripping fiction and insightful nonfiction gems.
59 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 13min
CDC Links Vaccines and Autism, Trump's Ukraine Peace Plan, Mamdani Meets Trump
Ping Huang, an NPR reporter specializing in public health, discusses the CDC's controversial website update linking vaccines and autism, stirring trust issues. Franco Ordoñez, the White House correspondent, analyzes Trump's ambitious 28-point Ukraine peace plan that may hinder relations with Kyiv. Elena Moore, covering politics, shares insights on New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's upcoming White House meeting with Trump, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from activism to a diplomatic role.
144 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 13min
Comey Prosecution Troubles, New Findings In Epstein Documents, Nvidia & A.I. Bubble
Ryan Lucas, NPR's Justice correspondent, discusses the major setbacks in James Comey's prosecution after the grand jury's limited review of his indictment. Meanwhile, Maria Aspan, finance correspondent, dives into Nvidia's impressive earnings and its staggering $5 trillion valuation, fueling excitement around the AI boom. They also explore concerns of a potential AI bubble, addressing investor fears and the broader economic implications, including effects on tariffs and employment. It's a deep dive into pressing legal and financial issues.
131 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 13min
Trump Defends Saudi Prince, Epstein Bill Passes, Trump Low Approval Rating
Danielle Kurtzleben, an NPR White House correspondent, shares insights on Trump's controversial defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, unveiling major U.S.-Saudi agreements. Sam Greenglass, an NPR congressional reporter, discusses bipartisan efforts to release Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting potential political fallout. Domenico Montanaro, NPR’s senior political editor, analyzes alarming poll results showing Trump's low approval ratings and the rising Democratic edge, calling attention to voter priorities and intra-party GOP tensions.
173 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 13min
House Votes On Epstein Files, MAGA Coalition Cracks, Saudi Leader Visits White House
Barbara Sprunt, an NPR congressional correspondent, dives into the House's pivotal vote to release long-sought Epstein files, detailing the complicated mechanics behind it. Stephen Fowler, an NPR reporter, sheds light on the growing rifts within the MAGA coalition, particularly Marjorie Taylor Greene's shift from ally to critic of Trump over foreign policy. The discussion also touches on the implications of Trump's visit with Saudi Arabia's crown prince, emphasizing strategic defense and economic ties amid evolving political dynamics.
187 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 13min
Trump's Epstein Reversal, US Military Pressure On Venezuela, Charlotte Border Patrol
Luke Garrett, an NPR reporter, discusses President Trump's surprising shift to support the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, shedding light on political pressures behind this move. Carrie Kahn, NPR's foreign correspondent, shares insights on the escalating U.S. military presence near Venezuela and Maduro's unexpected calls for dialogue. Local reporter Nick De LaCanal reveals community reactions to a controversial Border Patrol operation in Charlotte, where unmarked vans have left residents anxious and confused about immigration enforcement.
33 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 30min
What is a ceasefire?
In this discussion, NPR correspondents Daniel Estrin and Aya Batrawy delve into the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Estrin shares firsthand accounts of Israeli military positions and the devastation on the ground. Batrawy outlines the complex ceasefire plan, highlighting humanitarian concerns and stalled phases. They examine the ramifications of both stalled aid and the differing definitions of 'demilitarization' by the involved parties. Additionally, they explore the political consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians amid ongoing tensions.
