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
101 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 14min
Military Buildup Around Iran, Board Of Peace Meeting, Former Prince Andrew Released
Lauren Frayer, a London-based reporter on British news and the monarchy, covers searches of royal properties tied to Prince Andrew. Franco Ordonez, an NPR White House correspondent, breaks down the Board of Peace, its Gaza focus, and international concerns about sidelining the UN. Greg Myrie, a national security correspondent, outlines the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and possible options regarding Iran.
62 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 31min
U.S. Men's hockey overtime win and the Olympic sport that produces the best athletes
Juliana Kim, NPR reporter who examined why Winter Games medals were breaking and the Organizing Committee response. Becky Sullivan, NPR sports reporter who recaps Team USA’s sudden-death overtime win and tense hockey matchups. Jonathan Lambert, NPR reporter on sports science who explains VO2 max and why cross-country skiing produces elite aerobic athletes. Short, punchy takes on medals, hockey drama, and athletic physiology.
98 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 12min
Trump's Board Of Peace, Former Prince Andrew Arrested, Zuckerberg Defends Meta
Charles Maynes, NPR Moscow correspondent covering Russia-Ukraine diplomacy. Bobby Allen, NPR tech reporter following the courtroom trial over social media practices. They discuss Trump’s new Board of Peace and $5 billion reconstruction pledges. They unpack Russia’s $14 trillion business offer tied to sanctions relief. They cover Mark Zuckerberg testifying as lawyers examine Meta’s approach to young users.
130 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 13min
US & Iran Plan To Meet Again, CBS: Colbert & Cooper, Social Media On Trial
Bobby Allen, NPR tech reporter covering Zuckerberg's trial over social media harms. David Folkenflik, NPR media correspondent on CBS corporate shakeups and Colbert-Cooper disputes. Jackie Northam, NPR international correspondent with on-the-ground Iran reporting. They discuss Iran-US talks and regional tensions. They cover CBS internal turmoil and a high-profile media dispute. They preview Zuckerberg testifying in a major trial.
117 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 13min
US-Iran Talks, Texas ICE Shooting Trial, Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies At 84
Penelope Rivera, KERA reporter covering the Fort Worth federal trial tied to a Texas ICE detention center shooting. Jackie Northam, NPR international affairs correspondent reporting from Geneva on U.S.-Iran talks. They discuss renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations and sticking points. They cover the Fort Worth trial’s charges and protest context. They explore China’s rapid AI advances and chip-limit responses.
69 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 23min
Cheating in the most-polite sport, curling and what is "sledhead?"
Emily Kwong, science communicator explaining sled head and brain risks in sliding sports. Ruth Sherlock, international reporter on environmental and construction controversies in Cortina. Ping Huang, on-the-ground reporter covering curling rules, the hog line scandal, and speed skating highlights. They discuss curling’s controversial call, sustainability concerns around venues, and the science of high-speed sliding injuries.
88 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 13min
DHS Shutdown, Ukraine Peace Talks, Olympics Stars Stumble
Brian Mann, reporting from Cortina d'Ampezzo, gives updates on Olympic results and athlete psychology. Charles Maines, based in Moscow, covers Geneva peace talks and shifting diplomatic pressures. Sam Greenglass, congressional reporter, explains the DHS funding lapse and the politics behind missed deadlines. They discuss negotiations, territorial demands, and how pressure affects top athletes.
61 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 26min
Gisèle Pelicot Tells Her Story
Gisèle Pelicot, a French survivor and author who testified in a landmark mass rape trial and wrote A Hymn to Life, tells her story of trauma and resilience. She explains why she wrote the memoir. She describes discovering police photos, confronting shame, the family fallout, and decisions to go public. She speaks about global support, seeking justice, and choosing love and dignity moving forward.
109 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 16min
The Munich Security Conference; FDA Rejects Flu Vaccine; The Fall of The Quad God
Rachel Treisman, on-site reporter of the Winter Games, describes Ilya Malinin’s surprising skate. Sydney Lupkin, pharmaceuticals correspondent, reports on the FDA rejecting Moderna’s flu shot. Michelle Kellerman, Munich-based diplomatic reporter, covers reactions to Marco Rubio’s speech at a major security conference. Multiple short scenes cover the skater’s stumble, regulatory fallout, and diplomatic responses.
90 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 13min
ICE Leaving Minnesota, DHS Funding Deadline, EPA Vehicle Emissions
Federal immigration agents pull back from Minnesota after a controversial enforcement surge that sparked arrests, protests, and a deadly shooting. Lawmakers scramble to avert a Department of Homeland Security shutdown as funding talks stall. The EPA moves to undo the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, shaking up vehicle rules and markets.
