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
73 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 56min
Challenger at 40: Lessons from a tragedy
Howard Berkes, former NPR investigations correspondent who broke key reporting on the 1986 Challenger launch, revisits the tragedy. He recounts engineers warning about cold, the disputed launch decision, the teleconference reversal, and the long aftermath for those involved. The narrative probes institutional pressure, communication breakdowns, and whether the lessons endure as NASA changes.
104 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 17min
U.S. Preparing for Winter Storm; Trump's Use of Military; U.S Consumer Spending
Quill Lawrence, NPR reporter on military policy, and Tom Bowman, national security correspondent, discuss U.S. troop movements, deployments, and legal limits. Scott Horsley, economics correspondent, walks through rising consumer spending and who is driving it. Frank Morris reports from Tulsa on preparations, outages, and local impacts of a powerful winter storm.
120 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 13min
Minnesota Protests, Zelenskyy Slams Europe In Davos, Winter Storm Approaches
Meg Anderson, an NPR reporter in Minneapolis, covers intense protests and business closures in response to federal immigration actions, highlighting the community's resistance. Joanna Kakissis, NPR's Ukraine correspondent, reflects on President Zelenskyy's sharp critique of Europe at Davos, urging a stronger defense posture against Russia. Meanwhile, meteorologist Debbie Elliott warns of an impending winter storm that could impact 170 million people, detailing state preparations and public responses. Tune in for these pressing and timely discussions!
37 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 53min
Rahm Emanuel on 2026 Midterms and Politics in the Trump Era
Rahm Emanuel, a seasoned political strategist, served as White House chief of staff and is now contemplating a presidential run. He critiques both parties for their missteps, emphasizing the need for Democrats to focus on independents in the 2026 midterms. Emanuel discusses the erosion of U.S. credibility globally and the importance of restoring trust with allies through reform. He champions educational standards over cultural issues and shares his immigrant family story, advocating for affordable opportunities to restore the American dream.
161 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 15min
Greenland Emergency Summit, New World Order, SCOTUS Justices Hear Fed Case
Terry Schultz, NPR correspondent, shares insights from Brussels on the ongoing Greenland emergency summit, highlighting European caution over U.S. sovereignty plans. Greg Myrie discusses growing diplomatic tensions at the World Economic Forum and critiques of U.S. leadership by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Meanwhile, Scott Horsley breaks down the Supreme Court’s examination of Federal Reserve independence, focusing on the implications of a president’s power to fire a Fed governor and its potential impacts on interest rate policy.
126 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 14min
Trump's Speech In Davos, DOJ Subpoenas For Minnesota, SCOTUS Federal Reserve Case
Danielle Kurtzleben, a National political reporter for NPR, analyzes Trump's contentious speech at Davos, highlighting how tariff threats and talks of Greenland overshadowed economic discussions. Sergio Martinez Beltran sheds light on the DOJ's controversial subpoenas in Minnesota, revealing the fears within immigrant communities. Nina Totenberg discusses a pivotal Supreme Court case on the president’s power to remove a Federal Reserve governor, stressing its potential impact on central bank independence and financial markets.
94 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 28min
Michigan's Governor Fears Interference in this Fall's Elections
Gretchen Whitmer, the Democratic Governor of Michigan, discusses critical issues as her term nears its end. She expresses concerns over tariff impacts on the auto industry and the risks of election interference. Whitmer highlights the need for Democrats to focus on fundamental issues like jobs and education to resonate with voters. She also discusses the potential for a female president and emphasizes inclusivity in policymaking. Lastly, Whitmer outlines plans to ensure Michigan is prepared against potential election threats.
110 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 15min
Trump's World Stage, El Paso Detention Deaths, Indiana College Football Champions
Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR White House correspondent, dives into Trump's controversial diplomacy at the World Economic Forum, including his Greenland acquisition talks and tariff threats. Angela Kocherga, a dedicated reporter, sheds light on alarming conditions and recent deaths at the East Montana detention facility, raising serious health and oversight concerns. Lastly, Becky Sullivan celebrates Indiana University's stunning turnaround, detailing their national championship triumph and what this could mean for the future of college football.
57 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 13min
Troops Stand By For Minnesota, Greenland NATO Tensions, Gaza Peace Board
Clay Masters, a Minnesota Public Radio reporter, discusses the heightened tensions in Minnesota as federal troops are on standby amid protests related to immigration enforcement. Barbara Sprunt, NPR's congressional correspondent, reports on NATO strains over Greenland, emphasizing Danish public protests and concerns from lawmakers about alliances. Meanwhile, Daniel Estrin, an NPR correspondent, analyzes the proposed U.S.-led Board of Peace for Gaza, raising questions about its feasibility and implications for international diplomacy, all under Trump's leadership.
47 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 29min
Defending the Disabled
Meg Anderson, an NPR criminal justice correspondent, and Noah Cox, a public defender in L.A. who created a specialized unit for defendants with cognitive impairments, dive deep into the intersection of cognitive disabilities and the criminal justice system. They discuss alarming trends among defendants struggling with basic questions due to undiagnosed impairments. The podcast highlights a groundbreaking unit aimed at providing support to ensure these individuals receive appropriate care and alternatives to incarceration, showcasing the potential for diversion programs to transform lives.
