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
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.
131 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 15min
DOJ Targets Minnesota Officials; Harsh Ukraine Winter; AI Harmful In Child Education
Kat Lonsdorf, an NPR reporter focused on local responses to federal immigration actions, discusses the DOJ investigation into Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Joanna Kakissis, reporting from Kyiv, highlights the brutal winter conditions facing Ukrainians due to energy strikes, revealing the impact on civilian life. Corey Turner shares insights from a Brookings study on the dangers of generative AI, warning it can hinder children's critical thinking and social-emotional development, emphasizing a need for better regulations.
92 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 13min
Trump and Minnesota, Venezuela's Opposition, Trump's Healthcare Plan
In this episode, local reporter Meg Anderson shares frontline insights from Minneapolis, detailing community reactions to protests and an ICE-related shooting. She discusses President Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act and local leaders’ pushback. NPR's Kerry Kahn reports from Venezuela, highlighting opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Nobel citation delivery to Trump and the complexities of interim leadership under Delcy Rodríguez. The discussion wraps up with a look at Trump's new healthcare plan and its implications.
105 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 12min
FBI Search Journalist's Home, U.S. Greenland Talks, Mental Health Funding
Franco Ordoñez, NPR White House correspondent, discusses significant diplomatic tensions following U.S.-Denmark talks about Greenland, highlighting concerns over President Trump's security claims. He explains the Danish pushback and its implications for international relations. The conversation also addresses the alarming FBI search of a Washington Post reporter's home, sparking fears about press freedom. Additionally, Ordoñez touches on the recent restoration of nearly $2 billion in funding for mental health and addiction programs.
145 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 13min
Minnesota Prosecutors Quit, Trump in Detroit, Inflation Report
Join reporters Matt Sepik, Scott Horsley, and Tamara Keith as they dive into pressing news. Sepik reveals the political tensions leading to the resignations of federal prosecutors in Minnesota amid an ICE shooting investigation. Horsley breaks down the latest inflation report, highlighting rising grocery and heating costs that keep families on edge. Meanwhile, Keith shares insights from Trump’s Detroit speech, where he pitches economic affordability and candidly responds to critics, all while stirring the pot with off-script remarks.
172 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 13min
Trump Weighs Options In Iran, Minnesota Sues DHS, SCOTUS Trans Sports Cases
In a riveting discussion, Franco Ardañez, NPR White House correspondent, delves into Trump's potential military strategies regarding Iran’s escalating protests. Sergio Martinez-Beltran, an NPR reporter, covers Minnesota’s lawsuit against the DHS over alleged unconstitutional actions by ICE, highlighting community reactions. Meanwhile, Nina Totenberg, NPR’s legal affairs correspondent, breaks down Supreme Court cases on transgender athletes, exploring legal implications and contrasting different viewpoints on fairness and rights in sports.
153 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 14min
Minnesota ICE, Iran Protests, DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve
Jason DeRose, an NPR reporter focused on religion and local affairs, discusses rising tensions in Minneapolis after an ICE shooting, highlighting community vigils and resistance. Jackie Northam, an international affairs correspondent, delves into the escalating protests in Iran, detailing the regime's violent crackdown and protesters' frustrations. Scott Horsley, the White House and economics correspondent, explains the Justice Department's subpoenas issued to the Federal Reserve, raising concerns about political pressure on interest rate decisions and Chairman Jerome Powell's response.
101 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 25min
Why More Liberals Are Buying Guns
Frank Langfitt, NPR's roving national correspondent, dives into the surprising surge of gun ownership among liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ communities since Trump’s second inauguration. He shares compelling stories, like those of new gun owners driven by fear and the growing interest in liberal gun clubs. Langfitt discusses how political rhetoric influences this trend, highlights the increasing demand for inclusive training, and examines the motivations behind shifting attitudes toward firearms in diverse communities.
117 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 15min
Minneapolis Protests ICE Shooting; Protests in Iran; States Preparing for Midterms
Sergio Martinez Beltran, a local reporter from Minneapolis, shares gripping firsthand accounts of community protests following the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good. He delves into the ongoing trauma within the Somali community and the targeting by federal agents. Meanwhile, Jackie Northam, an NPR international affairs correspondent, provides insights into the widespread protests in Iran, fueled by economic collapse and government crackdowns. She discusses the growing unrest, protest slogans, and the uncertain fate of regime stability, painting a vivid picture of these significant global issues.
86 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 13min
Minneapolis Protests, Immigration Enforcement Shootings, Running Venezuela
Joining the discussion are Meg Anderson, an NPR reporter on the ground in Minneapolis; Sergio Martinez Beltran, who covers immigration enforcement; and Danielle Kurtzleben, a political analyst. They dive into the resurgence of protests in Minneapolis following an ICE shooting, with eyewitness accounts highlighting community resilience. Sergio reveals alarming trends in immigration-related violence, while Danielle discusses the implications of U.S. plans for Venezuela, including oil strategy and diplomatic outreach. This engaging dialogue sheds light on complex and urgent issues.
