Shows
Up First from NPRDave Chappelle on free speech and the purpose of comedy | NPR’s NewsmakersIn this bonus episode of Up First, we’re sharing the latest episode of NPR’s Newsmakers, featuring comedian Dave Chappelle. The provocative comedian and architect of Chappelle’s Show is one of the biggest names in comedy. Now in arguably the most successful chapter of his life and career, he views himself not just as an entertainer -- but as a professional processor of events and experiences. He describes comedians as 'the nation's kidney' -- an essential organ for processing the raw experiences of life. Chappelle believes that function is one shared by comics and journalists -- they both pr...
2026-04-1539 minUp First from NPRMiddle East War Negotiations, War And The Global Economy, New Swalwell AllegationsPresident Trump says new talks with Iran could happen in the next two days, and negotiations with Israel, Lebanon and Hamas all unfold simultaneously across the region. The Iran war is pushing up prices on everything from gas to groceries, with fuel protests spreading across Europe and the IMF warning of a global recession.And a second woman has accused Eric Swalwell of rape, saying she was drugged in a West Hollywood hotel room, as Swalwell resigned from Congress and faces potential criminal investigations in three cities.Want more analysis of the most important news of...
2026-04-1513 minUp First from NPRSwalwell Resignation, Strait Of Hormuz Standoff, Trump Feuds with Pope LeoDemocratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is resigning after multiple women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct, just one week after he was seen as a frontrunner in California's governor's race.The U.S. and Iran are both blocking the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices are surging, and virtually every country on earth is feeling the pain. And President Trump is feuding with the first American-born pope, calling him weak on crime for opposing the war, the pope says he has no fear of the Trump administration.Want more analysis of the most important news of the d...
2026-04-1413 minUp First from NPRTrump's Blockade, Israel-Lebanon Talks, Hungary's Orbán OutPresident Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks with Iran collapsed, as Iran warns any warship approaching the waterway will face a severe response. Israel continues striking Lebanon despite the ceasefire, killing more than 100 people over the weekend including a Red Cross paramedic, even as ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon prepare to meet in Washington on Tuesday with Hezbollah telling NPR they have no intention of disarming. And Hungary's Viktor Orbán is out after 16 years in power, with voters turning out in record numbers to oust the Trump ally and hand his c...
2026-04-1312 min
Up First from NPRDozens of Black pilots disappeared during WWII. Who are the men still lost?Dozens of Tuskegee Airmen went missing in action during World War II. Most of them have not been found. Who were these men and what happened to them? In her book, "Forgotten Souls," NPR investigative correspondent Cheryl W. Thompson tells their stories.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈📌 Support the show by visiting our sponsors and pa...
2026-04-1217 minUp First from NPRUS/Iran Peace Talks, Hungary Election Preview, Congress Returns MondayDelegations from the US and Iran are in Pakistan to negotiate an end to the six-week-old war. Voters in Hungary weigh in ahead of tomorrow’s national election where polls signal trouble for Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Congressional lawmakers have a big to-do list when they return to Washington next week. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈
2026-04-1115 minUp First from NPRVance Iran Negotiations, Israel-Lebanon Talks, Artemis II Return To EarthVice President JD Vance is heading to Pakistan this weekend to lead peace talks with Iran, as the ceasefire is already under enormous stress. More than 300 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israel's massive offensive Wednesday, with Netanyahu telling Israelis the strikes will not stop even as he says he'll open direct talks with Lebanon for the first time in history. And the Artemis II crew splashes down near California tonight after a record-breaking trip around the moon.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the...
2026-04-1012 minUp First from NPRTrump and NATO, Shaky Ceasefire In Middle East, Lebanon's Day Of MourningPresident Trump met with NATO's Secretary-General at the White House and blasted the alliance afterward for not helping during the war, as the ceasefire is already showing cracks less than 24 hours after it was announced. Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has started blocking ships in the Strait of Hormuz again, as Iran warns the U.S. it must choose between a ceasefire and continued war via Israel. And Lebanon declared a national day of mourning after Israeli strikes killed more than 250 people in a single day, with Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel this morning despite the ceasefire.
2026-04-0912 minUp First from NPRTrump-Iran Ceasefire, Iran On Trump's Reversal, Markets React To Reopening Of HormuzPresident Trump reached a last-minute ceasefire with Iran just before his deadline to bomb the country's bridges and power plants, with Iran agreeing to open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks while negotiations continue over a 10-point peace proposal. Iran and the U.S. are both claiming victory, but the terms are murky and Israel says the deal does not include Lebanon, even as Hezbollah says it is abiding by the ceasefire. And global markets are surging on the news, but analysts warn the damage done to oil infrastructure will keep prices high for a long time...
2026-04-0814 minUp First from NPRJamie Dimon on Iran, Trump and why he’s optimistic about AI | NPR’s NewsmakersIn this bonus episode of Up First, we’re sharing the latest episode of NPR’s Newsmakers, featuring Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorganChase, the nation’s largest bank. JPMorgan has a stake in almost everything. But unlike many CEOs, Dimon says it’s his job to speak out on many things. This week, Dimon released his annual letter to shareholders — a document that comments on banking issues and also assesses risks to the economy, from inflation to the war in Iran. The letter asserts his company is ready for anything — noting, among other things, that it has profited during econo...
2026-04-0732 minUp First from NPRIran Deadline, Middle East War Escalation, Artemis II Trip HomePresident Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz is tonight, with threats to bomb every bridge and power plant if the deal falls through.Israel is already battering Iran's economy and warned Iranians this morning not to take the trains, with heavy bombing of the railway system expected today. And the Artemis Two crew is heading home after a record-breaking trip around the moon.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was...
2026-04-0713 minUp First from NPRTrump Issues Profane Threats, Trump's War Politics, Artemis II Lunar FlybyMissiles struck across the Middle East overnight as President Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz nears.Trump posted a profane threat to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges if it doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz.And the Artemis II crew makes its closest approach to the moon today, sending humans farther into space than at any point in the last 50 years.Please help us out by completing a short survey telling us what you like and how we could improve our podcast.You can find it right now at www.n...
2026-04-0613 min
Up First from NPRThe Americans caught in ICE’s web of surveillanceSince taking office last year, the Trump administration has pushed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ramp up deportations. This increase in enforcement operations has meant that American citizens and lawful residents have increasingly been entangled in ICE’s activities. Today on The Sunday Story, we talk to NPR’s Kat Lonsdorf and Meg Anderson about the growing trend of Americans getting caught up in ICE’s growing web of tracking and surveillance.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Pr...
2026-04-0524 minUp First from NPRJet Down in Iran, Voter Privacy, Dietary GuidelinesA U.S. fighter jet went down in Iran and there's been a shakeup of Army leadership. The retirement of a privacy officer at the Department of Justice shines a light on the Trump Administration's interest in voter information.And, the American Heart Association releases its guidance on the pattern of eating that promotes good health and helps fend off disease.Please help us out by completing a short survey telling us what you like and how we could improve our podcast. You can find it right now at www.npr.org/springsurveyWant more an...
2026-04-0415 minUp First from NPRPam Bondi Out, Iran Charges Strait Tolls, International Meeting on HormuzAttorney General Pam Bondi is out after facing backlash for the Justice Department's mishandling of the Epstein files and failing to deliver the prosecutions of President Trump's enemies.Iran is formalizing a toll system for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, charging up to two million dollars per vessel, as the energy crisis deepens and critical goods remain stuck at sea.And more than 40 countries met to discuss reopening the strait, but neither Iran nor the U.S. were at the table.Please help us out by completing a short survey telling us what you...
2026-04-0313 minUp First from NPRTrump's Speech On Iran, Reactions To Trump's Remarks, SCOTUS Birthright CasePresident Trump says the war in Iran will end shortly, promising to hit Iran extremely hard over the next two to three weeks but offering few specifics on how the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. The UK is hosting talks today on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran keeps a stranglehold on the waterway and threatens U.S. tech companies in the Gulf.And Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Supreme Court hearing, watching as his lawyers faced tough questions from even conservative justices over his challenge to birthright citizenship.Please help...
2026-04-0213 minUp First from NPRTrump's Iran Endgame, War Economy, SCOTUS Birthright Citizenship CasePresident Trump says the U.S. mission in Iran is almost over, walking back his demands on the Strait of Hormuz and saying other countries can deal with it themselves. Iran's closure of the strait has sent gas prices to their highest level in years, with U.S. truck drivers, farmers and brewers all feeling the ripple effects on their bottom line. And the Supreme Court hears President Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship today, a right that has been guaranteed to every child born in the United States for more than 150 years.Want more analysis of...
2026-04-0113 minUp First from NPRIran War Week 5, Trump's Mixed Messages, TSA Back PayPakistan says it is ready to host U.S.-Iran talks in the coming days, but Iran is still attacking U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia and other targets across the Gulf as the war enters its fifth week. President Trump is sending mixed messages on the war, claiming Iran agreed to most of his demands while threatening to obliterate its energy infrastructure if a deal isn't reached soon. And TSA workers are finally getting paychecks after more than 40 days without pay, but Congress still hasn't reached a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security....
2026-03-3113 minUp First from NPRLebanese Warfront, US Troops Deployed To Middle East, TSA and TravelIsraeli airstrikes killed three journalists in southern Lebanon this weekend, as Netanyahu orders the military to expand its offensive as millions are displaced by the war. Iran agreed to let 20 Pakistani-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz as a diplomatic gesture, but thousands more U.S. troops are arriving in the region, raising questions about whether a deal is close or the war is widening. And TSA workers are now past 40 days without pay, as President Trump says he has a plan to pay them but it is not clear how it will work.Want more...
2026-03-3013 min
Up First from NPRRFK Jr lauds Italy's addiction treatment. Can it work here?As many as 50 million people in the United States are thought to struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The majority don’t get treatment for it, and of those who do seek treatment, about half relapse within the first year. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has his own story of addiction and credits Alcoholics Anonymous with keeping him sober. But Secretary Kennedy has said that a treatment program in Italy that has shown great success in keeping people sober should serve as the vision for what addiction treatment could be here in the...
2026-03-2930 minUp First from NPRIran War, TSA Funding, No Kings MarchesThe Iran War enters its second month with no clear ceasefire talks. Gas prices and airport chaos weigh down President Trump's approval numbers. Protesters against the president gather around the country for a third No Kings march. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈📌 Support the show by visiting our sponsors and partners.🎧 New episodes every morni
2026-03-2814 minUp First from NPRGov. Wes Moore on Iran, pardon power, and his future | NPR's NewsmakersIn this special episode of Up First, we're sharing the premiere of NPR's newest podcast, Newsmakers, featuring Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Moore has turned aside speculation that he might seek the presidency in 2028. He is seeking re-election to his current job in 2026.But in this interview with Steve Inskeep, Moore says he's put a lot of thought into the challenge that President Trump’s successor would face upon taking office on January 20, 2029. At 47, Moore is regarded among Democrats as a rising star. The governor and First Lady Dawn Moore have drawn comparisons to the Obam...
2026-03-2736 minUp First from NPRTrump Cabinet, DHS Funding, CPAC, Trump and IranThe Senate reaches an agreement to open most of the Department of Homeland Security. Trump sets a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, then extends it twice. GOP faithful gather for CPAC conference over mixed approval of the Iran war.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Kelsey Snell, Jason Breslow, Alice Woelfle, and Taylor Haney.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, and Chris Tho...
2026-03-2714 minUp First from NPRIran Rejects US Peace Proposal, Troop Deployment, Social Media TrialIran rejects a U.S. proposal to end the war and offers a different peace plan. Thousands more U.S. troops are deployed to the Middle East as President Trump considers seizing Iranian oil infrastructure. An unprecedented verdict against Meta and Google finds the tech giants responsible for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Gerry Holmes, Tara Neill, Brett Neely, Alice Woelfle, and HJ Mai.
2026-03-2613 minUp First from NPR82nd Airborne Deployment, Israel Threatens Lebanon Invasion, DHS Funding NegotiationsNPR has confirmed the U.S. is sending thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne to the Middle East, raising questions about whether this is an escalation in the war or a pressure tactic to force Iran to the negotiating table.Lebanon expelled Iran's ambassador as Israel threatens to move the country's border northward and use the "Gaza model" in the south of Lebanon, with more than a million people already displaced. And Congress is inching toward a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but President Trump says he's probably not going to be happy with i...
2026-03-2513 minUp First from NPRNegotiations With Iran, Trump On Deal With Iran, ICE Impact On Airport LinesAfter postponing attacks on Iranian powerplants, President Trump says a deal with Iran could come within days and NPR has confirmed backchannel efforts are underway through regional allies. Trump says he believes a deal is possible but is not guaranteeing anything, as the political clock ticks with midterms approaching and gas prices rising. And ICE agents are now in more than a dozen airports across the country to help ease security lines during the partial government shutdown, but passengers in Atlanta's airport are still waiting for hours.Want more analysis of the most important news of the...
2026-03-2413 minUp First from NPRTrump's Hormuz Deadline, Congress DHS Funding, ICE In AirportsPresident Trump has given Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants and Iran is threatening to close the vital shipping waterway indefinitely if he follows through. Congress returns this week with airport lines growing and TSA agents going unpaid, as President Trump links any DHS deal to a long list of new demands including voter ID and ending mail-in voting. And hundreds of ICE agents have been deployed to help address chaos in airports across the U.S., but mixed messages have left questions about what they will actually do...
2026-03-2313 min
Up First from NPRThe Betrayal of Trans TroopsIn his first term, President Trump required transgender service members to register with the diagnosis of gender dysphoria in order to continue serving openly in the military. Now, amidst Middle East deployment plans, that documentation is being used to find and separate thousands of highly trained troops. This week on The Sunday Story, how the Pentagon’s push to remove trans troops is affecting active duty service members—and how it may also affect the military’s mission readiness.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your po...
2026-03-2229 minUp First from NPROn the Iranian Border, More Military on the Way, Warm Western WinterAs the war in Iran enters its fourth week, Iranian civilians remain in the crossfire and the Pentagon is sending at least two Marine units to the region. In the American West, states reported their hottest and driest winter on record.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈📌 Support the show by visiting our sponsors and partners.
2026-03-2116 minUp First from NPRIsrael and Iran Trade Airstrikes, Trump Meets Japan PM, Kharg Island FutureIran and Israel are trading airstrikes as the Israeli prime minister pushed back against claims he forced the U.S. into the war with Iran. Japan’s prime minister visited President Trump at the White House, where they talked about Iran and China, and 2,200 Marines are on their way to the Persian Gulf.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Rebekah Metzler, Andrew Sussman, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.It was...
2026-03-2013 minUp First from NPRIran Attacks Energy Targets, DHS Confirmation Hearing, Cesar Chavez Abuse AllegationsIran attacked energy targets around the Persian Gulf in response to an Israeli strike as the war escalates. President Trump's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), faced a tense confirmation hearing. Allegations that the late labor leader Cesar Chavez sexually abused girls are leading to a re-examination of his legacy.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Kelsey Snell, Eric Whitney, HJ Mai and Alice Woel...
2026-03-1914 minUp First from NPRLife Inside Iran, Trump and Cuba, Fed Interest RatesIran is retaliating for the killing of its top security chief with strikes across the region overnight, and Iranian are crossing into Iraq just to buy food they can no longer afford at home. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Cuba needs new people in charge, raising questions about what the Trump administration is actually planning for the island. And the Federal Reserve meets today facing a scrambled economic outlook with energy prices are soaring because of the war and the job market is weakening.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day...
2026-03-1814 minUp First from NPRIsrael's Incursion Into Lebanon, NATO and Strait Of Hormuz, Cuba's Blackout and TrumpIsrael intensified its air and ground operations in Lebanon overnight, with airstrikes hitting southern Beirut and millions displaced as the war shows no signs of letting up. President Trump is scolding NATO allies for not doing more to protect the Strait of Hormuz — as European leaders remain hesitant to get involved in the war with Iran. And Trump says he expects to "take Cuba" just as the island suffers another catastrophic blackout, with nearly 11 million people left in the dark amid a U.S. oil blockade.Want more analysis of the most important news of the da...
2026-03-1713 minUp First from NPRMiddle East War Week 3, Trump Messaging 'Winning', Voting ActIsraeli officials say the man who attacked a Michigan synagogue last week had family killed in an airstrike in Lebanon, Israel says they targeted a Hezbollah commander in the home.President Trump is repeating one message as the war enters its third week 'the U.S. is winning', even as gas prices soar and Americans grow more skeptical of the Middle East war.And Senate Republicans are pushing a bill to require proof of citizenship to register to vote, but it may not have the votes to clear the Senate.Want more analysis of the most i...
2026-03-1613 min
Up First from NPREmotional Abuse in College SportsMarch Madness is here. The high-stakes, sudden-death college basketball tournament is a beloved tradition in American sports. For the players, it’s a chance to showcase the skills they’ve developed through years of hard training of the body and mind. In many cases, that push produces incredible feats of athletic performance. But an investigation by reporters Julia Haney and Elizabeth Santos has found instances in which athletes allege that the push from coaches goes too far. Emotional abuse by coaches, some athletes maintain, can cause lasting, even irreparable damage. On this episode of The Sunday Story, we hear from athle...
2026-03-1545 minUp First from NPRIran War, Political Violence in US, New Action on Housing AffordabilityMore strikes against Iran, including an island crucial to the country’s oil exports. Three separate domestic attacks in the U.S. do not appear to have direct links to Iran. President Trump signs two executive orders geared toward making housing more affordable, as Congress works on legislation. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈📌 Support the show b...
2026-03-1415 minUp First from NPRIsrael Bombs Beirut, Attacks In Michigan And Virginia, Housing BillIsrael struck central Beirut overnight and issued the first ever evacuation order for part of the capital, as Israel vows it will not stop until Hezbollah is defeated and nearly a million people are displaced in Lebanon alone.The FBI is investigating two separate attacks as acts of terrorism — an armed man drove a car into a Michigan synagogue, and a gunman with a prior ISIS conviction opened fire in a Virginia university classroom, killing one person.And the Senate passed the largest housing bill in decades with bipartisan support, including a ban on large corporations buying up si...
2026-03-1313 minUp First from NPRStrait Of Hormuz Crisis, Gas Price Politics, Iranian School Strike InvestigationThree commercial oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue on Tehran — Iran may be losing the war in the air, but it is strangling one of the world's most vital waterways and shaking global markets. President Trump, who campaigned on bringing gas prices down, is now tapping the strategic petroleum reserve as the war drives prices up.And the Pentagon has determined the U.S. is responsible for a missile strike on a girls school in Iran that killed at least 165 civilians on day one of the war — NPR has l...
2026-03-1213 minUp First from NPRIntense Strikes On Iran, Trump Approval Poll, Georgia Special Election RunoffDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised the most intense strikes yet on Iran as residential buildings in Tehran come under fire and Iranian forces target naval ships in the Gulf. A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds a majority of Americans oppose the war and President Trump's approval rating on the economy has hit a record low, raising questions about what the conflict means heading into the midterm elections. And in Georgia, the special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene is heading to a runoff, with Trump's endorsed candidate falling short of an outright win as a Democrat...
2026-03-1114 minUp First from NPRTrump Declares Early Victory, Lebanon Asks Israel To Talk, New York Protest AttackPresident Trump declared victory in Iran at his first press conference since the war began, but said the U.S. could still go further and compared the endgame to Venezuela, walking back earlier calls for unconditional surrender. The war is widening as Israel keeps striking Tehran and Beirut, Iran continues to hit back in the Gulf, and Lebanon's president publicly accuses Hezbollah of betraying the country while signaling he's ready for direct talks with Israel. And in New York City, two Pennsylvania teenagers are charged with terrorism after throwing explosive devices at an anti-Muslim protest, with investigators saying...
2026-03-1014 minUp First from NPRIran War Escalates, Kurds Stay Out, Global Shipping CrisisIsrael struck Tehran's oil facilities as Iran named a new supreme leader, the hardline son of the Ayatollah Israel killed on day one, and a senior Israeli military official tells NPR the war needs three more weeks.President Trump reversed course on Kurdish fighters entering Iran, and Iraq's Kurdish deputy prime minister tells NPR in his first interview with western media since the war began that the Kurds will not be part of the fight and are not guns for hire.And the war is strangling the Strait of Hormuz, where hundreds of tankers and container ships are...
2026-03-0914 min
Up First from NPRThe Human Egg SellersFor years, India was thought of as the Wild West of the fertility industry. But in 2021, a new law in India made it illegal for women to sell their eggs or serve as paid surrogates. That law clashed with a growing demand for human eggs within the country. The result: a thriving black market for human eggs.Today, some of the most marginalized Indian women and girls are supplying reproductive material, often with little compensation and at great personal risk. This week on The Sunday Story, NPR correspondent Diaa Hadid and co-reporter Shweta Desai investigate the supply chain...
2026-03-0830 minUp First from NPRIran One Week On, Oil Prices Spike, Latin America MeetingMore countries in the Middle East reported incoming fire from Iran over the week. Oil prices spike as shippers avoid the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump is attending a summit for Latin American leaders.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈📌 Support the show by visiting our sponsors and partners.🎧 New episodes every morning at 6 AM ET.
2026-03-0715 minUp First from NPRTrump Fires Kristi Noem, Middle East War Latest, Venezuela-US DiplomacyPresident Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and named Senator Markwayne Mullin as his pick to take over, in the first cabinet shakeup of his second term.The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is widening again, with Israel striking Beirut’s southern suburbs as Lebanon says tens of thousands have been displaced.And two months after U.S. forces seized Venezuela’s president, Washington and Caracas are suddenly cutting deals on oil and critical minerals and moving to restore diplomatic relations.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a litt...
2026-03-0614 minUp First from NPRIran War Expanding, Khamenei Successor, China Mediates Middle East WarIranians are fleeing as Israel and the U.S. keep striking Iran, the fighting continues in Lebanon, and the war’s spillover is rattling Gulf countries.President Trump is offering shifting explanations for why the U.S. struck Iran, as the White House tries to line up its message and Americans remain wary about what the war is meant to achieve.And China says it will send a special envoy to the Middle East as Beijing’s annual “Two Sessions” get underway, with leaders warning the world is getting more volatile even as growth slows at home.Wan...
2026-03-0513 minUp First from NPRMiddle East War Intensifies, Trump's Rational For War, First Midterm PrimariesThe Middle East war is in its fifth day as the U.S. and Israel keep striking targets across Iran and Lebanon, Iran retaliates into the Gulf, and funeral preparations begin for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.President Trump is offering shifting explanations for why the U.S. struck Iran, as the White House tries to unify its message and Americans remain wary about what the war is meant to achieve.And the first midterm primary results are in, with Democrats in Texas choosing James Talarico and early races in North Carolina and Arkansas offering a first read on...
2026-03-0414 minUp First from NPRMiddle East At War, Congress Briefed On War, Texas and North Carolina PrimariesThe State Department is urging Americans in the Middle East to leave as Iranian attacks continue, including a drone strike on the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia.Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Congress on the war and lawmakers walked out split, as both chambers prepare to vote on measures that would curb the president’s war powers.And voters in Texas and North Carolina are casting ballots in two expensive Senate primaries that could offer an early read on where both parties are headed in November’s midterm elections.Want more analysis of the most...
2026-03-0313 minUp First from NPRUS Israeli War With Iran, Trump's War Address, Gulf Countries Bear The BruntIt is day three of the U.S. Israeli war with Iran as the fighting widens with Tehran launching retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, and Israel trading fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon.President Trump says the strikes will continue “at full force” and warns Americans there will likely be more U.S. casualties, as the White House still hasn’t spelled out the war's objectives or how long it could last.And Iran’s retaliation is hitting America’s Gulf partners hard, with missiles and drones turning places like Doha, Bahrain and Dubai into battle zones.Want m...
2026-03-0215 min
Up First from NPRBet on Anything, Everywhere, All at OnceThe rise of prediction markets means you can now bet on just about anything, right from your phone. Apps like Kalshi and Polymarket have grown exponentially in President Trump’s second term, as his administration has rolled back regulations designed to keep the industry in check. Billions of dollars have flooded in, and users are placing bets on everything from whether it will rain in Seattle today to whether the US will take over control of Greenland. Who’s winning big on these apps? And who is losing? NPR correspondent Bobby Allyn joins The Sunday Story to explain how these mark...
2026-03-0127 minUp First from NPRUS/Israeli Strikes Iran, Iran Retaliates on Israel and other Middle East CountriesThe U.S. and Israel launch a joint attack on Iran. Iran responds with a missile attack on Israel, Bahrain, the U.A.E. and Qatar. Iran says a girls elementary school suffered a direct hit. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈📌 Support the show by visiting our sponsors and partners.🎧 New episodes every morning at 6
2026-02-2814 minUp First from NPRUS-Iran Tension, Clinton Deposition, Paramount Wins Warner Bros. BidThe U.S. may be on the cusp of striking Iran, even as President Trump has not laid out clear objectives, asked Congress for authorization, or made a full public case for military action.Hillary Clinton sat for a six-hour, closed-door deposition in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein investigation, and now Bill Clinton is set to testify as Republicans say they still have unanswered questions.And Warner Bros. Discovery abruptly walked away from a deal with Netflix for a sweeter bid from Paramount, setting up a major media merger fight that now heads to antitrust regulators.
2026-02-2713 minUp First from NPROklahoma’s governor on Trump, immigration and tribal landsOklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt leads a state that gave President Trump 66% of the vote in 2024. He is also charting his own course and has publicly differed with the president. Stitt sat for an interview with NPR’s Steve Inskeep and talked about his vision for the Republican Party’s post-Trump future.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.This bonus episode of Up First was was produced by Adam Bearne. We get engineering support from Margaret Luthar, David Greenburg and Tiff...
2026-02-2630 minUp First from NPRUS-Iran Talks, Summers Resigns Over Epstein Ties, Cuba Kills Four In Boat StrikeU.S. and Iranian officials are meeting in Switzerland for another round of high-level talks. The talks will focus on Iran’s nuclear program, but the U.S. also wants ballistic missile restrictions.Harvard professor and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers is resigning from his university positions over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Also, Cuban border agents shot and killed four alleged terrorists on a boat registered in the U.S.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up...
2026-02-2613 minUp First from NPRTrump Delivers State Of The Union, Economic Focus, Aviation Safety BillPresident Trump touted the beginnings of an American revival during his State of the Union address. He talked about a “turnaround for the ages,” in a record-length speech filled with exaggeration.And a bipartisan aviation safety bill failed to advance in Congress after the Pentagon withdrew its support.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Rafael Nam, Russell Lewis, HJ Mai and Adriana Gallardo.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas.Our director is Christophe...
2026-02-2513 minUp First from NPRTrump State of the Union Strategy, Mexico Cartel Violence, Epstein Files Naming TrumpRepublican strategists say President Trump needs a reset in his State of the Union tonight, with new NPR polling showing 60% of Americans think the country is worse off than a year ago.Mexico is still reeling from cartel violence after a military operation killed the country's biggest drug lord, El Mencho, and triggered a wave of retaliation, raising questions about whether the government can take on the cartels without fueling even more violence.And an NPR investigation finds the Justice Department removed or withheld dozens of pages from the Epstein files database that include allegations mentioning President Trump...
2026-02-2414 minUp First from NPRTrump's New Tariffs, China Reacts To Tariff Ruling, State Of The Union PollPresident Trump says he’s raising global tariffs to 15% under a different authority after the Supreme Court blocked his emergency tariff power, forcing Congress to decide how closely they want to own the policy in a midterm election year.China is weighing what the court ruling actually changes on the ground for exporters and how it could reshape Trump’s leverage ahead of his trip to Beijing in a few weeks.And a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds most Americans say the state of the union is not strong, as President Trump heads into Tuesday night’s addre...
2026-02-2314 min
Up First from NPRHollywood’s Love Affair with VistaVisionTwo of this year’s top contenders for the Academy Awards were filmed using a technology from the 1950s: VistaVision. Filmmakers are reviving this visually stunning yet finicky film format at a time when movie theaters are struggling to get audiences back into theaters. Today on The Sunday Story, NPR’s culture correspondent Mandalit Del Barco tells the story of the changing movie industry through the lens of VistaVision technology.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy...
2026-02-2225 minUp First from NPRCourt Invalidates Tariffs, Military Options Regarding Iran, Olympic Matchup PreviewThe Supreme Court says President Trump cannot use the economic emergency he declared as a rationale for his import tax regime. The U.S. military buildup in the Mideast over the past month gives Trump options for striking Iran. The U.S. and Canada will compete Sunday for the gold medal in men's Olympic ice hockey.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https...
2026-02-2116 minUp First from NPRMilitary Buildup Around Iran, Board Of Peace Meeting, Former Prince Andrew ReleasedPresident Trump says he will make a decision in ten days on whether or not to attack Iran as the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East is now large enough to support a sustained bombing campaign.President Trump is widening the scope of his new Board of Peace after a Gaza-focused gathering, pitching it as a tool for other global conflicts as world leaders warn it could sideline the United Nations and the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile.And British police are searching royal properties after the arrest of former Prince Andrew tied to the Epstein files, i...
2026-02-2013 minUp First from NPRU.S. Men's hockey overtime win and the Olympic sport that produces the best athletesIf enjoyed this, check out the Up First Winter Games Video Podcast. You'll find it at youtube.com/npr. This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Eric Whitney. Our visual editors include Nicole Werbeck, Elizabeth Gillis, Grace Raver and Pablo Valdivia. It was produced by Lauren Migaki, Brianna Scott, Ana Perez, Barry Gordemer and Elizabeth Baker.We get engineering support from Jay Czys, Andie Huether, Becky Brown and Josephine Nyounai. Our Executive Producers are Adam Verdugo, Jay Shaylor and Samantha Melbourneweaver. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abou...
2026-02-1931 minUp First from NPRTrump's Board Of Peace, Former Prince Andrew Arrested, Zuckerberg Defends MetaPresident Trump convenes the first meeting of his Board of Peace, touting $5 billion in reconstruction pledges for Gaza as Israel gives Hamas 60 days to disarm or face renewed war.Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.And Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in the first-ever social media addiction trial, defending accusations that the company knew kids under 13 were using Instagram and built its platforms to hook young users early.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to th...
2026-02-1911 minUp First from NPRUS & Iran Plan To Meet Again, CBS: Colbert & Cooper, Social Media On TrialU.S. and Iranian negotiators agree to keep talking after meetings in Geneva, even as President Trump threatens military force and Tehran warns it could retaliate.Stephen Colbert says CBS blocked a political guest from his late-night show, adding to a wave of upheaval involving Anderson Cooper and corporate maneuvering at the network’s parent company.And Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a landmark trial testing whether social media companies can be held legally responsible for harming young users.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fu...
2026-02-1813 minUp First from NPRUS-Iran Talks, Texas ICE Shooting Trial, Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies At 84U.S. and Iranian officials meet again in Geneva as the Trump administration sends more military forces to the region while pressing Tehran to limit its nuclear program.Nine defendants go on trial in Texas over a shooting outside an ICE detention center, in a case federal prosecutors are framing as terrorism and defense attorneys say grew out of a protest.And Reverend Jesse Jesse Jackson, the civil leader, presidential candidate and longtime advocate for racial and economic justice, has died at age 84.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a...
2026-02-1713 minUp First from NPRCheating in the most-polite sport, curling and what is "sledhead?"If enjoyed this, check out the Up First Winter Games Video Podcast. You'll find it at youtube.com/npr. This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Eric Whitney. Our visual editors include Nicole Werbeck, Elizabeth Gillis, Grace Raver and Pablo Valdivia. It was produced by Lauren Migaki, Brianna Scott, Ana Perez, Barry Gordemer and Elizabeth Baker. We get engineering support from Jay Czys, Andie Huether, Becky Brown and Josephine Nyounai. Our Executive Producers are Adam Verdugo, Jay Shaylor and Samantha Melbourneweaver. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...
2026-02-1623 minUp First from NPRDHS Shutdown, Ukraine Peace Talks, Olympics Stars StumbleCongress is out on recess as a partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security is underway after talks collapsed over immigration enforcement reforms.Officials from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine prepare for new peace talks in Geneva as Moscow presses territorial demands and Kyiv insists on security guarantees.And at the Winter Olympics in Italy, American speed skater Jordan Stolz is making history while other superstar athletes struggle with the intense pressure of competing on the world’s biggest stage.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun...
2026-02-1613 min
Up First from NPRGisèle Pelicot Tells Her StoryHow do you find the strength to face the unimaginable? In September of 2024, Gisèle Pelicot took the stand in an unprecedented mass rape trial in France. On trial was her former husband, along with 50 other men. Police had found images and videos of her husband and dozens of men raping Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious. In this episode of The Sunday Story, Gisèle Pelicot sits down with NPR’s Michel Martin to talk about the pain of discovering what had happened to her, the harm it did to her family, and her decision to reject shame and...
2026-02-1526 minUp First from NPRThe Munich Security Conference; FDA Rejects Flu Vaccine; The Fall of The Quad GodWe get the latest from the Munich Security Conference, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech before European leaders. We also look at the reasons behind why the FDA rejected Moderna's new flu vaccine and how that decision could shape future clinical trials. Plus, we'll look at the what happened with U.S Olympic figure skater Illia Malinin, dubbed the "Quad God," on the ice yesterday. Tipped to win the gold, Malinin didn't end up even medaling. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and t...
2026-02-1415 minUp First from NPRICE Leaving Minnesota, DHS Funding Deadline, EPA Vehicle EmissionsFederal immigration agents are pulling back from Minnesota after months of aggressive immigration enforcement that led to thousands of arrests, weeks of protests, and the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens. Congress is racing to fund the Department of Homeland Security before a shutdown, with Democrats demanding changes to immigration enforcement and negotiations still stalled. And the Environmental Protection Agency is scrapping the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
2026-02-1313 minUp First from NPRBondi's Heated Hearing, Pushback On Trump's Tariffs, Revised 2025 Jobs ReportAttorney General Pam Bondi clashed with lawmakers during a Capitol Hill hearing dominated by questions about the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.President Trump’s tariff agenda faces a rare Republican pushback in Congress, even as the White House argues the policy is bringing money into the United States.And a new jobs report shows stronger hiring to start the year, but revised data suggests the labor market was far weaker in 2025 than previously believed.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up...
2026-02-1213 minUp First from NPRGuthrie Door Camera Footage, Trump & Netanyahu Meet On Iran, DHS House HearingThe FBI released door camera footage from the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84 year-old mother of Today Show host Savanah Guthrie who's been missing for eleven days.President Trump meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Israel’s security, as the White House signals possible progress in nuclear talks with Iran. And immigration officials defend enforcement tactics on Capitol Hill while lawmakers remain divided ahead of a Friday deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First...
2026-02-1113 minUp First from NPRDHS Funding Negotiations, UK Epstein Fallout, Latest On Guthrie InvestigationCongress has until Friday to reach a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with negotiations stalled over Democratic demands to overhaul immigration enforcement.Britain’s prime minister Keir Starmer is fighting to hold onto power after new revelations show he hired a Washington ambassador with ties to Jeffrey Epstein, triggering calls for him to step down.And Savannah Guthrie issues another emotional plea for her missing mother as a ransom deadline passes and investigators say they still have no suspects in the disappearance.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, pl...
2026-02-1013 minUp First from NPRGuthrie Investigation, Ghislaine Maxwell Deposition, Seahawks Win Super Bowl LXThe search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, enters a second week as her family says they’ve received a message from the people who took her and investigators continue to look for suspects.Ghislaine Maxwell is set to be questioned by members of Congress about Jeffrey Epstein, his crimes, and the powerful figures connected to him, even as she continues to challenge her own conviction.And the Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl 60, beating the New England Patriots 29-13, using a dominant defense to secure the franchise’s second championship.Want more...
2026-02-0912 min
Up First from NPRHow the Presidency is Making Trump RicherBefore President Donald Trump’s first term, he was in a “tight spot” financially, according to New Yorker writer David Kirkpatrick. At the start of his second term, Kirkpatrick says, Trump was in an “even tighter” spot. But six months later, Trump’s financial situation had substantially improved.Kirkpatrick has done a full accounting of the money, that’s flowed into the Trump family coffers. Kirkpatrick says even using the most conservative estimates, the Trumps have made almost $4 billion dollars “off of the presidency,” in just about a year.Today on The Sunday Story, we turn to our friends at NPR’s P...
2026-02-0832 minUp First from NPRU.S.-Iran Talks Continue, Texas Politics, 2026 Winter Olympics BeginU.S. and Iranian envoys have held talks aimed at averting possible U.S. strikes on Iran. Debates over immigration enforcement are front and center in a Texas primary contest. Plus, it’s a busy weekend for sports fans with the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the Super Bowl.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:📩 Get the full transcript and daily news alerts:👉 https://goo.su/rXoU5U8 👈📌 Support the show...
2026-02-0716 minUp First from NPRUS-Iran Talks Begin, Dems List Of DHS Demands, Search For Nancy Guthrie ContinuesThe U.S. and Iran begin high-stakes talks in Oman today over Tehran’s nuclear program, If they can't reach a deal, President Trump could launch a military strike from the large military force assembled in the Middle East.Lawmakers now have just one week to fund the Department of Homeland Security, as Democrats release a detailed list of demands to overhaul how immigration enforcement officers operate.And the FBI confirms a ransom letter in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as investigators search for answers and her family pleads for proo...
2026-02-0612 minUp First from NPRPartial Drawdown In Minnesota, NPR Poll: Trump and ICE, Nuclear Treaty ExpiresWhite House Border Czar Tom Homan says 700 federal agents will be leaving Minnesota after months of aggressive immigration enforcement, protests, and the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal agents.A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds most Americans now say ICE has gone too far, as the Trump administration shifts its tone on immigration enforcement.And the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, the New START Treaty, is set to expire, raising new fears about unconstrained nuclear competition.Want more analysis of the most important news of the d...
2026-02-0513 minUp First from NPRDHS Funding Negotiations, Russia Attacks Ukraine Power Grid, Nationalizing ElectionsCongress ended the shutdown but now faces a tight deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats and Republicans far apart over immigration enforcement reforms after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents in Minnesota.Russia has resumed heavy strikes on Ukraine’s power grid during extreme cold, despite President Trump saying Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks, putting new strain on fragile diplomatic efforts.And President Trump is calling for the federal government to “take over” elections in some states, escalating concerns among election officials about interference ahead of the midterms.Want m...
2026-02-0413 minUp First from NPRGovernment Shutdown Day 4, US-Iran Nuclear Talks, Guthrie InvestigationA partial government shutdown enters its fourth day as House Republicans weigh whether to back a Senate deal that would reopen most agencies while giving Congress two weeks to negotiate changes to immigration enforcement.The U.S. is set to reopen nuclear talks with Iran, as regional powers push diplomacy even while President Trump warns military action remains on the table.And investigators in Arizona say 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, may have been abducted from her home as an urgent search continues.Want more analysis of the most important...
2026-02-0312 minUp First from NPRHouse Shutdown Vote, Minneapolis Immigration Operations, Trump Kennedy Center ClosureA partial government shutdown is under way after Congress missed its funding deadline, with lawmakers advancing a plan to reopen most agencies while negotiations over Homeland Security and immigration enforcement continue.A federal judge ruled the Trump administration can keep its immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis going, even as plans to draw down agents haven’t materialized and residents see ongoing arrests and protests.And President Trump says the performing arts center built as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy will close for two years for a massive renovation.Want more analysis of the most im...
2026-02-0213 min
Up First from NPRWomen in the Skilled Trades Face New HurdlesPresident Trump has a vision for the American workforce. Forget expensive college educations. His eye is on the skilled trades. The U.S. Department of Labor has adopted the slogan “Make America Skilled Again.”But who gets to be part of this renaissance? Since the 1980s, women have made small but meaningful gains in the construction trades. Now there are concerns that President Trump’s campaign to end diversity, equity and inclusion will stall that progress — setting back both women and the construction industry.Today on the Sunday Story, we ask how women fit into this administration’s vision of this skille...
2026-02-0126 minUp First from NPRMore Epstein Files Released; Government Shutdown; New Winter StormThe Justice Department has released its final tranche of the Epstein files - we'll look at what they have and haven't included. And, the U.S. in a partial government shutdown again, although this is one is expected to be shorter than the record-breaking shutdown that happened during the fall. Plus, another winter storm is hitting the U-S this weekend, this time, hitting parts of the Southeast.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RES...
2026-01-3115 minUp First from NPRSenate Funding Deal, Border Czar Homan In Minnesota, Georgia Election Ballots SeizedSenate leaders strike a short-term funding deal to keep most of the government running, but a partial shutdown now looks imminent as the House remains out until next week.Border Czar Tom Homan suggested a possible drawdown of federal immigration agents in Minnesota, only for President Trump to later say there would be no pullback at all, as arrests and protests continue on the ground.And the FBI seizes hundreds of thousands of ballots and election records from Fulton County, Georgia, as the Trump administration escalates scrutiny ahead of the midterms.Want more analysis of the m...
2026-01-3013 minUp First from NPRSenate Funding Vote, ICE Family Detention Protest, Fed Holds Interest RatesSenate Democrats are threatening a partial government shutdown unless Republicans agree to new limits on immigration enforcement by Friday's deadline.A protest at an ICE family detention center in South Texas turned confrontational as demonstrators demanded the release of a five-year-old boy and his father taken from Minnesota and held at the facility hundreds of miles away.And despite pressure from President Trump to lower interest rates, the Federal Reserve is holding steady to fight lingering inflation and rising prices.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Su...
2026-01-2914 minUp First from NPRTrump's Economic Message, DC Helicopter Crash Report, New Nuclear RegulationsPresident Trump takes his economic message to Iowa, trying to refocus on affordability after weeks of distractions ranging from Greenland to Venezuela and fallout from federal shootings in Minnesota.Nearly a year after a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C., investigators say deep, systemic failures at the FAA allowed known risks to go unaddressed until it was too late.And NPR has obtained documents showing the Trump administration quietly loosened nuclear safety and environmental rules to fast-track new reactors, raising concerns about oversight and public trust.Want more analysis of the most important news of...
2026-01-2814 minUp First from NPRBovino Out Of Minnesota, Trump Refocusing On Economy, Social Media On TrialBorder Patrol commander Greg Bovino, the public face of the Trump administration’s immigration operations, is no longer leading enforcement efforts in Minnesota after two fatal shootings and escalating legal battles over who gets to investigate them.President Trump heads to Iowa trying to sell his economic agenda, even as backlash grows from within his own party over his immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.And a landmark trial begins in Los Angeles that will test whether major social media companies knowingly designed their platforms in ways that harm kids, a case that could force the tech industry to rethink ho...
2026-01-2713 minUp First from NPRMinnesota ICE Shooting Aftermath, Senate DHS Funding Vote, Icy WeatherProtests and a general strike continue in Minneapolis after federal immigration agents fatally shot 37 year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a crackdown, the second ICE related killing in the state this month.Senate Democrats threaten to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless Republicans agree to new limits on immigration enforcement, a standoff that could trigger a partial government shutdown.And across the country, states are digging out from a major winter storm that left deadly ice and snow, widespread power outages, and thousands of canceled flights.Want more analysis of the most important...
2026-01-2613 min
Up First from NPRChallenger at 40: Lessons from a tragedyForty years ago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff. Seven astronauts were killed, including teacher-in-space Christa McAuliffe. It was a devastating blow to the U.S. space program and a national tragedy for the country. In the days after the explosion, the search for answers began. Two NPR reporters, Howard Berkes and Daniel Zwerdling, focused their reporting on the engineers who managed Challenger’s booster rockets. On February 20, 1986, Berkes and Zwerdling broke a major story, providing the first details of a last-minute effort by those engineers to stop NASA from launching Challenger. In this special NPR documentary, Howard Ber...
2026-01-2556 minUp First from NPRU.S. Preparing for Winter Storm; Trump's Use of Military; U.S Consumer SpendingAt least half of the U.S. population will be hit by a powerful winter storm this weekend - we'll tell you how Oklahoma, and other states, are preparing. Plus, a look at how President Trump is using the military overseas as well inside the U.S. during his second term. Plus, a look at consumer spending in the U.S. and how sustainable it is at present levels. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
2026-01-2416 minUp First from NPRMinnesota Protests, Zelenskyy Slams Europe In Davos, Winter Storm ApproachesIn Minnesota, protests and business closures spread as immigration operations continue and confrontations with federal agents intensify.At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukraine’s president delivers a blunt message to Europe, warning that the continent must stop relying on the U.S. and prepare to defend itself as Russia’s war grinds on.And across the U.S., states are bracing for a massive winter storm threatening millions of people with dangerous weather conditions.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newslet...
2026-01-2313 minUp First from NPRRahm Emanuel on 2026 Midterms and Politics in the Trump EraRahm Emanuel has held many political jobs, and he's considering a run for President. In a wide-ranging interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, he critiques democrats and offers advice for the upcoming midterms.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Reena Advani. It was produced by Barry Gordemer and Kaity Kline. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. Our Deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens and our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.
2026-01-2253 minUp First from NPRGreenland Emergency Summit, New World Order, SCOTUS Justices Hear Fed CaseEuropean leaders meet for an emergency summit as allies weigh a possible deal with the U.S. on Greenland after President Trump walked back threats of military action and tariffs.Trump’s clashes with Canada and Europe raise fresh doubts about the stability of U.S. alliances, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warns coercion and tariff threats are changing the global order.And Supreme Court justices had tough question for Trump's lawyers as they hear arguments over whether a president can fire a Federal Reserve governor, a case that could redefine the independence of the central bank.
2026-01-2214 minUp First from NPRTrump's Speech In Davos, DOJ Subpoenas For Minnesota, SCOTUS Federal Reserve CaseEuropean leaders brace for President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum, as new tariff threats and talk of acquiring Greenland overshadow talks on affordability.The Justice Department issues subpoenas to Minnesota’s top Democratic leaders, as state officials accuse the Trump administration of weaponizing immigration enforcement and creating fear in immigrant communities.And the Supreme Court hears a high-stakes case over President Trump’s attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor, a move that could upend a century of precedent and rattle financial markets.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, p...
2026-01-2114 minUp First from NPRMichigan's Governor Fears Interference in this Fall's ElectionsGretchen Whitmer is in her final year as governor of the swing state of Michigan. The Democratic governor sat for an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep and talked about tariffs, the prospects of a female president, and the security of upcoming elections.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Reena Advani. It was produced by Adam Bearne, Kaity Kline and Ziad Buchh. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. Our Executive Producer...
2026-01-2028 minUp First from NPRTrump's World Stage, El Paso Detention Deaths, Indiana College Football ChampionsAs world leaders gather in Davos, President Trump escalates pressure on allies with new tariff threats, renewed talk of acquiring Greenland, and plans for a sweeping new “Board of Peace” that could reshape global diplomacy. Three people die in six weeks at the country’s largest immigration detention center in El Paso, raising urgent questions about medical care, oversight, and the role of private contractors. And Indiana completes one of the most improbable turnarounds in college football history, capping a perfect season with a national championship win over Miami.Want more analysis of the most important news o...
2026-01-2015 minUp First from NPRTroops Stand By For Minnesota, Greenland NATO Tensions, Gaza Peace BoardMinnesota braces for a possible escalation as federal troops stand by amid protests against immigration enforcement and renewed threats to invoke the Insurrection Act. Tensions rise with European allies as the White House pressures Denmark and other NATO countries over Greenland, prompting warnings of damage to transatlantic relations. And world leaders are being asked to buy into a new U.S.-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza and other conflicts, with billion-dollar commitments and President Trump at the helm.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up...
2026-01-1913 min
Up First from NPRDefending the DisabledL.A. County Public Defender Noah Cox noticed the disturbing trend. Many of his clients seemed to struggle answering even the most basic questions about the crimes they’d been charged with, questions like, “Where were you that day?” It seemed, Cox said, “like they were having troubles related to some sort of intellectual ability.” But when he dug into their records, Cox could see that while many had committed serious crimes, most had never been identified as disabled or offered resources to help with cognitive impairments. So Cox set about to change that. He helped create a new unit in the Los...
2026-01-1828 minUp First from NPRDOJ Targets Minnesota Officials; Harsh Ukraine Winter; AI Harmful In Child EducationThe Justice Department has launched an investigation into Minnesota's Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, alleging that they conspired to impede the work of ICE agents. Plus, an especially harsh winter hits Ukraine, where Russian strikes have taken out power plants, leaving many without heat and electricity. And, a new study finds that the use of generative AI is harmful to the development of children.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy🔗 ADDITIONAL RES...
2026-01-1715 minUp First from NPRTrump and Minnesota, Venezuela's Opposition, Trump's Healthcare PlanProtests intensify in Minneapolis after a second ICE-related shooting, as President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.Venezuela’s top opposition leader brings her Nobel Peace Prize to Washington to press her case with President Trump, even as the U.S. signals support for an interim leader.And President Trump unveils what he calls a new healthcare plan, leaning on cheaper insurance with limited benefits as Congress debates the future of ACA subsidies.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First news...
2026-01-1613 minUp First from NPRFBI Search Journalist's Home, U.S. Greenland Talks, Mental Health FundingThe FBI searches the home of a Washington Post reporter as part of a leak investigation, raising concerns among press advocates about an escalation against press freedom.U.S. talks with Denmark and Greenland end without a deal on Greenland’s future, but a new working group forms as allies push back on President Trump’s security-driven claims.And after widespread confusion and backlash, the Trump administration reverses course and restores roughly $2 billion in funding for mental health and addiction programs nationwide.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun...
2026-01-1512 minUp First from NPRMinnesota Prosecutors Quit, Trump in Detroit, Inflation ReportVeteran federal prosecutors in Minnesota resign after pressure from Justice Department leaders to investigate the widow of Renee Macklin Good, the woman killed by an ICE agent, raising new questions about political interference.President Trump takes his economic message on the road, pitching affordability as voters remain frustrated by high prices.And while gas prices have dipped, rising heating costs, grocery prices, and stubborn inflation show why relief still feels out of reach for many families.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First ne...
2026-01-1413 min