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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.<br><br><em>Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst</em>
Rank History (30 days)
Recent Episodes
20 episodesBlanche Confirmation Hearing, US and Strait of Hormuz, ICE Vehicle Stops
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will be on Capitol Hill today for his high-stakes confirmation hearing to lead the Justice Department permanently. President Trump has talked about the US fully controlling the Strait of Hormuz. But for the US military that means much more than imposing yet another blockade on the key waterway. The third fatal ICE shooting in a week is now prompting a policy shift at the agency. According to Senator Angus King, ICE will now suspend most vehicle stops during enforcement operations.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 Andrew Sussman, Anna Yukhananov, Alina Hartounian, Mohamad ElBardicy, Alice Woelfle, and Ziad Buchh.It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(1:49) Blanche confirmation hearing(5:38) US and the Strait of Hormuz(9:32) ICE Vehicle stopsSee 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
Memorandum Of Misunderstanding, Fatal ICE Shooting, Paramount Merger Suit
The US and Iran have resumed hostilities, despite last month's memorandum of understanding. President Trump says the military will once again blockade the Strait of Hormuz.For the second time in a week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed an immigrant. A 26-year-old Colombian man was killed yesterday in Maine. Some Maine elected officials say the victim wasn't the target of an ICE warrant.And a dozen states, led by California, are suing to block Paramount from buying Warner Bros. Discovery after the Justice Department cleared the deal.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 Eric Westervelt, Emily Kopp, Miguel Macias, Alice Woelfle, Mohamed ElBardicy and Ziad Buchh.It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.Our director is Chris Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(1:50) Memorandum Of Misunderstanding(5:26) Fatal ICE Shooting(9:13) Paramount Merger SuitSee 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
US and Iran Trade Attacks Again, Sen. Lindsay Graham Dies, Congress Returns
The U.S. and Iran are continuing to fight over control of the Strait of Hormuz after a weekend of heavy strikes, with the U.S. hitting dozens of Iranian targets and Iran firing at American bases in the Middle East. Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71, the South Carolina Republican was a committed advocate of U.S. military intervention abroad and a close ally of President Trump.And as Congress returns from recess, Republican are facing tighter voting margins than before with Senator Graham’s death and Senator Mitch McConnel's absence.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 Tina Kraja, Anna Yukhananov, Jason Breslow, Ziad Buchh, Mohamad ElBardicy and HJ Mai.It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.(0:00) Iran War latest(1:52) Iran attacks(5:42) Graham & Senate(8:28) Congress returnsSee 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
Should we worry about the end of the world?
From climate change to the rise of AI - it’s hard not to feel like human civilization could be nearing the end. What threats are really worth worrying about? And what can we do to survive a global catastrophe? Today on The Sunday Story, Ben Bradford, host of the new NPR Network podcast Are We Doomed?, tells us what he’s learned about the end of the world. 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
Election Betting on Prediction Markets, Special Education, Breastmilk Storage
Kalshi's new plan to prevent political campaign staffers from betting on their own campaigns is hardly foolproof. The disability community has concerns about moving special education oversight from the Education Department to the Department of Health and Human Services. Influencers are questioning the guidance to throw away leftover breast milk in a bottle after two hours.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
Iran and US Pause Fighting Again, TPS Work Permits, July 4th Teen Death Investigation
It's not clear if peace talks are still on as the funeral for Iran's former supreme leader wrapped up after days of mourning, and the tit-for-tat strikes appear to have stopped in what could be another lull, though Israel says it's ready to go back to war at any moment.More than 300,000 Haitians and thousands of Syrians are about to lose their right to work in this country, and with the work permit goes the driver's license, leaving people in places like Springfield, Ohio waiting to see what happens next. The family of Nolan Wells speaks out today, weeks after the Black teenager was found dead on a Mississippi barrier island following a Fourth of July trip with friends, a case that's drawn national attention now that the family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump.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 Kate Bartlett, Cheryl Corley, Susanna Capelouto, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia DumasOur director is Christopher ThomasWe get engineering support from Eowyn Fain . Our technical director is Damian Herring.And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Iran and US Pause Fighting Again(05:35) TPS Work Permits(10:50) July 4th Teen Death InvestigationSee 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
Trump's Whiplash Foreign Policy, Iran War Escalates, Graham Platner Drops Out
President Trump keeps swinging between threats and flattery, calling Iran's leaders rational and smart three weeks ago and scum this week, and he's a similar tactic with NATO allies, going from freeloaders to friends in a single summit.The U.S. struck Iran for a second straight night, hitting some 90 military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran fired back at American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, putting Israel's military on full readiness and leaving the region bracing for more. And Graham Platner has suspended his Senate campaign in Maine, still denying the rape allegation that brought him down, and now Democrats have until the end of the month to pick someone new for a race they think they can win.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, Tina Kraja, Jason Breslow, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia DumasOur director is Christopher ThomasWe get engineering support from Eowyn Fain and our technical director is Damian Herring.Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Trump's Whiplash Foreign Policy(05:31) Iran War Escalates(09:10) Graham Platner Drops OutSee 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
Iran Ceasefire Over, Platner Replacements Emerge, Olympic Committee Lifts Russia Ban
President Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran over at the NATO summit this morning, after the two sides traded heavy strikes overnight.Maine Democrats appear ready to move on from Graham Platner, who still hasn't said whether he'll drop his Senate bid after an accusation of sexual assault he denies, as party leaders scramble to line up a replacement before a fast-approaching deadline.And the International Olympic Committee has lifted its ban on Russia, opening the door to the 2028 Los Angeles Games even as Russian missiles kill civilians in Ukraine, a decision that has Ukrainians furious.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 Miguel Macias, Rebekah Metzler, Megan Pratz, Jennifer Portman, Alice Woelfle, and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia DumasOur director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.Our Supervising Producer is HJ Mai.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Iran Ceasefire Over(05:35) Platner Replacements Emerge(09:27) Olympic Committee Lifts Russia BanSee 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
Platner Pressured To Drop Out, NATO Summit In Turkey, US Out Of World Cup
Maine Democrat Graham Platner is facing growing calls to drop out of his Senate race after Politico published a former girlfriend's allegation of sexual assault, which he denies, in a blow to a party that saw the seat as key to retaking the Senate. NATO leaders are gathering in Turkey with President Trump among them, as he presses allies to spend more on their own defense while they look for reassurance that the U.S. still stands behind the alliance. And the U.S. men’s team’s World Cup run is over after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, capping Team USA's tournament full of promise and political controversy.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 Tina Kraja, Jason Breslow, Russell Lewis, Alice Woelfle, and Mohamed ElBardicyIt was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia DumasOur director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:51) Platner Pressured To Drop Out(05:54) NATO Summit In Turkey(09:34) US Out Of World CupSee 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
Holiday Weekend Politics, Iran Mourns Supreme Leader, US Vs Belgium World Cup Drama
America celebrated its 250th birthday against a backdrop of deep division, with white nationalists marching in Washington DC, counter protesters filling the Mall, and President Trump delivering a speech attacking Democrats as communists. Huge crowds are marching through Tehran for the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader as U.S.-Iran talks sit frozen until the mourning ends, while Israel's prime minister heads to Washington to talk with President Trump about Iran and the shaky ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza. And the U.S. faces Belgium tonight in the World Cup, but the bigger story is off the field, after President Trump called FIFA's president about a red card and the American player's suspension was suddenly lifted.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 Kelsey Snell, Tina Kraja, Russell Lewis, Mohamed ElBardicy and Lindsay Totty.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott and Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Holiday Weekend Politics(06:47) Iran Mourns Supreme Leader(10:27) US Vs Belgium World Cup Drama 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
The growing movement to secede from Illinois and become the 51st state
Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the birth of a new nation. But if you read the Declaration closely, it’s not just about creating something new; it’s about ridding itself of something unwanted. It’s a break-up text, announcing secession from the British Crown. Today, that same spirit is fueling a modern-day movement in Illinois.A growing number of rural counties want to secede from Illinois and create a 51st state called “New Illinois.” Driven by frustration over the dominance of Chicago politics, they are organizing for a new future. This week on The Sunday Story, reporter Connor Towne O'Neill takes us inside the movement to split Illinois, and the challenges facing a modern secessionist movement in the land of Lincoln.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
July 4th Events Curtailed, The Week in Politics, A Funeral For Iran’s Supreme Leader
President Trump’s speech at Mount Rushmore turns dark. Despite the heat, Americans are finding ways to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Two former Trump allies want to start a new political party. And after four months, Iranians officially mourn Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, killed in Israeli/U.S. airstrikes.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
July 4th Heat Wave, Russian Strikes On Ukraine, Future Of Democratic Party
The United States turns 250 tomorrow, but a brutal heat wave is already forcing cities to cancel parades and fireworks, and Washington D.C. will decide this morning whether the public can even attend its July Fourth events. Russia hit Kyiv with one of the deadliest strikes of the war overnight, firing nearly 600 missiles and drones that killed at least 27 people, Moscow says it's payback for Ukraine's attacks on its oil facilities. And Democrats are hoping to take back the House this fall, but infighting is getting in the way as progressive upsets energize blue-city voters while raising doubts about whether that message plays in the places the party actually needs.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 Luis Clemens, Tina Kraja, Jason Breslow, Mohamed ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(01:50) July 4th Heat Wave(05:11) Russian Strikes On Ukraine(09:03) Future Of Democratic Party 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
Trump's Crypto Earnings, Democratic Socialists Rising, USA Advances In World Cup
President Trump and his family brought in more than a billion dollars last year, much of it from cryptocurrency ventures that have dwarfed his real estate business and raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.Democratic socialists scored another big win in Colorado as Melat Kiros upset longtime Congresswoman Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary, the latest in a string of progressive victories that Republicans are already using to paint the whole party as too extreme.And the U.S. men’s team advanced to the World Cup round of 16 with their first knockout win in 24 years against Bosnia-Herzegovina, though they’ll be without their top scorer after a red card in a match played under dangerous heat in the East.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 Jan Johnson, Russell Lewis, Jason Breslow, Alice Woelfle and Mohamed ElBardicyIt was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Trump's Crypto Earnings(05:43) Democratic Socialists Rising(09:26) USA Advances In World CupSee 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
SCOTUS Upholds Birthright Citizenship, Colorado Primary Results, World Cup Heats Up
The Supreme Court closed out its term with a major loss for President Trump, upholding birthright citizenship, though the justices handed him plenty of power elsewhere over the course of the year. Democratic socialist Melat Kiros pulled off a stunning upset in Colorado's primary, unseating a 15-term congresswoman in the third such win for the left in a week, while an anti-Washington mood also cost longtime Senator Michael Bennet his bid for governor. And the World Cup enters its knockout rounds as a brutal heat wave grips the East, putting more than 100 million people under extreme heat warnings and setting up some of the biggest games to be played in dangerous conditions.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 Anna Yukhananov, Padma Rama, Barrie Hardimon, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(02:07) SCOTUS Upholds Birthright Citizenship(05:54) Colorado Primary Results(09:35) World Cup Heats UpSee 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
Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, issues final rulings of its term
The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its term with three consequential decisions, upholding birthright citizenship guarantees, striking down campaign finance limits and allowing trans athlete bans.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 produced by Ana Perez, Lilly Quiroz, and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman and Damian Herring. Our deputy executive producer is Kelley Dickens and our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.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
US & Iran In Qatar For Talks, SCOTUS Birthright Ruling, Colorado Primary Preview
The U.S. and Iran are set to meet in Qatar today after a weekend of trading fire that strained their fragile ceasefire, though the two sides can't even agree on whether the meeting is happening, while in Lebanon a deal meant to end the fighting is drawing fierce backlash from people who say their government sold them out. It's the last day of the Supreme Court's term, with a long-awaited ruling on birthright citizenship that could decide whether every child born on U.S. soil is automatically an American citizen, a major test of the 14th Amendment and President Trump's immigration agenda. And it's primary day in Colorado, where the races offer clues about the national mood with a democratic socialist on the rise, a fight for Latino votes, and rural voters who feel left behind by Washington.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 Tina Kraja, Larry Kaplow, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:53) US & Iran In Qatar For Talks(05:17) SCOTUS Birthright Ruling(09:02) Colorado Primary PreviewSee 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
US-Iran Strikes Test Talks, Venezuela Quake Search & Rescue, Trump's Immigration Wins
The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is barely holding after a weekend of strikes, with the U.S. hitting Iran and Iran firing back at American bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, though talks are still set to resume and Israel and Lebanon have reached a deal of their own.Search and rescue efforts continue across Venezuela five days after two powerful earthquakes, with the death toll approaching 1,500 and thousands still missing as families dig through rubble themselves.And President Trump's immigration agenda just got a boost from the Supreme Court, with hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians now told to find new legal status or leave the country, even as a bigger ruling on birthright citizenship is still to come.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 Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Tara Neill, Dana Farrington, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adam Bearne.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott and our technical director is Zac Coleman.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) US-Iran Strikes Test Talks(05:36) Venezuela Quake Search & Rescue(09:24) Trump's Immigration WinsSee 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
The secret life of a stolen Van Gogh
What happens to famous works of art when they are stolen from museums and private art collections? In the Netherlands, museums and collectors reach out to Arthur Brand, a self-styled art detective who works to track down art that has gone missing and fallen into the criminal underworld. This week on The Sunday Story, when a famous Van Gogh painting is stolen from a museum, Brand teams up with an unlikely partner – art thief Octave Durham. Together, the pair work to rescue a masterpiece from the underground market and return it to its museum home. 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
Search and Rescue in Venezuela, Election Security, Free Childcare
Three days after twin earthquakes hit Venezuela, rescue teams race against time, President Trump's interest in overhauling elections is not shared by all of his Republican colleagues on Capitol Hill, and New Mexico tries to provide free childcare for all residents.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