
Advertise on podcast: Up First from NPR
Rating
4.6from
This podcast has
1444 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
NPRExplicit
No
Date created
2017/03/31
Latest episode
2026/11/05
Average duration
16 min.
Release period
2 days
Description
NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst
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Democrats' First 100 Hours, Outstanding Midterm Races, Trump Doubles Down On Policies
2026/11/05
Democrats are preparing an ambitious opening agenda for their new congressional majority, including efforts to restore health subsidies, reverse Medicaid cuts, rein in tariffs and challenge the war with Iran.Two Senate races remain undecided as Democrats continue gaining ground in places Republicans once considered safe, underscoring how dramatically the electorate shifted in the midterms.President Trump says the war with Iran hurt Republicans at the polls but insists he would make the same decision again, even as he rejects the idea that the losses were a repudiation of him.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Megan Pratz, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.
Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.
(0:00) Introduction(01:51) Democrats' First 100 Hours(05:33) Outstanding Midterm Races(09:19) Trump Doubles Down On Policies
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Democrats' Midterm Blowout, Trump Blames Candidates For Losses, Democratic Agenda
2026/11/04
Democrats swept control of Congress with historic Senate victories in Texas, South Carolina and Kansas, giving the party new momentum even as its broader brand remains unpopular.President Trump’s hand-picked candidates suffered major losses, leaving Republicans to wrestle with how closely to stay tied to him as he prepares for two years of divided government.Democratic control of the House and Senate will give the party new power to block Trump nominees and launch investigations, with Hakeem Jeffries poised to become the first Black Speaker of the House.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Miguel Macias, Padma Rama, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Adam Bearne.
It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and Patrick Murray.
Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.
(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Democrats' Midterm Blowout(05:20) Trump Blames Candidates For Losses(09:12) Democratic Agenda
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Election Day, Trump's Closing Message, Iran War And The Midterms
2026/11/03
Election Day is here, with control of Congress hinging on unexpectedly competitive races in states including Iowa, Arkansas and Mississippi.President Trump sounded unusually subdued in his final campaign appearance, acknowledging the historical odds against the president’s party in midterm elections.Iran has spent months using the Strait of Hormuz and high gas prices to pressure President Trump back toward negotiations, but Election Day could instead mark the start of another round of war.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher 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(01:52) Election Day(05:32) Trump's Closing Message(09:24) Iran War And The Midterms
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Michigan Democrats Feud, Midterm Map Shifts, US-Iran Diplomacy Efforts
2026/11/02
Michigan Democrats are in open conflict on the eve of the election after Haley Stevens revoked her endorsement of Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and backed his Republican opponent.Republicans are defending unexpectedly competitive races across traditionally red territory, from Alaska to Kansas and South Carolina, as the political map continues shifting toward Democrats.Qatar is pushing a new diplomatic plan to stop Iranian attacks on ships and reopen talks with the U.S. as Gulf states try to prevent another round of war.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Brett Neely, Tina Kraja, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Taylor Haney.
It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.
Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
(0:00) Introduction(02:11) Michigan Democrats Feud(06:07) Midterm Map Shifts(09:54) US-Iran Diplomacy Efforts
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Who decides the future of America?
2026/11/01
Millions of Americans have already cast their votes early ahead of Tuesday’s midterms. On this episode of The Sunday Story, NPR’s senior political correspondent Tamara Keith discusses the turbulent and unpredictable political landscape of this years’ midterm election. Rising costs and unpopular foreign policy decisions have some experts anticipating a blue wave. President Trump is predicting the opposite. But voters on both sides of the aisle share one commonality: they’re not happy. How will a dissatisfied electorate decide the future of America?
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
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Oil Earnings, Binance Heist, A MAHA Update
2026/10/31
Oil companies are reporting sky-high profits this quarter. Hackers stole $6.3 billion in cryptocurrency this week, in the largest digital heist ever. It’s been just over two years since the rise of Make America Healthy Again. Has the Trump administration made good on the MAHA agenda? Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
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Final Days Of Midterm Campaigning, Alaska Senate Race Controversy, Iran War Plans
2026/10/30
President Trump is changing his final campaign strategy as Republicans try to close an early-voting gap and hold off Democratic gains in competitive races across the country.Alaska’s tight Senate race is facing new scrutiny after allegations that Democrats helped recruit a spoiler candidate with the same name as the Republican incumbent, while Mary Peltola denies knowing about the effort.Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who was briefed on possible new U.S. strikes on Iran, is warning that the plan could trigger a major escalation as American forces continue building up in the region.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Miguel Macias, Andrew Sussman, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.
Our technical director is Ariel Lopez.
And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.
(0:00) Introduction(0:53) Final Campaign Days(4:30) Alaska Senate Race(8:23) Iran War Plans
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Midterm Spending Blitz, GDP & Inflations Reports, Israel Election Deadlock & Iran War
2026/10/29
Ad spending in Kansas’ Senate race has jumped tenfold in weeks as Democrats pour money into Republican-heavy districts in the final days before the midterms.The economy appears to be growing at a solid pace, but inflation is still running ahead of wages and leaving many Americans feeling worse off financially.Israel still has no governing majority after its election, leaving Benjamin Netanyahu in office during coalition talks as questions remain about whether the country could launch another strike on Iran.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Rafael Nam, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.
Our technical director is Zac Coleman.
And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.
(0:14) Introduction(2:07) Midterm Latest(5:56) GDP and Inflation(9:25) Israel Election and Iran
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Trump Rallies For Republicans, Israel Election Results, Fed Interest Rates Meeting
2026/10/28
President Trump rallied for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas, but his personal grievances kept competing with his party’s closing message ahead of the midterms.Israel’s election remains too close to call, with Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot both short of a governing majority and Arab-led parties potentially holding the balance of power.Investors expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady today, even as prices rise faster than wages and squeeze household budgets.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.
Our technical director is Ariel Lopez.
And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.
(0:00) Introduction(1:54) Texas Messaging(5:39) Israel Election Results (9:33) Fed Interest Rates
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Democrats Lead In NPR Poll, Preparations For Election Challenge, Israel Voting Begins
2026/10/27
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll gives Democrats an eight-point lead on the congressional ballot, but lagging enthusiasm among young voters and independents could complicate their push to win Congress.Democrats are preparing legal and political responses to possible election challenges from President Trump as he offers million-dollar rewards for tips leading to voter fraud convictions.Israelis vote in a closely fought election that could determine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, with tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad returning home to cast their ballots.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.
Our technical director is Ariel Lopez.
And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.
(0:00) Introduction(1:54) New NPR Poll(6:09) Democrats and Election Protection(9:46) Israel Election
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GOP Redistricting Bust, Lula Wins Brazil Election, Protest Spread In Europe
2026/10/26
Republicans redrew 15 House districts hoping to protect their majority, but most have become competitive races as the party’s redistricting strategy falls short of expectations.Brazil’s leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won reelection after trailing in the first round, but far-right rival Flávio Bolsonaro is demanding the result be thrown out.Youth-led protest movements are reshaping politics across Europe, from mass demonstrations in France to Serbia, where a student-led movement defeated the longtime ruling party in parliamentary elections.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Tina Kraja, Tara Neill, Mohamad ElBardicy and Olivia Hampton.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Kaity Kline.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.
Our technical director is Zac Coleman.
(0:00) Introduction(1:57) GOP Redistricting(5:52) Brazil Election(9:33) Europe Protests
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Pinching pennies, casting ballots: a midterms dispatch from the Midwest
2026/10/25
The Midwest used to be known as an affordable place to live. Lately, though, many people there are having a hard time making ends meet. In this episode of The Sunday Story, Holly Edgell and Daniel Wheaton from NPR’s Midwest Newsroom bring us the voices of Midwesterners. We hear about how people in the region are struggling financially, and how the affordability crisis is impacting their votes in the midterms.
You can hear more of the “Costly” series here
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
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Websites Go Offline, Protests in France, Netflix Downsizes
2026/10/24
AI discovered a vulnerability in part of the internet's architecture, called PHP2SHELL. Security researchers rushed to fix it, but the news leaked and hackers have swooped in. France deploys hordes of police as another wave of protests begin. Netflix is regrouping after the release of its latest quarterly earnings this week.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
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US Prepares For Possible Strikes, Midterm Early Voting, Trump BBC Deposition
2026/10/23
The U.S. is sending a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East as oil prices climb and the prospect of another attack on Iran grows.More than 19 million Americans have already voted, with strong turnout among Democrats and voters of color, but the numbers can’t tell us who will win.A judge has ordered President Trump to testify in his $10 billion defamation case against the BBC, potentially forcing him to answer questions about his finances and January 6.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Megan Pratz, Emily Kopp, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.
Our technical director is Zac Coleman.
And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.
(0:00) Introduction(1:53) U.S. Iran War(5:38) Early Voting(9:08) Trump vs. BBC Deposition
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Democratic Surrogates Campaign, US & Israel Plan Iran Strikes, Tesla SpaceX Merger
2026/10/22
Democrats are sending former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris into competitive Senate races to help the party win in Republican territory.NPR has learned the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a possible attack on Iran after the midterms, while Americans face settler violence and military arrests in the West Bank.Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a merger that could create one of the world’s largest companies and give Elon Musk even greater control over his sprawling business empire.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Tina Kraja, Kara Platoni, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis.
Our technical director is Zac Coleman.
And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.
(0:00) Introduction(1:52) Campaign Surrogates(5:22) Israel Attack Plans(9:05) Musk Explores Merger
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Podcast reviews
Read Up First from NPR podcast reviews
Native sevant 2026/11/04
First Native American senator
No mention of this historic moment the first Native American senator? Pretty historic for a people who survived an active genicide
MissusJenny 2026/10/31
MAHA story
This section of the Oct 31 “up first” episode had nothing tangible. It hinted at the deleterious effects of the Trump/RFK Jr policies on public health...
mellowghost 2026/10/31
Keeps me informed
I’m seeing lots of uninformed reviews under the impression that NPR receives any tax money (that ended a year ago, and this show was not quiet about t...
CoachRoach_ 2026/10/26
Partisan Hacks
Partisan hackery we are all funding with our tax dollars… why
Sarita7981 2026/10/26
Nails on chalkboards
Ayesha Roscoe is painful to listen to. Her voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard. The others are okay.
🐔🙃🗜️🐍 2026/10/23
AI ads
Thanks for the news. But I don’t want to listen to AI ads.
CatLady696969 2026/10/20
Intro/outro music is like nails on a chalkboard
Who composed the theme music that plays at the start and end of this show?
It’s so discordant and terrible I cannot listen to it. I love and support...
Alex in the Town 2026/10/18
Piker… always so dull?
I’m definitely not of the mainstream audience, but am I wrong to expect a lot more from the Piker interview? Or is he always so dry and reliant on pre...
ilcapitanototti 2026/10/18
The last episode is skewed
You may try to balance and I love PBS for keeping the line. However, the last episode is atrocious. What a gross missrepresentation of matters!!! Isra...
FCVa Fan 2026/10/15
Focus on News
Great podcast, but stop covering Trump rallies. Three stories this week alone. It is not news. When you only have 3 stories to cover do a better job.
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