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 by 6 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Rachel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays by 8 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Rachel Martin, 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

Up First

Memphis releases footage of the violent traffic stop that resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the Middle East amid renewed violence. NPR returns to a particular Walmart for more insight into the economy.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Five police officers are charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, Republicans disagree on what it means to be conservative, U.S. officials weigh how to oversee risky virus research.

Friday, January 27th, 2023

What new federal data may reveal about consumer confidence and the U.S. economy, Meta lets Donald Trump back on Facebook, social media companies face pressure to crack down on online fentanyl sales.

Thursday, January 26, 2023

A U.S. official says the Biden administration is "leaning towards" sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Tesla reports earnings amid turmoil, the U.S. attempts to strengthen ties in Africa.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Seven are dead and one is injured after California's second mass shooting in three days, U.S. senators hold a hearing on ticketing giant Ticketmaster, nominees for the 2023 Oscars are announced.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The latest on the deadly shooting in Monterey Park, President Biden's lawyers uncover more classified material at his Delaware home, and the FDA considers changing how COVID vaccines are administered.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Every year, thousands of migrants arrive at the northern end of the African continent. Many have traveled for years, through jungle, farmland and the vast Sahara desert, hoping to cross into Europe, where they believe a better future awaits. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/01/12/1148819539/chapter-1-the-senegal-dream">Last week on Up First Sunday</a>, we told the story of Senegalese migrants embarking on the dangerous journey to Europe by sea. This week, we consider a different kind of crossing. In North Africa, Spain controls two small cities: Ceuta and Melilla. If migrants can scale the heavily fortified border fences surrounding these enclave cities, they will officially be on European soil. We check in with Ari Shapiro, the co-host of NPR's All Things Considered, as he explores the realities facing migrants just outside of the walled city of Melilla–in Nador, Morocco. This is the second episode from our series following the connections between climate change, migration and rising political extremism. Chapter 3 publishes next Sunday.

Chapter 2: The Walled City

Protesters continue to take to the streets in Peru demanding that the President step down and for new elections. The U.S. will send a large package of weapons to Ukraine, but not the tanks Ukraine wants so badly. Coffee pods may not be as great for the environment as the latest buzz suggests.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Ukraine's Western allies consider whether to send battle tanks to the country, what's next for the March for Life after Dobbs, China celebrates the Lunar New Year amid relaxed COVID rules.

Friday, January 20, 2023

A high stakes debt ceiling fight looms on Capitol Hill, the tech industry turns to layoffs as it faces a sharp downturn, the dos and don'ts of handling classified documents,

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Shootings in New Mexico targeted Democratic officials, a new study provides insights into viral "co-infections" among children, and data show that most Paycheck Protection Program loans were forgiven.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

An update from Dnipro, Ukraine, where a Russian missile strike killed dozens of civilians. Tesla CEO Elon Musk goes on trial for his tweets. The U.S. seeks to cut off China from Dutch semiconductors.

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023

More discovered classified documents becoming a headache for Biden. The rain is ending in California, but assessing damage is just beginning. How much activity overcomes a day of sitting at your desk?

Monday, January 16, 2023

Saint-Louis is the former colonial capital of Senegal, and it is filled with ornate 19th century villas. It is also the city that the U.N. has called the "most threatened by sea level rise in the whole of Africa." As the ocean gradually swallows historic fishing villages, the fishermen of Saint Louis are leaving on the boats they once used to bring in the catch. The destination? Europe. Where they hope to earn money to send home to their families. This past fall, NPR's All Things Considered co-host Ari Shapiro and a team of producers embarked on a journey to understand the connections between climate change, global migration, and far-right extremism. Along the way, they checked in with Up First Sunday host Rachel Martin to share stories they heard from the people they met. This is the first episode of a multi-part series focused on Ari's reporting. Part 2 publishes next Sunday.

Chapter 1: The Senegal Dream

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the U.S. debt limit will be reached next week but she will take "extraordinary measures" to stave off default. An investigation into why classified documents landed in President Biden's home and private office may complicate his relationship with the Justice Department. Parts of Alabama turn to recovery after damage caused by severe weather.

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Special Counsel Robert Hur to investigate Biden's potential mishandling of classified documents, the West sends more weapons to Ukraine, a new law could help governments prepare for extreme weather.

Friday, January 13, 2023

New York Republicans call for U.S. Rep. George Santos to resign, the U.S. aviation sector recovers after another challenging travel day, and Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs announces layoffs.

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Analyzing media coverage of President Biden's classified documents predicament, California prepares for more storms, Russian mercenaries declare a rare victory in Ukraine.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Torrential rains prompt evacuations in California, the Biden administration's new student loan repayment plan faces a big challenge, and a 6-year-old boy is accused of shooting his teacher.

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Brazil's president returns to Brasilia following Sunday's attack on government buildings. President Biden meets with other North American leaders in Mexico City. The U.S. House returns to business.

Monday, January 9, 2023

Climate change is upending life in some of the world's poorest countries. In Somalia, the last five rainy seasons have been practically rain-free. NPR reporter Jason Beaubien shares stories of the Somalians he spoke to when he visited the country, where people are managing a drought, hunger and conflict all at once.

Waiting For Rain in Somalia

Kevin McCarthy was named Speaker of the House after 15 rounds of voting. Businesses brace for recession by slowing down hiring, amidst a strong labor market for 2022. The Biden administration will send its biggest aid package to Ukraine yet, but the weapons may not be exactly what they wanted.

January 7, 2023

GOP voters say they're fed up with the stalemate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Putin calls for a Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine. Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin shows "substantial improvement."

Friday, January 6, 2023

A historic stalemate in the U.S. House of Representative heads into its third day. A powerful storm touches down in Northern California. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba resumes full services for the first time since 2017.

Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

Kevin McCarthy humiliated in bid for speaker by rogue Republicans. Fans and family rally around NFL player who collapsed on the field. India expected to become world's most populous country this year.

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Coaches and players react after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals; Republican Kevin McCarthy seeks House speaker job; and New York seeks ways to address record numbers of people struggling to find housing.

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Ukrainians begin the new year much as the previous year — sheltering from Russian bombardment; state leaders tackle hot-button issues like abortion and voting access; and the Vatican prepares for Pope Benedict XVI's funeral after his death at age 95.

Monday, January 2, 2023

How do we adapt in an uncertain world? In her new memoir, "The Light We Carry," the former first lady shares her philosophy on the relationships we have throughout our lives—with our partners, our families and ourselves. "You have to evolve with it," she says. In this special episode of NPR's Life Kit podcast, All Things Considered host Juana Summers interviews Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama's Best Advice

Retired Pope Benedict has died at the Vatican. He was 95. Russian airstrikes hit multiple Ukrainian cities, targeting critical infrastructure. After a lengthy legal battle, six years of Donald Trump's federal tax returns are now public.

Saturday, December 31, 2022

2022 saw opioid use reach an all-time high — the year also saw drug companies agreeing to $50 billion in opioid settlements. Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, arguably the greatest ever to play 'the beautiful game', died Thursday at 82. Millennial and Gen Z Republicans are pleading with their party to address the issues that motivate younger voters.

Friday, December 30

The Nassau County DA is investigating GOP Rep.-elect George Santos after he admitted to lying about his education, employment and religion in the 2022 campaign; Ukrainians are preparing for a renewed offensive by Russia; and a new far-right government is sworn in today in Israel.

Thursday, December 29

Southwest Airlines has cancelled nearly two thirds of its flights at the height of the holiday travel season, as its CEO Bob Jordan posted a video begging forgiveness from passengers — and Southwest employees; the Supreme Court upheld COVID border restrictions; and climate-conscious investment funds may face scrutiny from GOP lawmakers in the new term.

Wednesday, December 28

After 3 years of strict COVID travel rules, China is re-opening — just as surge of cases threatens to overwhelm its healthcare system; Ukraine's foreign minister is calling for UN-brokered peace talks, but with steep pre-conditions; NPR finds that some parents of foster children with unpaid foster care charges risk losing parental rights.

China re-opens, Ukraine calls for UN-brokered talks, Parents of foster children

The death toll from the weekend's winter blizzard continues to rise, with Buffalo, NY hit especially hard. Russian president Vladimir Putin says he's open to talks to end the war in Ukraine. Supreme Court arguments have grown longer.

Monday, December 26

In 1962, Barbra Streisand recorded what was supposed to be her debut album. At the time, she didn't think it was good enough. It was finally released a few weeks ago as "Live At The Bon Soir." In her interview with host Rachel Martin, Streisand transports us to the club where she recorded the album, discusses her true ambition to be an actress and her lifelong aversion to live performance.

Barbra Streisand's Time Capsule

A bitter cold winter storm sweeps the U.S., knocking out power and upending holiday travel plans. The House committee investigating the January 6th insurrection released its final 800-page report. It's been three months of protests in Iran demanding regime change: the latest on the momentum of the demonstrations.

Saturday, December 24, 2022

The Jan. 6 House committee released its more than 800-page report. Immigration hardliners blocked a bipartisan bill in Congress to grant legal status to Afghan refugees. COVID threatens to overwhelm China's healthcare system.

Friday, December 23, 2022

The U.S. announced it will send a Patriot Missile air defense system to Ukraine. Congress mulls a massive government funding measure. A winter storm blankets much of the country.

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit President Biden and congressional leaders in Washington. House committee approves release of Trump's taxes. The Taliban has banned women from attending universities in Afghanistan.

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022

Pandemic border restrictions are extended by the Supreme Court. The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 attack held a final hearing. Harvey Weinstein is found guilty of rape in a second sex trial.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

The Jan. 6 committee votes on issuing criminal referrals against Donald Trump. Argentina wins its first World Cup title in 36 years. The Biden administration announces a shift in its strategy to fight homelessness.

Monday, December 19th, 2022

Criticism about representation and misrepresentation in film are nothing new. In this episode, Aisha Harris, co-host of the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, traces the debates ignited by Steven Spielberg's 1985 film, "The Color Purple." The adaptation of Alice Walker's novel is remembered as a fan-favorite that centers Black women's lives, but got markedly different reactions from male and female viewers.

Revisiting 'The Color Purple' Wars

Kevin McCarthy struggles to drum up votes, as Republicans are divided over who to choose as House Speaker. There are now worries over crypto currency trading platform Binance after the dramatic collapse of FTX. Tens of thousands of nurses, rail and mail workers are on strike in the UK, demanding better work conditions and higher pay.

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Twitter bans the accounts of several well-known journalists. Tunisia goes to the polls Saturday for parliamentary elections. Iran doubles down on tactics to crush unrest.

Friday, December 16, 2022

An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll shows Americans want congressional leaders to compromise. Peru declares a 30-day national emergency. NPR's Steve Inskeep interviews incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Thousands of migrants arrive in El Paso. China shifts its tone on COVID-19. Somalians face hunger, drought and violence.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Disgraced FTX founder arrested in the Bahamas. California laboratory says it created net energy from nuclear fusion. Investors prepare for latest inflation data.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Suspect arrested for 1988 Lockerbie bombing. Karen Bass sworn in as Los Angeles mayor. Rupert Murdoch to be deposed in $1.6 billion Dominion defamation lawsuit.

Monday, December 12, 2022

More than 1,550 people have been executed in the U.S. over the past 50 years. Hundreds of workers have played a role in carrying out each of those executions. Few in the public know who these workers are or what their jobs require. NPR investigative reporter Chiara Eisner spoke with 26 current and former workers who were collectively involved with more than 200 executions across 17 states and the federal system. In this episode, Eisner speaks with host Rachel Martin about the physical, mental and emotional toll that executions take on the executioners.

The Toll of Execution Work

Arizona's Sen. Kyrsten Sinema calls it quits with the Democrats and registers as an Independent - we'll look at how that move is being received in her home state. A Ukrainian town rebuilds after months of fighting. Plus, a NASA space vehicle will land on Earth on Sunday, as the space agency plans to once again take humans back to the moon.

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Russians welcome prisoner swap amid worries over war in Ukraine. Tech companies cut tens of thousands of jobs. Eight teams keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Friday, December 9, 2022

WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was held for months in Russian prisons on drug charges, has been released in a prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout.

BONUS: Brittney Griner released from Russia in prisoner swap 

Germany arrests dozens suspected of plotting a violent coup against the government. Xi Jinping visits Saudi Arabia. Democrats shake up the party's presidential primary calendar.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Donald Trump's company guilty of tax fraud. SCOTUS hears case that could reshape elections. China reapproaches COVID-19.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Voters take to the polls in Georgia's Senate runoff election. U.S. Capitol Police receive highest civilian honor. China holds memorial for late leader Jiang Zemin.

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

OPEC Plus plays wait and see over Russian sanctions. Supreme Court to hear case of businesses who don't want to do business with LGBTQ clients. Arizona is set to certify votes after a county stalled.

Monday, December 5, 2022

Since the invasion into Ukraine began 11 months ago, investigators have opened more than 50,000 war crimes investigations looking at alleged atrocities committed by Russian troops. NPR Investigative Correspondent Tim Mak heard a rumor about a man, brutally killed, who lay in the streets of a town for 30 days. So he decided to investigate. One war crime, one story, to show the challenge that war crimes investigators face all over Ukraine.

NPR Investigates a Single War Crime in Ukraine

The US job market is strong with employers adding more than a quarter million jobs a month. Georgia gears up for its Tuesday Senate runoff. And the U.S. faces the Netherlands in the knockout stage of the World Cup.

December 3, 2022

Felony tax fraud trial of the Trump Organization winds down. Supreme Court to hear Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. Sofa stuffed with cash leads to calls for South Africa's president to resign.

Friday, December 2, 2022

The West will impose more sanctions on Russian oil to defund its war in Ukraine. France's Macron is guest at Biden's first state dinner. FTX founder ignores his lawyers' advice and takes questions.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Prosecutors get rare seditious conspiracy conviction in Jan. 6 case. NATO foreign ministers meet on Ukraine. Republicans join Democrats on same-sex marriage bill; will they do the same on rail strike?

November 30, 2022

China cracks down on protesters. Supreme Court to hear arguments over how to enforce immigration laws. After battling off the pitch, Team USA and Iran face off in the  World Cup.

November 29, 2022

Chinese people protest government's COVID lockdown. Democrats rush to pass bills before Republicans take over the House. Voting starts in Georgia in runoff for final unresolved Senate seat.

Monday, November 28, 2022

The actor and comedian Rob Delaney is known for tackling heavy topics with humor. Fans of his hit tv show Catastrophe have seen that on full display. But what most viewers didn't know is that while making the last two seasons of that show he was going through the hardest experience of his life. His two year old son Henry died from brain cancer after extensive medical treatments. Delaney's new memoir A Heart That Works is raw and honest window into that painful period of his family's life. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text<a href="https://988lifeline.org/"> 9 8 8 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline</a>.

'A Heart That Works'

Georgia voters head back to the polls to choose between Democrat Raphael Warnock and his Republican opponent, Herschel Walker, in the runoff race for a Senate seat. And, in China, workers at the biggest Apple iPhone manufacturer are protesting pay and conditions. Also, the World Cup is underway with the U.S. facing Iran on Tuesday.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Why aren't red flag laws used more often? The Bidens convene a family meeting on 2024. Despite the economy, holiday shoppers don't seem to be scaling back that much.

November 25th, 2022

Who were the victims of the mass shooting at a Virginia Walmart earlier this week and what were their last moments like? And are airlines ready for travel to return to pre-pandemic levels? Plus, what can a United Nations council do to support protestors in Iran as the government intensifies its crackdown?

Thursday, November 24th, 2022

Walmart shooting leaves seven dead, including shooter. Change in law makes it easier to prove hate crimes in Colorado. Bombshells fall in FTX bankruptcy trial.

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022

The latest on the Colorado LGBTQ club shooting. Unions reject White House deal to keep trains running. Rescuers are digging through rubble from Indonesia earthquake expecting death toll to rise.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Police investigate motive in Colorado LGBTQ club shooting. COP27 closes with one deal to help developing countries but fails to reach one on limiting causes. U.S. soccer fans' eight-year wait is over.

Monday, November 21, 2022

For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for—with the people we love. This week, we travel through the archives and hear from writers, poets, musicians and our own listeners on how they have found strength and understanding through family, be it the one they were born into or the one they created along the way.

Up First

NPR - npr.org

Latest episode: Sat Jan 28 2023