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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.Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst
Open in Clue Episodes to Learn English 501
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Trump's China Visit Wraps, SCOTUS Mifepristone, Keir Starmer Under Pressure To Resign
May 15, 2026 13 minPresident Trump is heading home from Beijing claiming he made fantastic trade deals with China, including a commitment for 200 Boeing jets and soybean purchases.<br>The Supreme Court kept the abortion pill mifepristone available over telemedicine, putting a hold on an appeals court order that would have required patients to visit a clinic in person to get the medication. <br>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a rebellion within his own party, with candidates already emerging to replace him after Labour was trounced in local elections and his approval ratings hit historic lows.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br></em><br>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kate Bartlett, Diane Webber, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and John Stolnis.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br/><br/><br>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Trump's China Visit Wraps<br>(05:47) SCOTUS Mifepristone<br>(09:42) Keir Starmer Under Pressure To Resign<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Trump Meets With China's Xi, Asia's View Of Summit, Trump Targets Law Firms
May 14, 2026 12 minPresident Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for more than two hours at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with the CEOs of Apple, Tesla and NVIDIA in the room as both sides look to stabilize a trade relationship that has been on shaky ground for years. <br>China's readout of the meeting between the two leaders emphasized the need for "constructive strategic stability" and warned that mishandling Taiwan could put the entire U.S.-China relationship in jeopardy.<br>And President Trump's crackdown on big law firms goes before a federal appeals court today, as firms that once employed lawyers who investigated Trump fight back against executive orders that targeted their security clearances and government contracts.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br></em><br>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Tina Kraja, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy and John Stolnis.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:51) Trump Meets With Xi<br>(05:49) China's Readout Of Meeting<br>(08:51) Trump Targets Law Firms<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Trump In China, Hegseth Requests Wartime Budget, FDA Commissioner Resigns
May 13, 2026 12 minPresident Trump is in Beijing today meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, with American manufacturers hoping for tariff relief even as the war in Iran looms over the high-stakes summit.<br>The Pentagon told Congress they estimate the war in Iran has cost $29 billion dollars so far. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked for $1.5 trillion dollars for next year’s Pentagon budget.<br>FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary has resigned after thirteen months on the job, with the final straw being White House pressure to approve flavored vapes, something he refused to do.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Jason Breslow, Kris Husted, Mohamad El-Bardicy and John Stolnis.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. <br/><br/>And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:57) Trump In China<br>(05:40) Hegseth Requests Wartime Budget<br>(09:26) FDA Commissioner Resigns<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Stakes of Trump's China Trip, Inflation Report Shows War Impact, Hantavirus Science
May 12, 2026 13 minPresident Trump leaves for Beijing today for a state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the ongoing war in Iran casts a long shadow over the high-stakes summit.<br>A new inflation report out this morning shows prices rising again, driven heavily by higher gasoline costs from the war in Iran, with ripple effects on airline tickets and other consumer prices.<br>Public health officials say the hantavirus outbreak that started on a cruise ship is not the next COVID, but it still has no vaccine or specific treatment and can be fatal in some cases.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Rafael Nam, Gisele Grayson, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Olivia Hampton.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:51) Stakes of Trump's China Trip<br>(05:31) Inflation Report Shows War Impact<br>(09:27) Hantavirus Science<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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US-Iran Responses, Trump's Trip To China Amid Iran War, Congress To Do List
May 11, 2026 12 minPresident Trump has rejected Iran’s latest response to a U.S. peace proposal as “totally unacceptable,” even as Tehran vows it will never bow to what it calls excessive demands by the United States.<br>President Trump leaves for Beijing tomorrow to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping as the war in Iran continues to complicate the high-stakes meeting.<br>Congress is back with a major push to lock in three years of funding for immigration enforcement, giving the Trump administration long-term resources while limiting congressional oversight.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Rebekah Metzler, Dana Farrington, Mohamad El-Bardicy, Adam Bearne and John Stolnis.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Maggie Luthar. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:50) US-Iran Responses<br>(05:29) Trump's Trip To China Amid Iran War<br>(09:04) Congress To Do List<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Why more women are choosing to be single mothers
May 10, 2026 28 minSo you want to be a mother, but you don’t have a partner. More women are shedding the stigma of single motherhood and choosing to have children on their own. This week on The Sunday Story, NPR’s Pallavi Gogoi brings us stories from her conversations with more than 60 women who have embraced this new vision of what motherhood can be.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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NATO Friction, Florida Detention Center, Public Corruption
May 9, 2026 15 minPresident Trump's continued criticism of NATO allies is bringing relations within the alliance to historic lows. The controversial immigration center in the Florida Everglades may be closing. New reporting on the second Trump administration's posture toward corruption by public officials reveals alarming attitudes.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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US and Iran Trade Fire, Tennessee Redistricting, US Boat Strikes In Caribbean
May 8, 2026 13 minPresident Trump insists the ceasefire is holding even after the U.S. and Iran traded fire in the Strait of Hormuz for the second time this week.<br>Tennessee is the first state to redraw its congressional map after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, joining other Southern Republican-led states in redrawing districts ahead of the midterms.<br>The U.S. military is facing growing scrutiny over its campaign of airstrikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, which has killed nearly 200 people and raised new allegations of mistreatment of foreign fishermen.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Acacia Squires, Tara Neill, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adriana Gallardo.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Kaity Kline.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) US and Iran Trade Fire<br>(05:45) Tennessee Redistricting<br>(09:40) US Boat Strikes In Caribbean<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Trump's Iran Progress Claims, Oil Industry Profit From Iran War, Rubio Meets Pope Leo
May 7, 2026 13 minPresident Trump is once again claiming the U.S. is on the cusp of a deal with Iran and that the Iranians are desperate to negotiate, even as Tehran has shown no sign of agreeing and U.S. gas prices remain above four dollars and fifty cents a gallon.<br>Big oil companies are benefiting from high prices caused by the war in Iran, but many are wary of producing more oil.<br>Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting Pope Leo the Fourteenth at the Vatican today after weeks of sharp public attacks by President Trump on the first American pope.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Tina Kraja, Kara Platoni, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adriana Gallardo.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Kaity Kline.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Trump's Iran Progress Claims<br>(05:37) Oil Industry Profit From Iran War<br>(09:30) Rubio Meets Pope Leo<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Project Freedom Paused, Ohio & Indiana Primary Results, Poll Shows Dems Advantage
May 6, 2026 13 minPresident Trump claims “great progress” toward an agreement with Iran as he ended the short-lived U.S. effort to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while keeping the naval blockade in place and Secretary of State Marco Rubio declaring combat operations over.<br>In Indiana, several Republican state senators who defied President Trump on redistricting lost their primaries last night, while Ohio saw stronger-than-expected Democratic turnout in its primary election.<br>A new poll shows Democrats leading Republicans by 10 points in the generic congressional ballot with significantly higher voter enthusiasm six months before the midterms.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Megan Pratz, Dana Farrington, Mohamad ElBardicy and Arezou Rezvani.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Kaity Kline.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:51) Project Freedom Paused<br>(05:32) Ohio & Indiana Primary Results<br>(09:06) Poll Shows Dems Advantage<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Strait Of Hormuz Tension, Trump Primaries in Indiana, Mifepristone Court Reprieve
May 5, 2026 13 minPresident Trump launched “Project Freedom” to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran immediately attacked the first vessels with missiles, drones and small boats on day one of the operation.<br>In Indiana, President Trump is pouring millions into state senate primaries to punish Republican lawmakers who blocked his push for new congressional maps, testing his hold over the party ahead of the midterms.<br>The Supreme Court has granted the abortion pill mifepristone a one-week reprieve, allowing it to continue being mailed while a major legal challenge from Louisiana plays out.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Megan Pratz, Diane Webber, Mohamad ElBardicy and Jan Johnson.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Kaity Kline.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:53) Strait Of Hormuz Tension<br>(05:54) Trump Primaries in Indiana<br>(09:45) Mifepristone Court Reprieve<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Project Freedom Strait Of Hormuz, Louisiana Redistricting, Senate Midterm Landscape
May 4, 2026 15 minPresident Trump announced the U.S. military will begin escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz in an operation he calls Project Freedom, even as he reviews a new offer from Iran and keeps the option of renewed strikes on the table.<br>Louisiana’s governor suspended U.S. House races so lawmakers can draw new congressional maps after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, part of a broader Republican push for aggressive redistricting ahead of the midterms.<br>With President Trump’s approval ratings near new lows, Democrats see a narrow but real opportunity to flip the Senate this fall in several key races including North Carolina, Ohio and Alaska.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Susanna Capelouto, Mohamad ElBardicy and Arezou Rezvani.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Kaity Kline.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:52) Project Freedom Strait Of Hormuz<br>(07:39) Louisiana Redistricting<br>(11:01) Senate Midterm Landscape<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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'The Bible is not a policy manual’: Christians reckon with immigration under Trump
May 3, 2026 24 minEvangelicals in America are divided over immigration enforcement. So who gets to claim the side of God?<br/><br/>This week on <em>The Sunday Story</em>, NPR’s Brittany Luse sits down with two people who think a lot about the separation of church and state: NPR’s religion correspondent, Jason DeRose, and the Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero, president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition. DeRose and Salguero unpack the rhetoric of conservative white Evangelicals and discuss what happens when the government uses scripture to justify policy. How does the Christian tenet of “welcoming the stranger” come to bear on current debates about U.S. immigration enforcement and war?<br/><br/><em>This conversation was originally published as an episode of NPR’s </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510317/its-been-a-minute"target="_blank" ><em>It’s Been A Minute</em></a><em> podcast: “Christians are having a Trump-sized reckoning.”</em><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Spirit Airlines Folds, Abortion Pills, Government Debt
May 2, 2026 15 minSpirit Airlines ceased operation overnight, as jet fuel prices are pinching airlines. A panel of federal judges in Louisiana has ended telemedicine access to the abortion pill mifepristone for the entire country. And the federal debt has outgrown the entire U.S. economy. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Stalemate In The Strait Of Hormuz, DHS Shutdown Ends, Trump's Surgeon General Nominee
May 1, 2026 13 minPresident Trump is facing growing political pressure over the war in Iran as gas prices hit new highs and European allies accuse him of being humiliated by Tehran in the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.<br>The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is over. The House passed a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security after weeks of bitter partisan fighting over immigration enforcement.<br>President Trump has nominated his third pick for Surgeon General after his previous two nominees failed to win Senate confirmation. Dr. Nicole Saphier is a breast cancer radiologist and frequent Fox News contributor.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Kelsey Snell, Kris Husted, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Ally Schweitzer.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.<br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:40) Stalemate In The Strait Of Hormuz<br>(06:33) DHS Shutdown Ends<br>(10:27) Trump's Surgeon General Nominee<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Hegseth Defends Iran War, Powell Stays On As Fed Chair, SCOTUS Voting Rights Case
Apr 30, 2026 13 minThe Pentagon estimates the war with Iran has already cost 25 billion dollars as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the cost of the war in a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.<br>Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says he will remain on the central bank’s board after his term ends next month to shield the agency from political pressure.<br>The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Voting Rights Act only prohibits congressional maps intentionally drawn to discriminate based on race, a decision that could make it much harder to challenge aggressive Republican-led redistricting efforts.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Rafael Nam, Ben Swasey, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Ally Schweitzer.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction <br>(02:18) Hegseth Defends Iran War<br>(06:07) Powell Stays On As Fed Chair<br>(09:55) SCOTUS Voting Rights Case<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Comey Indicted Again, King Charles' Message To Congress, SCOTUS Temp Protected Status
Apr 29, 2026 13 minThe Justice Department has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for a second time, accusing him of threatening President Trump with an Instagram post of the numbers 86 47 spelled out in seashells on a beach.<br>King Charles told a joint session of Congress today that the United States and Britain must strengthen their partnership even as President Trump clashes with European leaders over Iran and NATO.<br>The Supreme Court hears arguments today in a case that could let the Trump administration move forward with mass deportations of people who have lived legally in the United States for years under temporary protected status. (NOTE: this story contains a bleeped clip of President Trump using vulgarity)<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Jason Breslow, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Adriana Gallardo.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Comey Indicted Again<br>(05:46) King Charles' Message To Congress<br>(09:31) SCOTUS Temp Protected Status<br><br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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WHCA Shooter In Court, Trump-King Charles Relationship, Lebanon Ceasefire In Limbo
Apr 28, 2026 13 minThe man who stormed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is being charged with trying to assassinate President Trump, with new court documents revealing he booked the hotel a month in advance and emailed his motives minutes before the attempt.<br>King Charles addresses Congress today during his state visit to Washington as the royal trip tests whether personal diplomacy can ease sharp tensions between the Trump administration and the UK government.<br>As diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran remains stalled, Israel carried out new strikes in eastern Lebanon and Hezbollah launched drones at Israeli troops, with both sides accusing each other of violations.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br></em><br>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Rebekah Metzler, Ruth Sherlock Mohamad ElBardicy, and Ally Schweitzer.<br>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.<br>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br>And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:09) White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooter In Court<br>(05:41) Trump- King Charles Relationship<br>(09:44) Lebanon Ceasefire In Limbo<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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White House Response To Shooting, Shooter Investigation, King Charles State Visit
Apr 27, 2026 12 minPresident Trump called for unity after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents Dinner with him and the Vice President on stage, then later returned to attacking the press and Democrats.<br>The suspect in the attempted attack is in federal court today and not cooperating with investigators after his own family warned police just minutes before he tried to storm the ballroom.<br>King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Washington today for a state visit as the White House weighs security changes following Saturday’s shooting.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br></em><br>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Krishnadev Calamur, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Ally Schweitzer.<br/><br/>It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our Director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(1:54) White House response<br>(5:32) Shooting investigation<br>(9:20) King Charles<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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The hidden cost of separating 'emotionally disturbed' students
Apr 26, 2026 38 minThere’s a category of special education that stands out from the rest. It’s designed for kids who struggle with their emotions and behaviors, known at the federal level as “emotional disturbance.” More than 300,000 students in the U.S. currently have this label. Often, these students are taught in separate classrooms or even separate schools. <br/><br/>Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em>, reporter Laurie Stern shares how this disability label shaped the life of one student who she followed for nearly two years — and what his experience reveals about how the label can simultaneously support and limit students. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Hormuz Deadlock, Presidential Laugh Lines, Prediction Markets
Apr 25, 2026 16 minA deadlock between the U.S. and Iran continues over the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket have caught the attention of regulators as people profit from privileged information. And the media try to release some pressure through humor at the White House Correspondents Association dinner.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Strait Of Hormuz Shipping Crisis, Marijuana Reclassification, Georgia Wildfires
Apr 24, 2026 13 minPresident Trump says he is prepared to wait for the best deal to end the war with Iran, even as he orders the Navy to shoot any boat caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.<br/><br/>The Justice Department is moving marijuana out of its most dangerous drug classification for the first time, a major shift that could open up banking and tax relief for the legal cannabis industry, with a broader review of recreational marijuana expected by June. <br/><br/>And wildfires are tearing through South Georgia and Northern Florida with little warning, destroying nearly 90 homes.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by James Hider, Ruth Sherlock, Alfredo Carbajal, Rachel Waldholtz, Mohamad ElBardicy and HJ Mai<br/><br/>It was produced by Kaity Kline and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor<br/><br/><br>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:57) Strait of Hormuz Shipping Crisis<br>(06:15) Marijuana Reclassification<br>(10:04) Georgia Wildfires<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Tension In Two Ceasefires, Navy Secretary Out, Trump's Slumping Approval
Apr 23, 2026 13 minIran seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz as both the U.S. and Iran claim control of the waterway. The White House insists the ceasefire, which Iran has not officially acknowledged, is holding. In Lebanon, a journalist was killed in an Israeli strike even as Israel and Lebanon meet in Washington today to extend their truce. <br>The Secretary of the Navy is out with no explanation, the latest in more than 30 high-level departures at the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the war in Iran enters its eighth week. <br>And with the midterms are six months away, President Trump's approval rating on the economy has dropped to 30 percent, the Iran war is two weeks past his own deadline, and his tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Ruth Sherlock, Andrew Sussman, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Lindsay Totty.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:00) Tension In Two Ceasefires<br>(05:18) Navy Secretary Out<br>(09:05) Trump's Slumping Approval<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Trump Extends Ceasefire Indefinitely, VA Redistricting Results, Warsh Fed Hearing
Apr 22, 2026 13 minPresident Trump extends the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely as Iran calls the extension meaningless and accuses the U.S. of preparing a surprise attack.<br>Virginia voters narrowly approved a ballot measure letting Democrats redraw the state's congressional map, potentially flipping four House seats this fall. <br>And Kevin Warsh told the Senate he wouldn't be the president's sock puppet at the Federal Reserve, but Republican Senator Thom Tillis is still threatening to block his confirmation until the Justice Department drops its investigation of current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.<br></em><br>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Ben Swasey, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Lindsay Totty.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) Trump Extends Ceasefire Indefinitely<br>(05:44) VA Redistricting Results<br>(09:18) Warsh Fed Hearing<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Iran Ceasefire Deadline, Labor Secretary Out, Hearing For New Fed Chair
Apr 21, 2026 13 minThe ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran expires soon as President Trump calls an extension highly unlikely and Vice President JD Vance heads to Pakistan for talks Iran won't publicly confirm it will attend.<br>Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned amid allegations of an affair with her bodyguard, drinking on the job, and using taxpayer money for personal travel, becoming the third cabinet member to leave in less than two months.<br>And President Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve faces his confirmation hearing today, but Republican Senator Thom Tillis is threatening to block it until the Justice Department drops its investigation of current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.<br>A previous version of the story "Iran Ceasefire Deadline" incorrectly said the ceasefire between the US, Iran and Israel expires today. It expires on Wednesday.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Ruth Sherlock, Emily Kopp, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Iran Ceasefire Deadline<br>(05:59) Labor Secretary Out<br>(09:33) Hearing For New Fed Chair<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Trump and Iran Talks, Iran Reacts to Ship Seized, Tariff Refunds
Apr 20, 2026 14 minThe U.S. fired on and seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to break through the naval blockade. Iran calls it piracy and vows to retaliate with the ceasefire set to expire Wednesday. <br>Iran is back to blocking the Strait of Hormuz as both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire and a new round of talks in Pakistan have yet to be confirmed by Tehran. <br>And businesses can finally start applying today for refunds on $166 billion in tariffs the Supreme Court ruled were collected illegally, in what could be a scramble for hundreds of thousands of importers.<br>Correction: A previous version of the story "Iran reacts to ship seized" incorrectly said the death toll in Lebanon was more than 1,000. It is more than 2,000.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Ruth Sherlock, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Lindsay Totty.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Trump and Iran Talks<br>(05:34) Iran Reacts to Ship Seized<br>(09:30) Tariff Refunds<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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In one Iowa city, public schools compete in the free market. Are students better off?
Apr 19, 2026 32 minPublic education used to enjoy strong bipartisan support, but across the country, there’s a growing push to offer students alternatives to traditional public schools. The idea behind “school choice” is that competition improves education. President Trump and Republicans have attacked public education for failing students and for being too “woke,” while Democrats who strongly oppose school choice often dismiss valid criticism of public schools.<br/><br/>Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em>, NPR education correspondent Cory Turner travels to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to understand how school choice can change a city's education landscape. Are students better served when schools compete in a free market?<br/><br/>You can find more of Cory's reporting from Cedar Rapids <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/04/17/nx-s1-5683199/education-school-choice-iowa-students-charter-school-cedar-rapids"target="_blank" >here</a>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Hormuz Latest, Trump Rallies Amid Sinking Approval, Tariff Refunds
Apr 18, 2026 15 minIran says it is clamping back down on the Strait of Hormuz, putting the ceasefire at risk. President Trump appeared at a rally at an Arizona megachurch. Businesses are preparing for Monday's launch of an online portal for tariff refunds.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Zohran Mamdani on NYC as a blueprint for Democrats | NPR's Newsmakers
Apr 17, 2026 29 minIn this special episode of <em>Up First</em>, we’re sharing the latest episode of <em>NPR’s</em> <em>Newsmakers</em>, featuring New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Through his first 100 days in office, Mamdani has focused on “pothole politics” — a blend of high-level legislative wins and intense focus on everyday essential services that keep the city running. The 34-year-old mayor has delivered on progressive campaign promises, from more funding for child care to new taxes on the ultrawealthy. He views his government as a model for how Democrats can deliver on policies that benefit the working class.<br/><br/>Mamdani sat down with host Leila Fadel at City Hall to discuss how he views his accomplishments so far, his approach to working with President Trump and the message he believes Democrats should deliver during this year’s midterm elections.<br/><br/><em>NPR's Newsmakers</em> is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts. <br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
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Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire, Hegseth On Blockade, Trump Nominates New CDC Director
Apr 17, 2026 13 minA 10-day ceasefire is now in effect between Israel and Lebanon, but Israel says it is not leaving southern Lebanon and Hezbollah says that gives it the right to resist. <br>The U.S. naval blockade on Iran is firmly in place as Defense Secretary Hegseth compared reporters covering the war to the enemies of Jesus in the Bible, part of a pattern of religious language from the Pentagon that is raising eyebrows. <br>And President Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC after nearly a year without a confirmed director, as the agency has been struggling under budget cuts and a loss of public trust.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a><em> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br/><br/>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Ruth Sherlock, Andrew Sussman,<strong> </strong>Kris Husted, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Lindsay Totty.<br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<br/><br/>Our director is Christopher Thomas.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from David Greenburg. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire<br>(05:34) Hegseth On Blockade<br>(09:46) Trump Nominates New CDC Director<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>
