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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
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U.S. Men's hockey overtime win and the Olympic sport that produces the best athletes
Feb 19, 2026 31 minIf enjoyed this, check out the Up First Winter Games Video Podcast. You'll find it at youtube.com/npr. <br/><br/>This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Eric Whitney. Our visual editors include Nicole Werbeck, Elizabeth Gillis, Grace Raver and Pablo Valdivia. <br/><br/>It was produced by Lauren Migaki, Brianna Scott, Ana Perez, Barry Gordemer and Elizabeth Baker.<br/><br/>We get engineering support from Jay Czys, Andie Huether, Becky Brown and Josephine Nyounai. <br/><br/>Our Executive Producers are Adam Verdugo, Jay Shaylor and Samantha Melbourneweaver. <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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Trump's Board Of Peace, Former Prince Andrew Arrested, Zuckerberg Defends Meta
Feb 19, 2026 12 minPresident Trump convenes the first meeting of his Board of Peace, touting $5 billion in reconstruction pledges for Gaza as Israel gives Hamas 60 days to disarm or face renewed war.<br>Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.<br>And Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in the first-ever social media addiction trial, defending accusations that the company knew kids under 13 were using Instagram and built its platforms to hook young users early.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Robbie Griffiths, Miguel Macias, Tina Kraja, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle. <p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:56) Trump's Board of Peace<br>(06:10) Former Prince Andrew Arrested<br>(08:30) Zuckerberg Defends Meta<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 Plan To Meet Again, CBS: Colbert & Cooper, Social Media On Trial
Feb 18, 2026 13 minU.S. and Iranian negotiators agree to keep talking after meetings in Geneva, even as President Trump threatens military force and Tehran warns it could retaliate.<br>Stephen Colbert says CBS blocked a political guest from his late-night show, adding to a wave of upheaval involving Anderson Cooper and corporate maneuvering at the network’s parent company.<br>And Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a landmark trial testing whether social media companies can be held legally responsible for harming young users.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by James Hider, Pallavi Gogoi, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle. <p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Simon-Laslo Janssen.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) US & Iran Plan To Meet Again<br>(05:26) CBS: Colbert & Cooper <br>(09:49) Social Media On Trial<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 Talks, Texas ICE Shooting Trial, Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies At 84
Feb 17, 2026 13 minU.S. and Iranian officials meet again in Geneva as the Trump administration sends more military forces to the region while pressing Tehran to limit its nuclear program.<br>Nine defendants go on trial in Texas over a shooting outside an ICE detention center, in a case federal prosecutors are framing as terrorism and defense attorneys say grew out of a protest.<br>And Reverend Jesse Jesse Jackson, the civil leader, presidential candidate and longtime advocate for racial and economic justice, has died at age 84.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by James Hider, Alfredo Carbajal, Kara Platoni, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle. <p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Simon-Laslo Janssen.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:17) US-Iran Talks<br>(05:40) Texas ICE Shooting Trial<br>(09:26) Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies At 84<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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Cheating in the most-polite sport, curling and what is "sledhead?"
Feb 16, 2026 23 minIf enjoyed this, check out the Up First Winter Games Video Podcast. You'll find it at youtube.com/npr. <br/><br/>This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Eric Whitney. Our visual editors include Nicole Werbeck, Elizabeth Gillis, Grace Raver and Pablo Valdivia. <br/><br/>It was produced by Lauren Migaki, Brianna Scott, Ana Perez, Barry Gordemer and Elizabeth Baker. <br/><br/>We get engineering support from Jay Czys, Andie Huether, Becky Brown and Josephine Nyounai. <br/><br/>Our Executive Producers are Adam Verdugo, Jay Shaylor and Samantha Melbourneweaver. <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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DHS Shutdown, Ukraine Peace Talks, Olympics Stars Stumble
Feb 16, 2026 13 minCongress is out on recess as a partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security is underway after talks collapsed over immigration enforcement reforms.<br>Officials from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine prepare for new peace talks in Geneva as Moscow presses territorial demands and Kyiv insists on security guarantees.<br>And at the Winter Olympics in Italy, American speed skater Jordan Stolz is making history while other superstar athletes struggle with the intense pressure of competing on the world’s biggest stage.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Kate Bartlett, Tina Kraya, Eric Whitney, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adam Bearne.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate"><p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Simon-Laslo Janssen.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:57) DHS Shutdown<br>(05:38) Ukraine Peace Talks<br>(09:26) Olympics Stars Stumble<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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Gisèle Pelicot Tells Her Story
Feb 15, 2026 26 minHow do you find the strength to face the unimaginable? In September of 2024, Gisèle Pelicot took the stand in an unprecedented mass rape trial in France. On trial was her former husband, along with 50 other men. Police had found images and videos of her husband and dozens of men raping Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious. In this episode of The Sunday Story, Gisèle Pelicot sits down with NPR’s Michel Martin to talk about the pain of discovering what had happened to her, the harm it did to her family, and her decision to reject shame and speak up on behalf of victims of sexual assault.<br/><br/><br>Pelicot’s new memoir, “<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/812605/a-hymn-to-life-by-gisele-pelicot-translated-by-natasha-lehrer-and-ruth-diver/#:~:text=By%20Gis%C3%A8le%20PelicotRead%20by,Preorder%20from:"target="_blank" >A Hymn to Life</a>,” will be published on February 17th.<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 Munich Security Conference; FDA Rejects Flu Vaccine; The Fall of The Quad God
Feb 14, 2026 16 minWe get the latest from the Munich Security Conference, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech before European leaders. We also look at the reasons behind why the FDA rejected Moderna's new flu vaccine and how that decision could shape future clinical trials. Plus, we'll look at the what happened with U.S Olympic figure skater Illia Malinin, dubbed the "Quad God," on the ice yesterday. Tipped to win the gold, Malinin didn't end up even medaling. <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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ICE Leaving Minnesota, DHS Funding Deadline, EPA Vehicle Emissions
Feb 13, 2026 13 minFederal immigration agents are pulling back from Minnesota after months of aggressive immigration enforcement that led to thousands of arrests, weeks of protests, and the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens.<br> Congress is racing to fund the Department of Homeland Security before a shutdown, with Democrats demanding changes to immigration enforcement and negotiations still stalled.<br> And the Environmental Protection Agency is scrapping the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Jason Breslow, Kara Platoni, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) ICE Leaving Minnesota<br>(05:48) DHS Funding Deadline <br>(09:31) EPA Vehicle Emissions<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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Bondi's Heated Hearing, Pushback On Trump's Tariffs, Revised 2025 Jobs Report
Feb 12, 2026 13 minAttorney General Pam Bondi clashed with lawmakers during a Capitol Hill hearing dominated by questions about the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.<br>President Trump’s tariff agenda faces a rare Republican pushback in Congress, even as the White House argues the policy is bringing money into the United States.<br>And a new jobs report shows stronger hiring to start the year, but revised data suggests the labor market was far weaker in 2025 than previously believed.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Rebekah Metzler, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:07) Bondi's Heated Hearing<br>(06:04) Pushback On Trump's Tariffs<br>(09:54) Revised 2025 Jobs Report<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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Guthrie Door Camera Footage, Trump & Netanyahu Meet On Iran, DHS House Hearing
Feb 11, 2026 13 minThe FBI released door camera footage from the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84 year-old mother of <em>Today Show</em> host Savanah Guthrie who's been missing for eleven days.<font color="#000000"><br></font>President Trump meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Israel’s security, as the White House signals possible progress in nuclear talks with Iran.<br> And immigration officials defend enforcement tactics on Capitol Hill while lawmakers remain divided ahead of a Friday deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Anna Yukhananov, Emma Bowman, Kate Bartlett, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas <p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Simon-Laslo Janssen.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Guthrie Door Camera Footage<br>(05:29) Trump & Netanyahu Meet On Iran<br>(09:11) DHS House 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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DHS Funding Negotiations, UK Epstein Fallout, Latest On Guthrie Investigation
Feb 10, 2026 13 minCongress has until Friday to reach a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with negotiations stalled over Democratic demands to overhaul immigration enforcement.<br>Britain’s prime minister Keir Starmer is fighting to hold onto power after new revelations show he hired a Washington ambassador with ties to Jeffrey Epstein, triggering calls for him to step down.<br>And Savannah Guthrie issues another emotional plea for her missing mother as a ransom deadline passes and investigators say they still have no suspects in the disappearance.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Kate Bartlett, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas. <p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis and our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) DHS Funding Negotiations<br>(05:40) UK Epstein Fallout<br>(09:27) Latest on Guthrie Investigation<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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Guthrie Investigation, Ghislaine Maxwell Deposition, Seahawks Win Super Bowl LX
Feb 9, 2026 12 minThe search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, enters a second week as her family says they’ve received a message from the people who took her and investigators continue to look for suspects.<br>Ghislaine Maxwell is set to be questioned by members of Congress about Jeffrey Epstein, his crimes, and the powerful figures connected to him, even as she continues to challenge her own conviction.<br>And the Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl 60, beating the New England Patriots 29-13, using a dominant defense to secure the franchise’s second championship.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by James Doubek, Megan Pratz, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Adriana Gallardo.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ava Pukatch. <p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br><p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Guthrie Investigation<br>(05:37) Ghislaine Maxwell Deposition<br>(09:20) Seahawks Win Super Bowl LX<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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How the Presidency is Making Trump Richer
Feb 8, 2026 32 minBefore President Donald Trump’s first term, he was in a “tight spot” financially, according to New Yorker writer David Kirkpatrick. At the start of his second term, Kirkpatrick says, Trump was in an “even tighter” spot. But six months later, Trump’s financial situation had substantially improved.<br>Kirkpatrick has done a full accounting of the money, that’s flowed into the Trump family coffers. Kirkpatrick says even using the most conservative estimates, the Trumps have made almost $4 billion dollars “off of the presidency,” in just about a year.<br>Today on The Sunday Story, we turn to our friends at NPR’s Planet Money to help us understand how President Trump and his family have found ways to profit from the presidency.<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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U.S.-Iran Talks Continue, Texas Politics, 2026 Winter Olympics Begin
Feb 7, 2026 16 minU.S. and Iranian envoys have held talks aimed at averting possible U.S. strikes on Iran. Debates over immigration enforcement are front and center in a Texas primary contest. Plus, it’s a busy weekend for sports fans with the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the Super Bowl.<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 Talks Begin, Dems List Of DHS Demands, Search For Nancy Guthrie Continues
Feb 6, 2026 13 minThe U.S. and Iran begin high-stakes talks in Oman today over Tehran’s nuclear program, If they can't reach a deal, President Trump could launch a military strike from the large military force assembled in the Middle East.<br>Lawmakers now have just one week to fund the Department of Homeland Security, as Democrats release a detailed list of demands to overhaul how immigration enforcement officers operate.<br>And the FBI confirms a ransom letter in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as investigators search for answers and her family pleads for proof she is alive.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Jason Breslow, James Doubek, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Director is Milton Guevara.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:12) US-Iran Talks Begin<br>(05:36) Dem List of DHS Demands<br>(09:24) Search For Nancy Guthrie Continues<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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Partial Drawdown In Minnesota, NPR Poll: Trump and ICE, Nuclear Treaty Expires
Feb 5, 2026 13 minWhite House Border Czar Tom Homan says 700 federal agents will be leaving Minnesota after months of aggressive immigration enforcement, protests, and the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal agents.<br>A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds most Americans now say ICE has gone too far, as the Trump administration shifts its tone on immigration enforcement.<br>And the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, the New START Treaty, is set to expire, raising new fears about unconstrained nuclear competition.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Dana Farrington, Robbie Griffiths, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Director is Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Partial Drawdown in Minnesota<br>(05:36) NPR Poll: Trump and ICE<br>(09:18) Nuclear Treaty Expires<p class="readrate"><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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DHS Funding Negotiations, Russia Attacks Ukraine Power Grid, Nationalizing Elections
Feb 4, 2026 13 minCongress ended the shutdown but now faces a tight deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats and Republicans far apart over immigration enforcement reforms after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents in Minnesota.<br>Russia has resumed heavy strikes on Ukraine’s power grid during extreme cold, despite President Trump saying Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks, putting new strain on fragile diplomatic efforts.<br>And President Trump is calling for the federal government to “take over” elections in some states, escalating concerns among election officials about interference ahead of the midterms.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Miguel Macias, Ben Swasey, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:52) DHS Funding Negotiations<br>(05:27) Ukraine Peace Talks<br>(09:26) Trump Nationalizing Elections<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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Government Shutdown Day 4, US-Iran Nuclear Talks, Guthrie Investigation
Feb 3, 2026 12 minA partial government shutdown enters its fourth day as House Republicans weigh whether to back a Senate deal that would reopen most agencies while giving Congress two weeks to negotiate changes to immigration enforcement.<br>The U.S. is set to reopen nuclear talks with Iran, as regional powers push diplomacy even while President Trump warns military action remains on the table.<br>And investigators in Arizona say 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, may have been abducted from her home as an urgent search continues.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, James Hider, Miguel Macias,<strong> </strong>Martha Ann Overland<strong>, </strong>Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) Government Shutdown Day 4<br>(05:31) US-Iran Nuclear Talks<br>(09:06) Guthrie Investigation<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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House Shutdown Vote, Minneapolis Immigration Operations, Trump Kennedy Center Closure
Feb 2, 2026 13 minA partial government shutdown is under way after Congress missed its funding deadline, with lawmakers advancing a plan to reopen most agencies while negotiations over Homeland Security and immigration enforcement continue.<br>A federal judge ruled the Trump administration can keep its immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis going, even as plans to draw down agents haven’t materialized and residents see ongoing arrests and protests.<br>And President Trump says the performing arts center built as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy will close for two years for a massive renovation.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adrianna Gallardo.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br><p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) House Shutdown Vote<br>(05:34) Minneapolis Immigration Operations<br>(09:16) Trump Kennedy Center Closure<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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Women in the Skilled Trades Face New Hurdles
Feb 1, 2026 26 min<p dir="ltr">President Trump has a vision for the American workforce. Forget expensive college educations. His eye is on the skilled trades. The U.S. Department of Labor has adopted the slogan “Make America Skilled Again.”<p dir="ltr">But who gets to be part of this renaissance? <p dir="ltr">Since the 1980s, women have made small but meaningful gains in the construction trades. Now there are concerns that President Trump’s campaign to end diversity, equity and inclusion will stall that progress — setting back both women and the construction industry.<p dir="ltr">Today on the Sunday Story, we ask how women fit into this administration’s vision of this skilled trades future.<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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More Epstein Files Released; Government Shutdown; New Winter Storm
Jan 31, 2026 15 minThe Justice Department has released its final tranche of the Epstein files - we'll look at what they have and haven't included. And, the U.S. in a partial government shutdown again, although this is one is expected to be shorter than the record-breaking shutdown that happened during the fall. Plus, another winter storm is hitting the U-S this weekend, this time, hitting parts of the Southeast.<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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Senate Funding Deal, Border Czar Homan In Minnesota, Georgia Election Ballots Seized
Jan 30, 2026 14 minSenate leaders strike a short-term funding deal to keep most of the government running, but a partial shutdown now looks imminent as the House remains out until next week.<br>Border Czar Tom Homan suggested a possible drawdown of federal immigration agents in Minnesota, only for President Trump to later say there would be no pullback at all, as arrests and protests continue on the ground.<br>And the FBI seizes hundreds of thousands of ballots and election records from Fulton County, Georgia, as the Trump administration escalates scrutiny ahead of the midterms.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Gigi Douban, Ben Swasey, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate"> Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:53) Senate Funding Deal<br>(05:38) Border Czar in Minnesota <br>(09:51) Georgia Election Ballots Ceased<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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Senate Funding Vote, ICE Family Detention Protest, Fed Holds Interest Rates
Jan 29, 2026 14 min<br>Senate Democrats are threatening a partial government shutdown unless Republicans agree to new limits on immigration enforcement by Friday's deadline.<br>A protest at an ICE family detention center in South Texas turned confrontational as demonstrators demanded the release of a five-year-old boy and his father taken from Minnesota and held at the facility hundreds of miles away.<br>And despite pressure from President Trump to lower interest rates, the Federal Reserve is holding steady to fight lingering inflation and rising prices.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Susanna Capelouto, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Senate Funding Vote<br>(05:41) ICE Family Detention Protest<br>(10:28) Fed Holds Interest Rates<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 Economic Message, DC Helicopter Crash Report, New Nuclear Regulations
Jan 28, 2026 14 minPresident Trump takes his economic message to Iowa, trying to refocus on affordability after weeks of distractions ranging from Greenland to Venezuela and fallout from federal shootings in Minnesota.<br>Nearly a year after a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C., investigators say deep, systemic failures at the FAA allowed known risks to go unaddressed until it was too late.<br>And NPR has obtained documents showing the Trump administration quietly loosened nuclear safety and environmental rules to fast-track new reactors, raising concerns about oversight and public trust.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Russell Lewis, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Producer is HJ Mai.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Trump Economic Message<br>(05:43) DC Helicopter Crash Report<br>(10:02) New Nuclear Regulation<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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Bovino Out Of Minnesota, Trump Refocusing On Economy, Social Media On Trial
Jan 27, 2026 13 minBorder Patrol commander Greg Bovino, the public face of the Trump administration’s immigration operations, is no longer leading enforcement efforts in Minnesota after two fatal shootings and escalating legal battles over who gets to investigate them.<br>President Trump heads to Iowa trying to sell his economic agenda, even as backlash grows from within his own party over his immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.<br>And a landmark trial begins in Los Angeles that will test whether major social media companies knowingly designed their platforms in ways that harm kids, a case that could force the tech industry to rethink how its apps are built.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrea de Leon, Rebekah Metzler, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Bovino Out of Minnesota<br>(05:57) Trump Refocusing on Economy<br>(09:38) Social Media on Trial<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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Minnesota ICE Shooting Aftermath, Senate DHS Funding Vote, Icy Weather
Jan 26, 2026 13 minProtests and a general strike continue in Minneapolis after federal immigration agents fatally shot 37 year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a crackdown, the second ICE related killing in the state this month.<br>Senate Democrats threaten to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless Republicans agree to new limits on immigration enforcement, a standoff that could trigger a partial government shutdown.<br>And across the country, states are digging out from a major winter storm that left deadly ice and snow, widespread power outages, and thousands of canceled flights.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Krishnadev Calamur, Alfredo Carbajal, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adam Bearne.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Simon-Laslo Janssen. And our technical director is David Greenburg.<br><p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Minnesota ICE Shooting Aftermath<br>(05:44) Senate DHS Funding Vote<br>(09:26) Icy Weather<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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Challenger at 40: Lessons from a tragedy
Jan 25, 2026 56 min<div _ngcontent-ng-c1886513725=""><p dir="ltr">Forty years ago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff. Seven astronauts were killed, including teacher-in-space Christa McAuliffe. It was a devastating blow to the U.S. space program and a national tragedy for the country. In the days after the explosion, the search for answers began. Two NPR reporters, Howard Berkes and Daniel Zwerdling, focused their reporting on the engineers who managed Challenger’s booster rockets. On February 20, 1986, Berkes and Zwerdling broke a major story, providing the first details of a last-minute effort by those engineers to stop NASA from launching Challenger. <p dir="ltr">In this special NPR documentary, Howard Berkes unfolds an investigation spanning forty years, from those desperate efforts in 1986 to delay the launch, to decades of crushing guilt for some of the engineers, and to the lessons learned that are as critical as ever as NASA’s budget and workforce shrink.</div><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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U.S. Preparing for Winter Storm; Trump's Use of Military; U.S Consumer Spending
Jan 24, 2026 17 minAt least half of the U.S. population will be hit by a powerful winter storm this weekend - we'll tell you how Oklahoma, and other states, are preparing. Plus, a look at how President Trump is using the military overseas as well inside the U.S. during his second term. Plus, a look at consumer spending in the U.S. and how sustainable it is at present levels. <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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Minnesota Protests, Zelenskyy Slams Europe In Davos, Winter Storm Approaches
Jan 23, 2026 13 minIn Minnesota, protests and business closures spread as immigration operations continue and confrontations with federal agents intensify.<br>At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukraine’s president delivers a blunt message to Europe, warning that the continent must stop relying on the U.S. and prepare to defend itself as Russia’s war grinds on.<br>And across the U.S., states are bracing for a massive winter storm threatening millions of people with dangerous weather conditions.<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><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Willem Marx, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br><p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Minnesota Protests<br>(05:28) Zelenskyy Slams Europe In Davos<br>(09:00) Winter Storm Approaches <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>
