Daily News
Up First from NPR
NPR
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
-
Rahm Emanuel on 2026 Midterms and Politics in the Trump Era
Jan 22, 2026 53 minRahm Emanuel has held many political jobs, and he's considering a run for President. In a wide-ranging interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, he critiques democrats and offers advice for the upcoming midterms.<br><br aria-hidden="true">Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.<br/><br/>This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Reena Advani. It was produced by Barry Gordemer and Kaity Kline. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. Our Deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens and our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<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>
-
Greenland Emergency Summit, New World Order, SCOTUS Justices Hear Fed Case
Jan 22, 2026 15 minEuropean leaders meet for an emergency summit as allies weigh a possible deal with the U.S. on Greenland after President Trump walked back threats of military action and tariffs.<br>Trump’s clashes with Canada and Europe raise fresh doubts about the stability of U.S. alliances, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warns coercion and tariff threats are changing the global order.<br>And Supreme Court justices had tough question for Trump's lawyers as they hear arguments over whether a president can fire a Federal Reserve governor, a case that could redefine the independence of the central bank.<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 Miguel Macias, Andrew Sussman, Rafael Nam, 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 deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<br><p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:59) Greenland Emergency Summit<br>(05:27) New World Order<br>(09:10) SCOTUS Justices Hear Fed 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>
-
Trump's Speech In Davos, DOJ Subpoenas For Minnesota, SCOTUS Federal Reserve Case
Jan 21, 2026 14 minEuropean leaders brace for President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum, as new tariff threats and talk of acquiring Greenland overshadow talks on affordability.<br>The Justice Department issues subpoenas to Minnesota’s top Democratic leaders, as state officials accuse the Trump administration of weaponizing immigration enforcement and creating fear in immigrant communities.<br>And the Supreme Court hears a high-stakes case over President Trump’s attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor, a move that could upend a century of precedent and rattle financial markets.<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, Gigi Douban, Krishnadev Calamur, 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">And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:24) Trump's Speech in Davos<br>(06:07) DOJ Subpoenas For Minnesota <br>(09:49) SCOTUS Federal Reserve 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>
-
Michigan's Governor Fears Interference in this Fall's Elections
Jan 20, 2026 28 minGretchen Whitmer is in her final year as governor of the swing state of Michigan. The Democratic governor sat for an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep and talked about tariffs, the prospects of a female president, and the security of upcoming elections.<br/><br/>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.<br/><br/>This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Reena Advani. It was produced by Adam Bearne, Kaity Kline and Ziad Buchh. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<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>
-
Trump's World Stage, El Paso Detention Deaths, Indiana College Football Champions
Jan 20, 2026 15 minAs world leaders gather in Davos, President Trump escalates pressure on allies with new tariff threats, renewed talk of acquiring Greenland, and plans for a sweeping new “Board of Peace” that could reshape global diplomacy.<br> Three people die in six weeks at the country’s largest immigration detention center in El Paso, raising urgent questions about medical care, oversight, and the role of private contractors.<br> And Indiana completes one of the most improbable turnarounds in college football history, capping a perfect season with a national championship win over Miami.<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 Dana Farrington, Alfredo Carbajal, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy, 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">And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:58) Trump's World Stage<br>(05:51) El Paso Detention Deaths<br>(09:17) Indiana College Football Champions<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>
-
Troops Stand By For Minnesota, Greenland NATO Tensions, Gaza Peace Board
Jan 19, 2026 13 minMinnesota braces for a possible escalation as federal troops stand by amid protests against immigration enforcement and renewed threats to invoke the Insurrection Act.<br> Tensions rise with European allies as the White House pressures Denmark and other NATO countries over Greenland, prompting warnings of damage to transatlantic relations.<br> And world leaders are being asked to buy into a new U.S.-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza and other conflicts, with billion-dollar commitments and President Trump at the helm.<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 Padma Rama, Ben Swasey, Gerry Holmes, Mohamad ElBardicy, HJ Mai.<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 Simon-Laslo Janssen. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:57) Troops Stand By For Minnesota<br>(05:47) Greenland NATO Tensions<br>(09:34) Gaza Peace Board<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>
-
Defending the Disabled
Jan 18, 2026 29 minL.A. County Public Defender Noah Cox noticed the disturbing trend. Many of his clients seemed to struggle answering even the most basic questions about the crimes they’d been charged with, questions like, “Where were you that day?” It seemed, Cox said, “like they were having troubles related to some sort of intellectual ability.” But when he dug into their records, Cox could see that while many had committed serious crimes, most had never been identified as disabled or offered resources to help with cognitive impairments. So Cox set about to change that. He helped create a new unit in the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office dedicated to representing people with cognitive disorders.<br/><br/>Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em> a look at the possibilities and challenges of helping those with cognitive impairments stay out of prison and get the resources they need to live productive lives.<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>
-
DOJ Targets Minnesota Officials; Harsh Ukraine Winter; AI Harmful In Child Education
Jan 17, 2026 15 minThe Justice Department has launched an investigation into Minnesota's Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, alleging that they conspired to impede the work of ICE agents. Plus, an especially harsh winter hits Ukraine, where Russian strikes have taken out power plants, leaving many without heat and electricity. And, a new study finds that the use of generative AI is harmful to the development of children.<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>
-
Trump and Minnesota, Venezuela's Opposition, Trump's Healthcare Plan
Jan 16, 2026 13 minProtests intensify in Minneapolis after a second ICE-related shooting, as President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.<br>Venezuela’s top opposition leader brings her Nobel Peace Prize to Washington to press her case with President Trump, even as the U.S. signals support for an interim leader.<br>And President Trump unveils what he calls a new healthcare plan, leaning on cheaper insurance with limited benefits as Congress debates the future of ACA subsidies.<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 Cheryl Corley, Tara Neill, Diane Webber, 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 Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(1:57) Trump and Minnesota<br>(05:29) Venezuela's Opposition<br>(09:20) Trump's Healthcare Plan<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>
-
FBI Search Journalist's Home, U.S. Greenland Talks, Mental Health Funding
Jan 15, 2026 12 minThe FBI searches the home of a Washington Post reporter as part of a leak investigation, raising concerns among press advocates about an escalation against press freedom.<br>U.S. talks with Denmark and Greenland end without a deal on Greenland’s future, but a new working group forms as allies push back on President Trump’s security-driven claims.<br>And after widespread confusion and backlash, the Trump administration reverses course and restores roughly $2 billion in funding for mental health and addiction programs nationwide.<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 Emily Kopp, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Kaity Kline, Nia Dumas and 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 deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<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>
-
Minnesota Prosecutors Quit, Trump in Detroit, Inflation Report
Jan 14, 2026 13 minVeteran federal prosecutors in Minnesota resign after pressure from Justice Department leaders to investigate the widow of Renee Macklin Good, the woman killed by an ICE agent, raising new questions about political interference.<br>President Trump takes his economic message on the road, pitching affordability as voters remain frustrated by high prices.<br>And while gas prices have dipped, rising heating costs, grocery prices, and stubborn inflation show why relief still feels out of reach for many families.<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, Gigi Douban, Krishnadev Calamur, 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">And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(02:19) Minnesota Prosecutors Quit<br>(06:10) Trump in Detroit<br>(09:52) Inflation 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>
-
Trump Weighs Options In Iran, Minnesota Sues DHS, SCOTUS Trans Sports Cases
Jan 13, 2026 13 minMinnesota officials sue the Trump administration, accusing federal immigration agents of unconstitutional conduct, as protests and enforcement intensify after an ICE officer killed 37 year-old Renee Macklin Good.<br>President Trump is weighing options, including military action, as Iran’s largest protests in years grow deadlier as the regime cracks down on nationwide demonstrations.<br>And the Supreme Court hears arguments in two cases over whether states can bar transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.<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/><br/></em><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Gigi Douban, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Kaity Kline.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Simon Laslo-Janssen. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:55) Trump Weighs Options In Iran<br>(05:35) Minnesota Sues DHS, <br>(08:52) SCOTUS Trans Sports Cases<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>
-
Minnesota ICE, Iran Protests, DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve
Jan 12, 2026 14 minTension is mounting in Minneapolis as the Trump administration sends hundreds of additional federal agents into Minnesota and anger grows over last week's ICE shooting that killed 37 year old Renee Good.<br>Deadly protests in Iran intensify as President Trump warns the U.S. could strike the regime if the crackdown continues.<br>And the Justice Department subpoenas the Federal Reserve, prompting Chair Jerome Powell to accuse President Trump of trying to pressure the central bank over interest rates.<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 Daniel Burke, Kate Bartlett, Pallavi Gogoi, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.<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 Simon-Laslo Janssen. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(03:10) Federal Agents Sent to Minnesota<br>(06:53) Iran Protests<br>(10:34) DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve<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>
-
Why More Liberals Are Buying Guns
Jan 11, 2026 25 minSince President Trump’s second inauguration, more liberals, people of color and LGBTQ folks say they are buying guns and getting training. This is the latest in a trend that researchers, gun clubs and trainers say they’ve been watching for years. No longer do firearm buyers fit the old stereo-type of being white, rural and Republican. Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em>, NPR’s Frank Langfitt shares his reporting on the changing face of American gun ownership.<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>
-
Minneapolis Protests ICE Shooting; Protests in Iran; States Preparing for Midterms
Jan 10, 2026 15 minProtests continue in Minneapolis after ICE agents kill a local woman, Renee Good, with more protests planned this weekend. Plus, Iranians have been taking to the streets in cities across the country, protesting against the government there. We'll look at what's behind the protests as well as the government's response. Also, the U.S. federal government might want to get involved with upcoming elections in several ways. We'll look at what this might mean for the midterm elections, and how states are preparing.<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>
-
Minneapolis Protests, Immigration Enforcement Shootings, Running Venezuela
Jan 9, 2026 13 minProtesters in Minneapolis return to the streets as federal agents take over the investigation into the killing of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent, while Portland officials condemn another immigration-related shooting.<br>A review of immigration related shootings under President Trump shows a rising pattern of violence as federal agents carry out increasingly aggressive and public operations in U.S. cities.<br>And President Trump signals the U.S. could run Venezuela “much longer” than expected, as oil executives head to the White House to discuss America’s expanded oversight of the country’s future.<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 Gigi Douban, Rebekah Metzler, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Milton Guevara and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) Minneapolis Protests<br>(05:29) Immigration Enforcement Shootings<br>(09:04) Running Venezuela<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>
-
Minnesota ICE Shooting, Venezuela Oil Tanker Pursuit, RFK Jr's New Dietary Guidelines
Jan 8, 2026 13 minMinnesota state law enforcement officials are working with the FBI to investigate the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officer. <br> U.S. forces boarded a tanker carrying sanctioned oil after a two-week chase across the Atlantic, as the Trump administration expands plans to take control of Venezuela’s oil sales indefinitely.<br> And Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new dietary guidelines flip decades of advice, elevating meat and dairy and alarming many public health researchers.<em></em><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, Kelsey Snell, Kate Bartlett, 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 David Greenburg. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.<p class="readrate">And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) Minnesota ICE Shooting<br>(05:48) Venezuela Oil Tanker Pursuit<br>(09:35) RFK Jr's New Dietary Guidelines<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>
-
Next Steps In Venezuela, GOP 2026 Roadmap, Greenland and Europe
Jan 7, 2026 13 minPresident Trump talks about next steps for Venezuela, calling for U.S. companies to help rebuild the economy even as much of the existing power structure remains in place.<br>Facing tough midterm elections in 2026, Trump tells House Republicans he’s struggling to understand voters and leans into culture-war issues rather than cost-of-living concerns.<br>And European leaders rally around Greenland, pushing back on Trump’s renewed claims that the United States needs the territory for national 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, Kelsey Snell, Kate Bartlett, 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 Stacey Abbott. And 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>(01:59) Next Steps In Venezuela<br>(05:47) GOP 2026 Roadmap<br>(09:32) Greenland and Europe<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>
-
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty, Congress On Venezuela, Vaccine Schedule Overhaul
Jan 6, 2026 13 minOusted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife plead not guilty in New York, after a U.S. military operation brought them out of Venezuela and into a federal courtroom.<br>Lawmakers are divided after a classified congressional briefing on Venezuela, with Republicans insisting the president acted within the law and Democrats asking what comes next.<br>And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scales back routine childhood vaccine recommendations at President Trump’s direction, some pediatricians warn it could leave more kids vulnerable.<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, Gigi Douban, Jane Greenhalgh, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.<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 Stacy Abbott. And our technical director is Neisha Heinis.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.<br/><br/>(0:00) Introduction<br>(1:57) Maduro Pleads Not Guilty<br>(05:32) Congress on Venezuela<br>(09:18) Vaccine Schedule Overhaul<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>
-
U.S. In Venezuela, Future Of Venezuela, Maduro In NYC Court
Jan 5, 2026 13 minPresident Trump says the United States will run Venezuela after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas.<br>Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez shifts from defiance to calls for cooperation as the White House ramps up pressure and threatens further action.<br>And Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York courtroom, facing drug trafficking, weapons, and narco-terrorism charges that could test the reach of U.S. law overseas.<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, Tara Neill, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.<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. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) U.S. In Venezuela<br>(05:49) Future Of Venezuela <br>(09:46) Maduro In NYC Court<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>
-
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in New York City, faces narcoterrorism charges
Jan 4, 2026 17 min<p class="readrate">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York, awaiting trial on charges of narcoterrorism, cocaine-importation conspiracy and weapons charges. The operation to capture Maduro happened in the middle of the night as U.S. troops enjoyed the element of surprise. The U.S. says Maduro is not the legitimate president of Venezuela and accuse him of being the leader of a violent drug cartel.<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>
-
The U.S. strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro
Jan 3, 2026 16 min<p class="readrate">The U.S. bombed the Venezuelan capital Caracas and other areas of the country, and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump said Maduro is being flown to the U.S. and Attorney General Pam Bondi says he will be indicted in the Southern District of New York. The events come after months of escalating U.S. pressure, sending troops and warships to the Carribean.<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>
-
Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout, Epstein Files Mess, Swiss Nightclub Fire
Jan 2, 2026 13 minSomali-run day care centers in Minnesota report threats and vandalism after a viral right-wing video accusing them of fraud prompts federal action with nationwide consequences.<br>The Justice Department misses its deadline to release the Epstein files, fueling confusion and conspiracy theories as heavily redacted and unreliable documents trickle out.<br>And Switzerland begins days of mourning after a deadly New Year’s Eve fire rips through a crowded nightclub at a ski resort, killing dozens and injuring many more.<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 Luis Clemens, Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Kaity Kline and Christopher Thomas.<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate">We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is David Greenburg..<p class="readrate"><p class="readrate"> Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<p class="readrate">(0:00) Introduction<br>(01:54) Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout<br>(05:31) Epstein Files Mess <br>(09:27) Swiss Nightclub Fire<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>
-
Healthcare Subsides Expire, Trump and Minnesota, Mamdani Takes Office In NYC
Jan 1, 2026 13 minHealth insurance costs jump for millions after pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies expired overnight. <br>The Trump administration freezes child care funding nationwide after targeting Minnesota over unproven fraud claims tied to Somali-run day care centers.<br>And New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is sworn in at midnight as he prepares to take office.<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 Carrie Feibel, Cheryl Corley, Andrea De Leon, 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 Stacey Abbott. And 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>(02:33) Health care Subsidies Expire<br>(05:53) Trump and Minnesota<br>(10:06) Mamdani Takes Office in NYC<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>
-
U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela, Iran Protests, Flu Cases Surge
Dec 31, 2025 15 minPresident Trump confirms the first known U.S. strike inside Venezuela, saying it targets drug trafficking as critics warn it risks escalation.<br>Iranian authorities shut down cities and security forces move in to contain growing protests as anger over inflation and sanctions boils over.<br> And the flu is spreading fast across the U.S., with a new strain driving cases higher just as vaccination rates slip and hospitals brace for what’s next.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a> to the Up First newsletter.</em><br><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, James Hider, Rebecca Davis, 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 Stacey Abbott. And 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>(03:30) U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela<br>(07:25) Iran Protests<br>(11:22) Flu Cases Surge<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>
-
Trump Pushes Hamas Disarmament, Ukraine Peace Talks, A Year Of DOGE
Dec 30, 2025 14 minPresident Trump doubles down on demanding Hamas disarm after meeting with Israel’s prime minister, and warned Iran not to rebuild its nuclear program.<br> Ukraine’s president presses the White House for decades-long U.S. security guarantees as part of a proposed peace deal with Russia.<br> And a year after DOGE’s push to shrink government, agencies are smaller, spending is higher, and millions of Americans’ data remains in play.<br/><br/><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a> to the Up First newsletter.<br></em><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Ruth Sherlock, Anna Yukhananov, 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 Stacey Abbott. 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>(03:13) Trump Pushes Hamas Disarmament <br>(07:25) Ukraine Peace Talks <br>(10:45) A Year Of DOGE <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>
-
Trump Zelensky Meeting, Netanyahu Mar-a-Lago Meeting, Rough Year For Poverty Aid
Dec 29, 2025 14 minPresident Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy signal momentum on peace talks, but fighting continues and key disputes remain.<br>Israel’s prime minister is in Mar-a-Lago today as pressure mounts over Gaza, Iran, and what comes next in Trump's ceasefire deal. <br>And anti-poverty groups warn funding chaos is forcing cuts just as more Americans need help.<br><em><br>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a> to the Up First newsletter.<br></em><p class="readrate">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Catherine Laidlaw, Mohamad ElBardicy, Adriana Gallardo.<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 Simon-Laslow Jansen. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<p class="readrate"><br><p class="readrate">(00:00) Introduction<br>(03:26) Trump Zelensky Meeting<br>(07:17) Netanyahu Mar-a-Lago Meeting <br>(10:53) Rough Year For Poverty Aid <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>
-
A New Chapter, Later in Life
Dec 28, 2025 25 minAt the end of every year, many of us resolve to make small changes in our lives. But what would it take to make a radical change–and can it still be done if you’ve reached retirement age? Today on <em>The Sunday Story</em>, WBUR reporter Anthony Brooks shares stories about people he’s met who’ve done just that. <br/><br/><br>To hear more of Anthony’s reporting on people who reinvented themselves late in life, check out his series "<a href="https://www.wbur.org/tag/greater-boston-new-careers-reinvention"target="_blank" >The Third Act</a>."<br/><br/><br><em>This interview originally aired on January 19, 2025.</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>
-
The Second Trump Administration, South America Shifts Right, Time For Sports
Dec 27, 2025 18 min<p class="readrate" data-rr="15" style="line-height: 1.2;" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">NPR’s Ron Elving has been thinking about the state of U.S. politics since President Donald Trump returned to power. Also, several countries in South America elected conservative and even far right leaders in 2025, marking a political and ideological shift in the region. And, we’ll have the highlight reel from the year in sports. <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>
-
U.S. Strikes ISIS In Nigeria, The Year In Congress, Holiday Spending
Dec 26, 2025 13 min<p dir="ltr">President Trump has announced the U.S. launched a number of strikes against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria. Congress started 2025 with an ambitious legislative agenda, but 12 months later has ceded much of its power to President Trump and has passed a record low number of bills. And, shoppers spent a record amount of money this holiday season even as polling finds Americans are feeling glum about the economy.<p dir="ltr"><em>Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? <a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news"target="_blank" >Subscribe</a> to the Up First newsletter.</em><p dir="ltr">Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Gerry Holmes, Jason Breslow, Emily Kopp, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woelfle. <br/><br/>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. <p dir="ltr">We get engineering support from David Greenberg. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.<br/><br/>And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.<p dir="ltr">(00:00) Introduction<br>(02:00) U.S. Strikes ISIS In Nigeria<br>(05:40) The Year In Congress<br>(09:28) Holiday Spending<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>
