Up First from NPR

Health Care Subsidies, Flooding In Washington, DOJ Under President Trump

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Health care subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year. Millions of Americans face price hikes but can Congress reach a deal to alleviate the...

Zelenskyy and Peace Promises, Abrego Garcia Release, Indiana Rejects Redistricting

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he’s willing to hold elections if the US and other allies help ensure security. Is that a promise Tru...

ACA Vote, Fed Cuts Interest Rates, US-Venezuela

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Obamacare health insurance subsidies set to expire this month, millions of Americans are bracing for massive increases in healthcare costs. Also,...

Trump Economy, Federal Reserve December, Afghan Fighters' Struggles

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump insists the economy is thriving. So, how does he explain why so many voters view the economy negatively? Also, the Federal Reserve con...

Trump's Defends Affordability, SCOTUS & Presidential Power, Indiana Redistricting

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump heads to Pennsylvania to defend his record on affordability as polls show voters increasingly blame his policies for high prices.The S...

SCOTUS FTC Case, ACA Extension Vote, Zelensky In London

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Supreme Court hears a case that could upend decades of limits on executive power by allowing the president to fire leaders of independent agency l...

The Families Hiding from ICE

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With increased immigration enforcement under President Trump, many families with undocumented members are living in fear of US Immigration and Custo...

CDC Vaccine Vote; Netflix Buys Warner Bros; Economic Outlook

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A CDC advisory panel has voted to roll back Hepatitis B vaccines for newborns. If approved, it could reverse 30 years of gains in fighting the liver d...

Hegseth Scrutiny, Jan 6th Pipe Bomb Suspect, Texas Redistricting Ruling

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Pentagon watchdog report and video of a deadly boat strike in the Caribbean deepen scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s actions. Federal a...

Trump's Racist Somali Remarks, Signalgate Report, CDC Vaccine Meeting

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump leans into a familiar political strategy of attacking immigrant communities as he intensifies racist comments about Minnesota’s Soma...

Russia Rejects Peace Proposal, Hegseth Defends Boat Strikes, Tennessee House Election

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A five-hour meeting between Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff ends without a breakthrough, as the Kremlin rejects key parts of the updated U...

Hegseth Boat Strikes, Witkoff To Moscow, National Guard Shooting Suspect

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A U.S. official contradicts the White House account of who ordered the deadly boat strike in the Caribbean, while President Trump considers his next ...

National Guard Shooting & Immigration, Venezuela Latest, Ukraine Negotiations

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The White House is moving swiftly to tighten legal immigration reviews after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. last week, escal...

Your Next Great Listen

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you searching for your next favorite podcast? With an endless queue of options, it can be hard to choose. That’s where Lauren Gonzales, co-write...

Airbus A-320 Inspections, Afghan Asylum Seekers in Limbo, Real Video or AI Generated?

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A JetBlue plane plunged uncontrollably last month prompting the parent company to issue an order to inspect all Airbus A-320 jets. It’s bad timing f...

Trump Suspends Immigration After Guard Attack, Holiday Economy, Retail Spending

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of the two National Guard members allegedly shot by an Afghan man in Washington, D.C. has died. In response, President Trump says he wants to perm...

Targeted Attack On National Guard, Trump Case Dismissed, Russia Awaits Peace Terms

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two national guard members are in critical condition after being shot near the White House. President Trump says the suspect came to the U.S. from Afg...

Ukraine Peace Negotiations, Trump's Ukraine Motivations, Holiday Travel

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Leaked transcripts of a call between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and an advisor of Russian President Vladimir Putin detail how President Trump’...

One-on-one with Utah Governor Spencer Cox

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, Utah Governor Spencer Cox called for civility. Steve Inskeep spoke to him at a meeting of...

Comey and James Indictments Dismissed, New Ukraine Peace Plan, Pressure On Venezuela

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A federal judge dismissed the indictments President Trump ordered up against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia Jam...

Updated Ukraine Peace Plan, MAGA Fractures, Fragile Gaza Ceasefire

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The U.S. and Ukraine have updated President Trump’s 28-point peace proposal. They acted after widespread criticism of the original plan that appeare...

Higher Education’s AI Problem

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Across the country, colleges and universities are struggling to figure out how to incorporate AI into the classroom. ChatGPT debuted almost exactly th...

Parsing the Peace Deal, MAGA Star Quits, Obesity Pills, (Bonus!) Books We Love

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Russia's long-standing requests are predominant in a peace deal for Ukraine brokered by American and Russian envoys. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga....

CDC Links Vaccines and Autism, Trump's Ukraine Peace Plan, Mamdani Meets Trump

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The CDC quietly rewrites its vaccine guidance online to suggest shots might cause autism, raising new questions about political influence over public ...

Comey Prosecution Troubles, New Findings In Epstein Documents, Nvidia & A.I. Bubble

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former FBI director James Comey’s prosecution hits a major snag after prosecutors admit the grand jury never reviewed his full indictment, raising q...

Trump Defends Saudi Prince, Epstein Bill Passes, Trump Low Approval Rating

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump defends Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House visit, even as the two leaders unveil sweeping military, nuclear, ...

House Votes On Epstein Files, MAGA Coalition Cracks, Saudi Leader Visits White House

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The House votes today on whether to force the release of long-awaited Epstein files, a move pushed by a bipartisan coalition despite President Trump’...

Trump's Epstein Reversal, US Military Pressure On Venezuela, Charlotte Border Patrol

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump suddenly reverses course on the Epstein files, urging Republicans to support a House vote on Tuesday that he was previously trying to ...

What is a ceasefire?

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump says his Gaza peace plan will end the war between Israel and Hamas and launch a new era of peace in the Middle East. But a month into ...

Congressional To-Do List, Trump V. BBC, Ukraine Update

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Congress returns to further negotiations on health care subsidies and an earlier-than-expected vote on the Epstein files. President Trump is threateni...

Epstein Files Fallout, Charlotte Immigration Patrols, Economic Impact Of Shutdown

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The White House is calling the recent trove of Epstein documents a "distraction" as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers call for the full release...

Epstein Documents Dump, Government Reopens, Affordable Care Act Limbo

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Newly released emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s files include messages linking President Trump to the disgraced financier, as Congress prepares to vote...

House Shutdown Vote, Aviation Challenges, USS Ford In Caribbean

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

House Republicans say they have the votes to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, a vote today could send the bill to President Trump’...

House Votes on Funding Bill, Shutdown Deal Dissent, COP30 Global Emissions

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The House returns to vote on a bipartisan bill that could end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and send thousands of federal workers ba...

Senate Shutdown Breakthrough, SNAP Legal Battle, COP30 Climate Summit Starts

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senate Democrats break ranks to join Republicans in backing a deal to reopen the government after 41 days, a move that could finally end the longest s...

Carlson’s War: Part 1

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to live through war? And can someone who’s experienced war ever get over it? These are questions NPR’s Quil Lawrence has been ...

Carlson’s War: Part 2

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2: In part two of Carlson’s War, we find Dave Carlson locked up in prison while tormented by PTSD from his time serving in Iraq. Alone and in p...

Who's Been Paying Tariffs, DHS Surveillance Tools, Israel Holds Florida Teen

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

U.S. consumers have not borne the full brunt of President Trump's tariffs but that may change if they are held up, all or in part, by the Supreme Cour...

FAA Cuts Flights, SNAP Ruling, Trump Focused Abroad

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The FAA directs airlines to cut flights by ten percent as the government shutdown strains the nation’s air traffic system. A federal judge orders t...

State Of The Shutdown, SCOTUS Tariff Arguments, Chicago ICE Ruling

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump calls on Senate Republicans to end the government shutdown by scrapping the filibuster, even as he admits the standoff hurt the party ...

VA NJ Governor Races, Mamdani Elected NYC Mayor, California Redistricting

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Democrats won two governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey, victories they call a rejection of President Trump’s policies and a sign that economi...

Four Big Races To Watch, Partial SNAP Funding, Sudan Famine, Dick Cheney Dies at 84

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Voters in New York, Virginia and New Jersey choose new leaders today, and a redistricting vote in California could reshape the balance of power in Con...

Trump's Shutdown Travel, SNAP Benefits Gap, NYC Mayoral Race

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump returns to Washington D.C. after a week of international travel and a weekend at his resort in Florida while the government shutdown e...

How Smaller Families are Changing the World

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Across the globe, there is a shift in the size of families as birthrates decline. Communities, schools, and workforces are all shrinking at an alarmin...

SNAP decision, Open Enrollment, Electricity Prices Increase

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two judges rule that it’s unlawful for President Trump to suspend SNAP food benefits. With higher premiums and a government shutdown, open enrollmen...

Democrats' Shutdown Pressure, SNAP Deadline, Nuclear Testing

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Democrats are facing growing pressure to end the government shutdown as millions brace to lose food aid and health care costs surge. A federal judge w...

Trump-Xi Meeting, Head Start Funding, Surgeon General Nominee

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump met with China’s President Xi Jinping in South Korea, where the two leaders agree to ease trade tensions after months of tariff wars...

Hurricane Melissa Aftermath, Israel Strikes Gaza Again, Air-Traffic Controllers

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica, leaving neighborhoods underwater and hundreds of thousands without power as it moves toward Cuba. President Trum...

SNAP Benefits Shutdown, Trump In Japan, Hurricane Melissa

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 40 million Americans will soon be without federal food assistance because SNAP benefits are set to expire on November 1 as the government sh...

Trump In Asia, U.S. Military In Caribbean, Shutdown Week 4

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump’s Asia trip kicks off with peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand and a trade framework with China, before meeting with Presiden...

Kiwi vs. Predator

26 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In New Zealand, a nationwide extermination campaign is underway. It's one of the most ambitious in the world. The country is home to more than four th...

House Members During Shutdown; Trump Visits Asia; US Military Buildup in Caribbean

25 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some members of the House of Representatives are using down time during the shutdown to connect from their constituents back home - we'll tell you wha...

Missed Paychecks, NBA Gambling Scandal, Russia Reacts

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than a million federal workers are missing their first full paycheck as the shutdown stretches into week four, with pressure building on Washingt...

Ukraine-EU Meeting, National Guard Deployment Cases, Pentagon Press Corps

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

European leaders meet with Ukraine’s president with billions in frozen Russian assets on the table as the European Union and United States impose ne...

VP Vance In Israel, Shutdown Politics, White House Under Construction

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vice President JD Vance says he’s optimistic about the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the U.S. pushes for the next phase of the deal....

Shutdown Economics, U.S.- Colombia Tensions, Louvre Heist Fallout

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The economic cost of the government shutdown is mounting, as workers miss paychecks and contracts stall. President Trump’s feud with Colombia is dee...

Airstrikes On Gaza, Shutdown Pressure Points, Venezuela Boat Strikes

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel says the ceasefire is back on after it launched strikes on Gaza in response to clashes over the weekend that threaten to unravel a fragile deal...

A Tiny Plot to Call Home

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Homeless encampments are a part of the landscape in many U.S. cities. In Oakland, California, one of the longest-standing and most well-known encampme...

"No Kings" Protests; Aid Slow for Gaza; U.S. - China Trade War Heats Up

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thousands of "No Kings" rallies are planned across the U.S. today, protesting the Trump administration's policies. Plus, over a week in the Hamas-Isra...

Bolton Indicted, Trump and Zelenskyy Meeting, Rebuilding Gaza

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Bolton is indicted on 18 counts for allegedly mishandling classified information dating back to his time as national security advisor during Pres...

Venezuela Escalation, Shutdown Layoffs Paused, Military Pay

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump escalates pressure on Venezuela, authorizing covert CIA operations and striking suspected drug boats. A federal judge pauses the Trump...

Gaza Ceasefire Tested, Shutdown Stalemate, SCOTUS Voting Rights

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hamas hands over more bodies of deceased hostages as tensions rise in Gaza over the next phase of the ceasefire deal. The government shutdown stretche...

What's Next For Gaza?, Trump Return From Middle East Trip, ICE Tactics

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A fragile ceasefire is holding in Gaza as Hamas fighters return to the streets and freed detainees cross back into the strip. President Trump returns ...

Hostages Released, Trump In The Middle East, Shutdown Layoffs

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Phase one of the Gaza ceasefire is underway as Hamas releases Israeli hostages and thousands of Palestinians held by Israel are being reunited with th...

ICE Under Trump

12 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump campaigned on a promise of mass deportations. Since he took office in January, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also k...

Nobel Laureate Maria Corina Machado on Regime Change in Venezuela

11 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado reacts to her Nobel Peace Prize, announced Friday, and tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe why sh...

Israel, Hamas Peace Deal Latest; Federal Worker Layoffs; Health Care Subsidies

11 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The peace deal between Israel and Hamas is entering its second day - we'll have the latest on how things are going on the ground. Also, As the shutdow...

Gaza Ceasefire, Trump's Middle East Peace Plan, Letitia James Indicted

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A fragile ceasefire deal is being put to the test as Israeli troops begin pulling back in Gaza. President Trump prepares to travel to the Middle East ...

Gaza Ceasefire Reached, Shutdown Day 9, Chicago National Guard

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a 20 point peace deal. More than a week into the government shutdown, the part...

Shutdown Politics, Air Traffic Control Issues, Comey Arraignment

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The government shutdown enters its second week with no negotiations underway, as President Trump threatens permanent layoffs. The impact of the shutdo...

National Guard Powers, Marking October 7th, SCOTUS: Conversion Therapy

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Texas deploys National Guard troops under President Trump’s orders as legal battles intensify over his authority to send them into Democratic-led ci...

National Guard Portland, Gaza Talks In Egypt, SCOTUS Term Begins

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A federal judge issues a late night order to stop President Trump’s latest attempt to deploy the National Guard to Portland, Oregon, warning the adm...

National Security, Unlocked

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mary Louise Kelly, host of NPR's All Things Considered, is no stranger to tough conversations with important people. In her new national security podc...

Hamas Agrees to Trump Plan, Shutdown Day 4, Medicaid Cuts

04 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hamas says it will release all hostages remaining in Gaza, as part of President Trump’s ceasefire deal, as long as its conditions are met. Fourth da...

Shutdown Day 3, No Jobs Report, Trump Pressures Universities

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senators are set to vote again on competing spending bills to fund the government, with neither side budging and looming consequences of a prolonged s...

Kentucky’s governor on the shutdown and political divisions

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Andy Beshear is widely popular in red state Kentucky and he's considering a run for president. The Democratic governor sat for an interview with NPR's...

White House Shutdown Cuts, Government Services Interrupted, Gaza City Evacuation

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump’s budget director is canceling billions in projects and threatening mass layoffs as the White House uses the government shutdown to ...

Government Shutdown Begins, Impact Of Shutdown, Trump Hegseth Military Meeting

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The federal government has shut down for the first time since 2019, with President Trump threatening mass layoffs and facing criticism for using gover...

Shutdown Deadline, Gaza Deal Reaction, Top Military Leaders Meeting

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Federal agencies will run out of money tonight unless Congress reaches a last-minute deal, with both parties still deadlocked over health care funding...

Michigan Church Shooting, Government Shutdown Negotiations, Trump Netanyahu Meeting

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A gunman was killed in a shootout with police after he drove his truck into a Michigan church during Sunday services, opened fire inside, and set the ...

American Voices on Trump

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trump administration has moved fast to chart a new course for American policy both here at home as well as internationally. But how are those chan...

Comey And Beyond, Costs Of TikTok Deal, Dreamers Amid Deportations

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump claims not to have a list of people for the government to punish but he has already specified some individuals alongside now-indicted ...

Comey Indictment, Hegseth Summons Military Leaders, Impending Shutdown

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former FBI Director James Comey is indicted on obstruction and false statement charges after President Trump pressured the Justice Department to pursu...

ICE Shooting In Texas, UNGA: Ukraine Warning, Government Shutdown Standoff

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE office leaves one detainee dead and highlights rising violence around immigration enforcement. Ukraine's president w...

Government Shutdown Looms, UNGA: Trump Slams Russia, Jimmy Kimmel Returns

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump cancels a meeting with Democratic leaders as a government shutdown looms, with both sides refusing to budge on health care demands. At...

Autism and Tylenol, Jimmy Kimmel Returns, Trump At The UN

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump promotes unproven links between Tylenol, vaccines, and autism, and moves to change drug labels despite scientists warning the evidence...

Charlie Kirk Memorial, Trump Pressures DOJ, Palestinian State Recognition

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump and top officials turned Charlie Kirk’s memorial into both a tribute and a political rally, with Trump calling him a martyr and vowi...

Casualties of Trump’s War on Higher Ed

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump has a long list of grievances against many U.S. colleges and universities. He’s complained about antisemitism on campuses, of gender...

The Week In Politics, The Week In Free Speech, The Week In Vaccines

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Congress leaves for recess without an agreement on government funding, making an October shutdown more likely than not. The First Amendment's free spe...

Trump And Free Speech, CDC On Childhood Vaccines, Antifa Terror Designation

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump is pressuring the FCC to target broadcasters that criticize him, raising new questions about free speech and government power. A CDC v...

CDC Meeting On Vaccines, Fed Rate Cuts, Kimmel Suspended

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vaccine advisers to the CDC meet today to decide on COVID boosters and childhood shots, with new members raising doubts about long-settled science. Th...

Kirk Suspect Charged, Trump Visits The King, FBI Director Patel Testifies

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Utah prosecutors charge Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and other crimes in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a case that could...

Vance and Charlie Kirk, Patel On The Hill, Fed Preview

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vice President JD Vance calls Charlie Kirk’s death personal and political, vowing to target groups he blames for fueling violence. FBI Director Kash...

Kirk Probe Latest, Rubio in Israel, Emmys Recap

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Authorities in Utah are still searching for a motive in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in ...

Life in a Christian Commune

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a young woman, Kate Riley’s search for meaning led her to a Christian commune. She lived there for a year and embraced collective life – everyo...

Utah Suspect in Custody, Campuses React, Missouri Passes Redistricting

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Members of Tyler Robinson's community say they are shocked he is accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Colleges are questioning ...

Kirk Shooting Investigation, Economic Round-up, Brazil's Bolsanaro Convicted

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Police have released video and pictures of a suspect who they believe shot and killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, and authorities are ur...

Latest on the Kirk Investigation, Who Was Charlie Kirk?, Russian Drones Over Poland

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Police are still searching for the gunman who killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk during a speech at a Utah college campus. We look back at Kirk’...

IL Gov. Pritzker On Crime, Immigration, Trump's 'Power Grab'

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

JB Pritzker is in a battle with President Trump over crime and immigration--or really, Pritzker says, over a power grab. Pritzker has so far blocked T...

Israel Strikes Qatar, ICE In Chicago, MAHA and Kids

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar as they were considering a deal to release all hostages, several people were killed but Hamas says none of its ...