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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR

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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 public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Up First, NPR News Now, and more.Copyright 2015-2026 NPR - For Personal Use Only
Daily Politics & Government
Episodes
  • AI Development Slowdown, Gulf States Postpone Iran Talks, Republican Midterm Strategy
    Sep 14 2026
    Leaders of some of the biggest AI companies say it is time to slow the pace of development after a string of incidents in which their systems went off script, even as President Trump says the United States should not ease up in the race with China.
    Talks between Iran and Gulf Arab states aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz were postponed as Iran-backed Houthis expand their control near another major shipping route and attacks put more pressure on Saudi oil exports.
    President Trump’s promise to give Americans $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress is getting a mixed response inside his own party, as Republicans head into the midterms with high prices, the Iran war and Trump’s low approval ratings weighing on them.

    Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

    Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

    Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rafeal Nam, Anna Yukhananov, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and HJ Mai.

    It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

    Our director is Christopher Thomas.

    We get engineering support from Zac Coleman.

    Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

    (0:00) Introduction
    (01:54) AI Development Slowdown
    (06:00) Gulf States Postpone Iran Talks
    (09:27) Republican Midterm Strategy

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    13 mins
  • The Clancy trial and a split over postpartum psychosis
    Sep 13 2026
    Last week, a judge declared a mistrial in the murder case of Lindsay Clancy, leading the public to wonder: What really went on in the jury room?

    On this episode of The Sunday Story, Ayesha Rascoe talks to WBUR’s Deborah Becker, who was at the courthouse for the duration of the trial. She explains why this trial ended without a verdict – and what the public interest in the case says about an evolving view of postpartum psychosis.

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    28 mins
  • BRICS Summit in India, Amazon Air Plane Crash, Federal Film Tax Bill
    Sep 12 2026
    India hosts the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi this weekend. The crash of an Amazon cargo jet in Miami is raising concerns about the safety culture at the retail giant's air operations. Congress weighs in on potential federal tax incentives to keep film production in the United States.

    Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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    15 mins
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he title was good enjoyed listening to the audiobook. the story line was interesting. nice

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I always learn something listening to this program. It is my daily must-listen program to catch up on important news & insightful analysis. I greatly appreciate their fair-minded reporting.

Reporting with honesty & integrity

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Up first is the best way for me to know what fresh hell we are in now. I look forward to better leadership and news that is hopeful and future focused.

What Now??

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I am so glad to hear Ayesha Roscoe hosting this show. I have been a fan of her reporting for some time. Up First is my favorite morning news podcast and it is great to hear her as a host.

Yay! Ayesha’s here!

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NPR offers this well produced, in-depth news for commuters. Their network of independent informed reporters do a great job explaining both domestic and international news.

Well produced, in-depth news for commuters

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