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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 NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst

Most Recent Episodes

Special Coverage: Hassan Nasrallah Is Dead. What's Next For The Middle East?

Israel's assassination of Hassan Nasrallah — who led Hezbollah for more than 30 years — has been met with mixed reactions in the region. In Israel, there have been celebrations, even as people prepare for the possibility of retaliation. In Ramallah, in the West Bank, streets filled with Palestinians chanting promises to continue resistance against Israel. Nasrallah's death raises questions about who will fill a power void at the top of what the US considers a terrorist organization.

Special Coverage: Hassan Nasrallah Is Dead. What's Next For The Middle East?

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BONUS: Trump's Return To The White House

In this bonus episode, Up First co-hosts Leila Fadel and A Martinez break down what's behind President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House with the day's reporters, political strategists and analysts.

BONUS: Trump's Return To The White House

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BONUS: Biden's Speech At White House, Trump's Victory, Administration Transition

In this bonus episode, Up First co-hosts Leila Fadel and A Martinez break down the latest analysis of the election results and what's ahead for the next Trump administration with the day's reporters, experts and analysts.

BONUS: Biden's Speech At White House, Trump's Victory, Administration Transition

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BONUS: "We, The Voters" Swing State Debrief

This bonus episode features Up First co-hosts Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, Leila Fadel and A Martinez. In the closing days of the election they get together to talk about their biggest takeaways from the voters they spoke with in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nevada – swing states that could decide the election.

BONUS: "We, The Voters" Swing State Debrief

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BONUS: Trump's Day One Promises

The Up First co-hosts spent the week diving into some the promises President-elect Donald Trump has made for his return to the White House. From a pledge to pardon January 6th rioters and start mass deportations to a commitment to close the Department of Education, increase fossil fuel production, and roll-back protections for transgender people.

BONUS: Trump's Day One Promises

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Barbara's book Bringing Ben Home, a Murder, a Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice. Barbara Bradley Hagerty hide caption

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Barbara Bradley Hagerty

The Luckiest of the Unlucky

In part two of our story about Ben Spencer, a man sentenced to life in prison for a crime he said he didn't commit, former NPR correspondent Barbara Bradley Hagerty begins her own investigation. She returns to the scene of the crime and reinterviews witnesses. Hagerty finds new evidence of Spencer's innocence. And yet, the courts refuse to release him.

The Luckiest of the Unlucky

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Gaza Famine and Diplomacy, EPA Emissions Standards, GOP's Epstein Troubles

The UK says it will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel doesn't act to end deaths from starvation. Trump's EPA wants to reverse course on CO2 emissions standards. And, Jeffrey Epstein's confidant Ghislaine Maxwell says she will speak with lawmakers in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

Gaza Famine and Diplomacy, EPA Emissions Standards, GOP's Epstein Troubles

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NYC Office Shooting, Trump In Scotland, Gaza Aid Latest

A gunman shot and killed four people — including a police officer — at an office building in midtown Manhattan. During his four-day trip to Scotland, President Trump made several deals, including a new US-EU trade agreement. And, the aid situation has changed in Gaza now that Israel has relaxed the rules for aid deliveries.

NYC Office Shooting, Trump In Scotland, Gaza Aid Latest

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Trump In Scotland, Gaza Aid, Pete Buttigieg on Democrats

President Trump spent the weekend in Scotland where he announced a new tariff deal with the European Union. Following days of global outrage about images of starvation in Gaza, the Israeli military announced a daily pause in fighting and a revival of aid airdrops, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg weighs in on the path ahead for the Democratic party.

Trump In Scotland, Gaza Aid, Pete Buttigieg on Democrats

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U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while speaking at the Justice Department March 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

How is Trump Changing the Justice Department?

Since Donald Trump's reelection, the Justice Department is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Once guided by norms of independence from the White House, the department now appears closely aligned with the president's personal agenda. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe and Justice Correspondent Ryan Lucas look at how Trump's new team—many of them his former personal attorneys—are reshaping the DOJ's mission, from the handling of specific prosecutions to sweeping changes in the Civil Rights Division. Critics call it the weaponization of justice; supporters say it's a long-overdue course correction.

How is Trump Changing the Justice Department?

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