NPR’s Up First is designed to kickstart your morning by delivering essential news. Each weekday at 6:30 a.m. ET, the podcast covers the top three stories of the day with insightful reporting and analysis from NPR News. The hosts include Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, and A Martinez.
On Saturdays, tune in at 9 a.m. ET for hosts Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. Sundays bring a more in-depth exploration with Ayesha Rascoe on “The Sunday Story,” which is available by 8 a.m. ET.
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, listen, and support their local NPR station at donate.npr.org. For those preferring an ad-free experience, Up First+ offers a subscription service; more details can be found at plus.npr.org/upfirst.
The podcast is accessible across multiple platforms, including the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube Music. An RSS link is also available for direct access.
Recent Episodes
May 25, 2026: Coverage of US-Iran Negotiations reveals a tentative deal emerging after discussions with Gulf leaders and Israel. Reactions from the Middle East are unfolding, while a new Ebola outbreak in the DRC spreads concerns.
May 24, 2026: The Trump administration’s rollbacks on climate policies pose challenges, but some cities and states are finding ways to continue with climate action initiatives.
May 23, 2026: Increasing pressure from Washington on Cuba is noted, and criminal charges in Tennessee against Kilmar Abrego Garcia are dismissed. Rising cooling costs are expected amid approaching warmer weather.
The podcast provides concise and timely updates on significant news events, making it a valuable resource for listeners eager to stay informed about current affairs.