Up First from NPR

Latest Episodes:

CDC Meeting On Vaccines, Fed Rate Cuts, Kimmel Suspended Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Vaccine advisers to the CDC meet today to decide on COVID boosters and childhood shots, with new members raising doubts about long-settled science. The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter point to shore up a slowing job market, even as President Trump pushes for deeper cuts. And ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s killing.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Scott Hensley, Rafael Nam, Matteen Mokalla, Mohamad El-Bardicy and Olivia Hampton.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ana Perez and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy

Kirk Suspect Charged, Trump Visits The King, FBI Director Patel Testifies Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Utah prosecutors charge Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and other crimes in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a case that could carry the death penalty. President Trump is in Britain for a rare second state visit, mixing royal pageantry with talks on trade and foreign policy. And FBI Director Kash Patel returns to Capitol Hill, facing questions about his leadership and his handling of high-profile investigations.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Gigi Douban, Roberta Rampton, Jason Breslow, Mohamad El-Bardicy and Olivia Hampton.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

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

Vance and Charlie Kirk, Patel On The Hill, Fed Preview Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Vice President JD Vance calls Charlie Kirk’s death personal and political, vowing to target groups he blames for fueling violence. FBI Director Kash Patel faces senators after his tweets during the Kirk investigation raised questions about his leadership. And the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates as President Trump reshapes the central bank’s governing board.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Ana Yukhananov, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Olivia Hampton

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

Kirk Probe Latest, Rubio in Israel, Emmys Recap Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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 Jerusalem after Israel’s strike on Doha put the U.S. at odds with two close allies. And at the Emmys, Adolescence, The Studio, and The Pitt took top prizes.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Russell Lewis, Kevin Drew, Matteen Mokalla, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Olivia Hampton

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from David Greenburg. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy

Life in a Christian Commune Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

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 – everyone dressed the same and no one owned any private property. Kids growing up there didn’t have contact with cell phones or money. In this week’s conversation, Riley sits down with Ayesha Rascoe to explore what it means to be an individual in a communal place. And she shares what she learned about her own identity. These experiences informed her first novel, Ruth.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy

Utah Suspect in Custody, Campuses React, Missouri Passes Redistricting Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

Members of Tyler Robinson's community say they are shocked he is accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Colleges are questioning how open their campuses should be to the public. Missouri lawmakers have answered President Trump's call to help maintain the Republican majority in Congress by redrawing the state's voting map for the midterm election next year.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy

Kirk Shooting Investigation, Economic Round-up, Brazil's Bolsanaro Convicted Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

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 urging the public to come forward with tips. Stocks are surging on hopes of lower interest rates, even as Americans face rising prices at the store and a cooling job market. And in Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro has been found guilty of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election.

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

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Eric Whitney, Rafael Nam, Tara Neil, Mohamad ElBardicy, Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from David Greenburg. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy

Latest on the Kirk Investigation, Who Was Charlie Kirk?, Russian Drones Over Poland Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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’s rise in conservative politics through Turning Point USA and the controversies that defined him. And in Europe, Russian drones crossing into Poland are testing NATO’s limits and raising fears of a wider war.

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

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Megan Pratz, Kate Bartlett, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woefle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

IL Gov. Pritzker On Crime, Immigration, Trump's 'Power Grab' Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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 Trump's effort to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, but immigration agents have arrived. As they did, Pritzker sat for a wide-ranging talk with NPR's Steve Inskeep about the president, immigrants, Chicago's development, and his party's future.

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

This bonus episode of Up First was edited by Reena Advani. It was produced by Adam Bearne. We get engineering support from Gilly Moon. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy

Israel Strikes Qatar, ICE In Chicago, MAHA and Kids Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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 leaders were hit. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker spoke with Steve Inskeep as the Trump administration launches “Operation Midway Blitz “ in Chicago— sending hundreds of immigration agents to the city. And, the White House unveils its Make Our Children Healthy Again plan — with more than 100 recommendations on kids’ health, but critics say it leans heavily on RFK Jr.’s vaccine skepticism.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Reena Advani, Gisele Grayson, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woefle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Damian Herring. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected