Partial Drawdown In Minnesota, NPR Poll: Trump and ICE, Nuclear Treaty Expires
White House Border Czar Tom Homan says 700 federal agents will be leaving Minnesota after months of aggressive immigration enforcement, protests, and the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal agents.A new NPR/PBS/Marist poll finds most Americans now say ICE has gone too far, as the Trump administration shifts its tone on immigration enforcement.And the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, the New START Treaty, is set to expire, raising new fears about unconstrained nuclear competition.Want more 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, Dana Farrington, Robbie Griffiths, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia DumasOur Director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Partial Drawdown in Minnesota(05:36) NPR Poll: Trump and ICE(09:18) Nuclear Treaty ExpiresLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
DHS Funding Negotiations, Russia Attacks Ukraine Power Grid, Nationalizing Elections
Congress ended the shutdown but now faces a tight deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats and Republicans far apart over immigration enforcement reforms after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents in Minnesota.Russia has resumed heavy strikes on Ukraine’s power grid during extreme cold, despite President Trump saying Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks, putting new strain on fragile diplomatic efforts.And President Trump is calling for the federal government to “take over” elections in some states, escalating concerns among election officials about interference ahead of the midterms.Want more 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 Anna Yukhananov, Miguel Macias, Ben Swasey, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(01:52) DHS Funding Negotiations(05:27) Ukraine Peace Talks(09:26) Trump Nationalizing ElectionsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Government Shutdown Day 4, US-Iran Nuclear Talks, Guthrie Investigation
A partial government shutdown enters its fourth day as House Republicans weigh whether to back a Senate deal that would reopen most agencies while giving Congress two weeks to negotiate changes to immigration enforcement.The U.S. is set to reopen nuclear talks with Iran, as regional powers push diplomacy even while President Trump warns military action remains on the table.And investigators in Arizona say 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, may have been abducted from her home as an urgent search continues.Want more 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 Jason Breslow, James Hider, Miguel Macias, Martha Ann Overland, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) Government Shutdown Day 4(05:31) US-Iran Nuclear Talks(09:06) Guthrie InvestigationLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
House Shutdown Vote, Minneapolis Immigration Operations, Trump Kennedy Center Closure
A partial government shutdown is under way after Congress missed its funding deadline, with lawmakers advancing a plan to reopen most agencies while negotiations over Homeland Security and immigration enforcement continue.A federal judge ruled the Trump administration can keep its immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis going, even as plans to draw down agents haven’t materialized and residents see ongoing arrests and protests.And President Trump says the performing arts center built as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy will close for two years for a massive renovation.Want more 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 Anna Yukhananov, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adrianna Gallardo.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) House Shutdown Vote(05:34) Minneapolis Immigration Operations(09:16) Trump Kennedy Center ClosureLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Women in the Skilled Trades Face New Hurdles
President Trump has a vision for the American workforce. Forget expensive college educations. His eye is on the skilled trades. The U.S. Department of Labor has adopted the slogan “Make America Skilled Again.”But who gets to be part of this renaissance? Since the 1980s, women have made small but meaningful gains in the construction trades. Now there are concerns that President Trump’s campaign to end diversity, equity and inclusion will stall that progress — setting back both women and the construction industry.Today on the Sunday Story, we ask how women fit into this administration’s vision of this skilled trades future.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
More Epstein Files Released; Government Shutdown; New Winter Storm
The Justice Department has released its final tranche of the Epstein files - we'll look at what they have and haven't included. And, the U.S. in a partial government shutdown again, although this is one is expected to be shorter than the record-breaking shutdown that happened during the fall. Plus, another winter storm is hitting the U-S this weekend, this time, hitting parts of the Southeast.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Senate Funding Deal, Border Czar Homan In Minnesota, Georgia Election Ballots Seized
Senate leaders strike a short-term funding deal to keep most of the government running, but a partial shutdown now looks imminent as the House remains out until next week.Border Czar Tom Homan suggested a possible drawdown of federal immigration agents in Minnesota, only for President Trump to later say there would be no pullback at all, as arrests and protests continue on the ground.And the FBI seizes hundreds of thousands of ballots and election records from Fulton County, Georgia, as the Trump administration escalates scrutiny ahead of the midterms.Want more 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 Anna Yukhananov, Gigi Douban, Ben Swasey, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(01:53) Senate Funding Deal(05:38) Border Czar in Minnesota (09:51) Georgia Election Ballots CeasedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Senate Funding Vote, ICE Family Detention Protest, Fed Holds Interest Rates
Senate Democrats are threatening a partial government shutdown unless Republicans agree to new limits on immigration enforcement by Friday's deadline.A protest at an ICE family detention center in South Texas turned confrontational as demonstrators demanded the release of a five-year-old boy and his father taken from Minnesota and held at the facility hundreds of miles away.And despite pressure from President Trump to lower interest rates, the Federal Reserve is holding steady to fight lingering inflation and rising prices.Want more 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 Kelsey Snell, Susanna Capelouto, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Senate Funding Vote(05:41) ICE Family Detention Protest(10:28) Fed Holds Interest RatesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump's Economic Message, DC Helicopter Crash Report, New Nuclear Regulations
President Trump takes his economic message to Iowa, trying to refocus on affordability after weeks of distractions ranging from Greenland to Venezuela and fallout from federal shootings in Minnesota.Nearly a year after a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C., investigators say deep, systemic failures at the FAA allowed known risks to go unaddressed until it was too late.And NPR has obtained documents showing the Trump administration quietly loosened nuclear safety and environmental rules to fast-track new reactors, raising concerns about oversight and public trust.Want more 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 Rebekah Metzler, Russell Lewis, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.Our Supervising Producer is HJ Mai.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Trump Economic Message(05:43) DC Helicopter Crash Report(10:02) New Nuclear RegulationLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Bovino Out Of Minnesota, Trump Refocusing On Economy, Social Media On Trial
Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, the public face of the Trump administration’s immigration operations, is no longer leading enforcement efforts in Minnesota after two fatal shootings and escalating legal battles over who gets to investigate them.President Trump heads to Iowa trying to sell his economic agenda, even as backlash grows from within his own party over his immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.And a landmark trial begins in Los Angeles that will test whether major social media companies knowingly designed their platforms in ways that harm kids, a case that could force the tech industry to rethink how its apps are built.Want more 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 Andrea de Leon, Rebekah Metzler, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Bovino Out of Minnesota(05:57) Trump Refocusing on Economy(09:38) Social Media on TrialLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Minnesota ICE Shooting Aftermath, Senate DHS Funding Vote, Icy Weather
Protests and a general strike continue in Minneapolis after federal immigration agents fatally shot 37 year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti during a crackdown, the second ICE related killing in the state this month.Senate Democrats threaten to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless Republicans agree to new limits on immigration enforcement, a standoff that could trigger a partial government shutdown.And across the country, states are digging out from a major winter storm that left deadly ice and snow, widespread power outages, and thousands of canceled flights.Want more 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, Krishnadev Calamur, Alfredo Carbajal, Mohamad ElBardicy and Adam Bearne.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Simon-Laslo Janssen. And our technical director is David Greenburg.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Minnesota ICE Shooting Aftermath(05:44) Senate DHS Funding Vote(09:26) Icy WeatherLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Challenger at 40: Lessons from a tragedy
Forty years ago, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff. Seven astronauts were killed, including teacher-in-space Christa McAuliffe. It was a devastating blow to the U.S. space program and a national tragedy for the country. In the days after the explosion, the search for answers began. Two NPR reporters, Howard Berkes and Daniel Zwerdling, focused their reporting on the engineers who managed Challenger’s booster rockets. On February 20, 1986, Berkes and Zwerdling broke a major story, providing the first details of a last-minute effort by those engineers to stop NASA from launching Challenger. In this special NPR documentary, Howard Berkes unfolds an investigation spanning forty years, from those desperate efforts in 1986 to delay the launch, to decades of crushing guilt for some of the engineers, and to the lessons learned that are as critical as ever as NASA’s budget and workforce shrink.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
U.S. Preparing for Winter Storm; Trump's Use of Military; U.S Consumer Spending
At least half of the U.S. population will be hit by a powerful winter storm this weekend - we'll tell you how Oklahoma, and other states, are preparing. Plus, a look at how President Trump is using the military overseas as well inside the U.S. during his second term. Plus, a look at consumer spending in the U.S. and how sustainable it is at present levels. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Minnesota Protests, Zelenskyy Slams Europe In Davos, Winter Storm Approaches
In Minnesota, protests and business closures spread as immigration operations continue and confrontations with federal agents intensify.At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukraine’s president delivers a blunt message to Europe, warning that the continent must stop relying on the U.S. and prepare to defend itself as Russia’s war grinds on.And across the U.S., states are bracing for a massive winter storm threatening millions of people with dangerous weather conditions.Want more 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, Willem Marx, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Minnesota Protests(05:28) Zelenskyy Slams Europe In Davos(09:00) Winter Storm Approaches Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Rahm Emanuel on 2026 Midterms and Politics in the Trump Era
Rahm Emanuel has held many political jobs, and he's considering a run for President. In a wide-ranging interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, he critiques democrats and offers advice for the upcoming midterms.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 Barry Gordemer and Kaity Kline. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. Our Deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens and our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Greenland Emergency Summit, New World Order, SCOTUS Justices Hear Fed Case
European leaders meet for an emergency summit as allies weigh a possible deal with the U.S. on Greenland after President Trump walked back threats of military action and tariffs.Trump’s clashes with Canada and Europe raise fresh doubts about the stability of U.S. alliances, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warns coercion and tariff threats are changing the global order.And Supreme Court justices had tough question for Trump's lawyers as they hear arguments over whether a president can fire a Federal Reserve governor, a case that could redefine the independence of the central bank.Want more 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, Andrew Sussman, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.(0:00) Introduction(01:59) Greenland Emergency Summit(05:27) New World Order(09:10) SCOTUS Justices Hear Fed CaseLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump's Speech In Davos, DOJ Subpoenas For Minnesota, SCOTUS Federal Reserve Case
European leaders brace for President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum, as new tariff threats and talk of acquiring Greenland overshadow talks on affordability.The Justice Department issues subpoenas to Minnesota’s top Democratic leaders, as state officials accuse the Trump administration of weaponizing immigration enforcement and creating fear in immigrant communities.And the Supreme Court hears a high-stakes case over President Trump’s attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor, a move that could upend a century of precedent and rattle financial markets.Want more 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 Rebekah Metzler, Gigi Douban, Krishnadev Calamur, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(02:24) Trump's Speech in Davos(06:07) DOJ Subpoenas For Minnesota (09:49) SCOTUS Federal Reserve CaseLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Michigan's Governor Fears Interference in this Fall's Elections
Gretchen Whitmer is in her final year as governor of the swing state of Michigan. The Democratic governor sat for an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep and talked about tariffs, the prospects of a female president, and the security of upcoming elections.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, Kaity Kline and Ziad Buchh. We get engineering support from Robert Rodriguez. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Trump's World Stage, El Paso Detention Deaths, Indiana College Football Champions
As world leaders gather in Davos, President Trump escalates pressure on allies with new tariff threats, renewed talk of acquiring Greenland, and plans for a sweeping new “Board of Peace” that could reshape global diplomacy. Three people die in six weeks at the country’s largest immigration detention center in El Paso, raising urgent questions about medical care, oversight, and the role of private contractors. And Indiana completes one of the most improbable turnarounds in college football history, capping a perfect season with a national championship win over Miami.Want more 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 Dana Farrington, Alfredo Carbajal, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy, Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:58) Trump's World Stage(05:51) El Paso Detention Deaths(09:17) Indiana College Football ChampionsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Troops Stand By For Minnesota, Greenland NATO Tensions, Gaza Peace Board
Minnesota braces for a possible escalation as federal troops stand by amid protests against immigration enforcement and renewed threats to invoke the Insurrection Act. Tensions rise with European allies as the White House pressures Denmark and other NATO countries over Greenland, prompting warnings of damage to transatlantic relations. And world leaders are being asked to buy into a new U.S.-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza and other conflicts, with billion-dollar commitments and President Trump at the helm.Want more 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 Padma Rama, Ben Swasey, Gerry Holmes, Mohamad ElBardicy, HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Simon-Laslo Janssen. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:57) Troops Stand By For Minnesota(05:47) Greenland NATO Tensions(09:34) Gaza Peace BoardLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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
