What can we make of a U.S. airstrike in Iraq overnight that killed Iran's Qassem Soleimani, a general both famous and infamous for leading a shadowy force that operated outside of Iran? Listen for analysis on the U.S. decision to call for the strike and Iran's promise to retaliate.

Special Report: Analysis On The U.S. Assassination Of Iran's Qassem Soleimani

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 by 6 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays by 8 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

News

Daily News

The U.S. wants China to help calm tensions in the Middle East by leveraging its influence with Iran. Democrats want to dismiss the impeachment trial against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, while some conservatives want to dismiss House Speaker Mike Johnson for backing aid to Israel and Ukraine. And hot ocean temperatures are turning coral reefs a ghostly white.

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 James Hider, Dana Farrington, Neela Banerjee and Ben Adler. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Iran and China, Mayorkas and Johnson, Coral Reefs Bleaching

Iran is calling its air strikes on Israel a huge success, even though nearly all their missiles and drones were shot down. It looks like House Speaker Mike Johnson could finally bring foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel up for a vote — well...make that four votes. And the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments today in a January 6th case that asks the question: How does one specific federal law define the obstruction of a congressional proceeding?

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 Mark Katkov, Dana Farrington, Lisa Thomson and Ben Adler. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Phil Edfors, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The View From Iran, House Foreign Aid Bills, Supreme Court's Jan. 6 Case

Iran and its allies launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel over the weekend. Israel, the U.S. and several other countries shot nearly all of them down. And Donald Trump goes on trial today — the first criminal trial ever for a former president.

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 Mark Katkov, Andrew Sussman, Dana Farrington, Lisa Thomson and Ben Adler. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Phil Edfors, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Iran Strikes Israel, U.S. Responds, Trump's New York Trial Begins

How can Black women face workplace challenges without losing faith—or losing themselves—in the process? Today on The Sunday Story, host Ayesha Rascoe sits down with Lauren Wesley Wilson, author of the new book, What Do You Need?

Lauren has dedicated her career to helping women of color thrive in the workplace as the founder and CEO of ColorComm, a networking community for women of color in communications and media. In this episode, she reflects on big moments in her career, and shares advice for women who may still be searching for a workplace where they can belong.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The Sunday Story: What Do We Need?

Vice President Kamala Harris was in Arizona, where the state's high court reinstated an 1864 law all but banning abortion. House Speaker Mike Johnson met with former Pres. Donald Trump in Florida. Argentine police are breaking up protests with water cannons as the economy falters.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Special Report: Analysis On The U.S. Assassination Of Iran's Qassem Soleimani

Download our free app to listen on your phone