Extremist supporters of President Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol, but they failed to stop Congress from affirming Biden's win. Lawmakers certified Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election early this morning. Also we walk through a day of insurrection, incited by the departing president's false claims. Why was it so easy for rioters to breach security?



Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021

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

Less than a week after Iran launched air strikes into Israel, Israel appears to have responded. New York City police raided a college campus and arrested more than 100 students protesting the war in Gaza. And 12 New York City residents now hold Donald Trump's fate in their hands.

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, Larry Kaplow, Dana Farrington and Ben Adler. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Zac Coleman.

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

NPR Privacy Policy

Israel Strikes Back, Columbia Student Protests, Trump Jury Picked

Israel is now engaged in conflicts on three separate fronts: Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. A new timeline shows Maui's deadly wildfire last year moved incredibly fast. And inflation is proving more stubborn than expected so far this year.

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 Andrew Sussman, Eric Westervelt, Julia Redpath 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

Israel's Three Fronts, Maui Fire Probe, Inflation and Rents

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

Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021

Download our free app to listen on your phone