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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.
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Zelenskyy Mending Ties, Trump In North Carolina, Saudi Arabia Gets British Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is trying to repair ties with Washington as President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff carries new peace proposals to Russia.
President Trump is campaigning in North Carolina as Republicans struggle in key races and he ties federal relief promises to the outcome of the midterms.
Britain is sending fighter jets to help Saudi Arabia defend against Houthi attacks as the war disrupts the kingdom’s economy and deepens the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Megan Pratz, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.
Our technical director is Zac Coleman.
And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:54) Zelenskyy U.S. Relationship
(5:29) Trump in NC
(9:14) Saudi Yemen Crisis
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20 Oct 2026
Pushback On Trump's Russia Policy, Competitive Midterm Races, DOJ Noncitizen Voting
1Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking his concerns about delayed U.S. weapons and intelligence directly to Congress as lawmakers in both parties question President Trump’s approach to Russia.
Republicans are spending heavily to defend traditionally conservative territory as Democrats expand the midterm map two weeks before Election Day.
The Justice Department has charged 28 California voters it says are noncitizens while asking a federal judge to stop thousands of other ballots from being counted.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news) to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org (http://plus.npr.org/).
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Megan Pratz, Shannon Bond, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.
Our technical director is Zac Coleman.
And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:54) Trump Russia Ukraine
(5:36) Midterm Latest
(9:20) CA DOJ Election Feud
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🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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📌 Support the show by visiting our sponsors and partners.
🎧 New episodes every morning at 6 AM ET.
19 Oct 2026
Trump Eases Russia Sanctions, Midterm Campaign Money, Violent Protests In France
President Trump is easing pressure on Russia by waiving new sanctions as Ukraine continues striking Russian energy targets and tensions deepen between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Democratic candidates are outraising Republicans across many competitive midterm races, while Elon Musk pours hundreds of millions into GOP super PACs.
France is facing one of its biggest political crises in years after nationwide protests erupted into violence, with thousands arrested and the unrest already shaping a presidential election six months away.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/news) to the Up First newsletter.
Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org (http://plus.npr.org/).
Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tina Kraja, Padma Rama, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Lindsay Totty.
It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange.
Our technical director is Zac Coleman.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:56) Russia Ukraine US
(5:33) Campaign Finance Latest
(9:30) France Protests
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🔗 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
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📌 Support the show by visiting our sponsors and partners.
🎧 New episodes every morning at 6 AM ET.
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