Up First from NPR

Democrats are sending former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris into competitive Senate races to help the party win in Republican territory. NPR has learned the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a possible attack on Iran after the midterms, while Americans face settler violence and military arrests in the West Bank. Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a merger that could create one of the world’s largest companies and give Elon Musk even greater control over his sprawling business empire. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe 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. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Tina Kraja, Kara Platoni, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Iman Maani and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Zac Coleman. And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens. (0:00) Introduction (1:52) Campaign Surrogates (5:22) Israel Attack Plans (9:05) Musk Explores Merger 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

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. Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe 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. 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 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

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 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. 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 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

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 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. 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 U.S. (5:33) Campaign Finance Latest (9:29) France Protests 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

Israelis will vote in national elections next week. It’s the first vote since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the Gaza war. Many Israelis call it the most important vote in their country’s history. On this episode of the Sunday Story, NPR’s Daniel Estrin reports on Israelis and how they’ve changed after three years of wars across the Middle East. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of the world’s most controversial and consequential leaders, is seeking a seventh term. A former military chief of staff is his main challenger. Now, as Israel faces a global backlash for its destructive war in Gaza, Israelis must decide: will they vote for change? 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