Leila Fadl

The capital of Ukraine is starting the new year under a new wave of Russian drone attacks.

The capital of Ukraine is starting the new year under a new wave of Russian drone attacks.

The capital of Ukraine is starting the new year under a new wave of Russian drone attacks.

I mean, it was a wild night. I went to bed at nine.

I mean, it was a wild night. I went to bed at nine.

I mean, it was a wild night. I went to bed at nine.

NPR's Brian Mann joins us from Kyiv. Hi, Brian.

NPR's Brian Mann joins us from Kyiv. Hi, Brian.

NPR's Brian Mann joins us from Kyiv. Hi, Brian.

So what can you tell us about this latest drone attack on the capital?

So what can you tell us about this latest drone attack on the capital?

So what can you tell us about this latest drone attack on the capital?

Now, Ukrainians have been living through these kinds of attacks for nearly three years. What did Zelensky say last night about the state of the war?

Now, Ukrainians have been living through these kinds of attacks for nearly three years. What did Zelensky say last night about the state of the war?

Now, Ukrainians have been living through these kinds of attacks for nearly three years. What did Zelensky say last night about the state of the war?

And how accurate is that? Is that a rosy picture? Is that the truth?

And how accurate is that? Is that a rosy picture? Is that the truth?

And how accurate is that? Is that a rosy picture? Is that the truth?

And you might have heard us say it before, but we'll say it again. You fund one of the most trusted news outlets in the United States today, and our responsibility is to you. And that's no small thing in 2025. We are immensely grateful for your support.

And you might have heard us say it before, but we'll say it again. You fund one of the most trusted news outlets in the United States today, and our responsibility is to you. And that's no small thing in 2025. We are immensely grateful for your support.

And you might have heard us say it before, but we'll say it again. You fund one of the most trusted news outlets in the United States today, and our responsibility is to you. And that's no small thing in 2025. We are immensely grateful for your support.

OK, so let's look forward. What are Ukrainians saying about the next stage of this war?

OK, so let's look forward. What are Ukrainians saying about the next stage of this war?

OK, so let's look forward. What are Ukrainians saying about the next stage of this war?

Sobering his wishes just to exist next year. NPR's Brian Mann in Kiev. Thank you, Brian.

Sobering his wishes just to exist next year. NPR's Brian Mann in Kiev. Thank you, Brian.

Sobering his wishes just to exist next year. NPR's Brian Mann in Kiev. Thank you, Brian.

At least half of Puerto Rico is starting the new year in the dark.

At least half of Puerto Rico is starting the new year in the dark.

At least half of Puerto Rico is starting the new year in the dark.

Alex Figueroa is on the line. He's a reporter for El Nuevo Dia in San Juan. Hi, Alex. Hi, good morning. Happy New Year. Good morning. Happy New Year. So, Puerto Rico, how did it look and sound on New Year's after a day without power?

Alex Figueroa is on the line. He's a reporter for El Nuevo Dia in San Juan. Hi, Alex. Hi, good morning. Happy New Year. Good morning. Happy New Year. So, Puerto Rico, how did it look and sound on New Year's after a day without power?

Alex Figueroa is on the line. He's a reporter for El Nuevo Dia in San Juan. Hi, Alex. Hi, good morning. Happy New Year. Good morning. Happy New Year. So, Puerto Rico, how did it look and sound on New Year's after a day without power?

Now, you mentioned the Hurricane, Hurricane Maria that happened more than seven years ago. What do we know about what caused the blackout here?

Now, you mentioned the Hurricane, Hurricane Maria that happened more than seven years ago. What do we know about what caused the blackout here?

Now, you mentioned the Hurricane, Hurricane Maria that happened more than seven years ago. What do we know about what caused the blackout here?

Now, the hurricane happened more than seven years ago, but infrastructure has struggled since. Why is the island's infrastructure still so shaky that the failure of a cable can plunge nearly everyone into darkness like that?

Now, the hurricane happened more than seven years ago, but infrastructure has struggled since. Why is the island's infrastructure still so shaky that the failure of a cable can plunge nearly everyone into darkness like that?

Now, the hurricane happened more than seven years ago, but infrastructure has struggled since. Why is the island's infrastructure still so shaky that the failure of a cable can plunge nearly everyone into darkness like that?

And when's the power expected to come back on?

And when's the power expected to come back on?

And when's the power expected to come back on?

And really quickly, I mean, Puerto Ricans have been through these types of outages before. Were residents prepared? Are they prepared?

And really quickly, I mean, Puerto Ricans have been through these types of outages before. Were residents prepared? Are they prepared?

And really quickly, I mean, Puerto Ricans have been through these types of outages before. Were residents prepared? Are they prepared?

or make a gift at donate.npr.org. Thanks again, and on to the show.

or make a gift at donate.npr.org. Thanks again, and on to the show.

or make a gift at donate.npr.org. Thanks again, and on to the show.

Alex Figueroa reports for El Nuevo Dia. Thank you so much, Alex. Thank you.

Alex Figueroa reports for El Nuevo Dia. Thank you so much, Alex. Thank you.

Alex Figueroa reports for El Nuevo Dia. Thank you so much, Alex. Thank you.

Some people will also use this fresh start to take a break from alcohol. The 31 days of dry January offer a chance to dry out after the holidays and give people a glimpse of what life looks like without alcohol at all.

Some people will also use this fresh start to take a break from alcohol. The 31 days of dry January offer a chance to dry out after the holidays and give people a glimpse of what life looks like without alcohol at all.

Some people will also use this fresh start to take a break from alcohol. The 31 days of dry January offer a chance to dry out after the holidays and give people a glimpse of what life looks like without alcohol at all.

I couldn't figure out who was celebrating the New Year. Finally figured out it was Greenland. Oh! Rang it in with Greenland.

I couldn't figure out who was celebrating the New Year. Finally figured out it was Greenland. Oh! Rang it in with Greenland.

I couldn't figure out who was celebrating the New Year. Finally figured out it was Greenland. Oh! Rang it in with Greenland.

One man says he hopes his country still exists in a year, and that his friends will be alive. The new year started with Russian drone attacks, so what happens next?

One man says he hopes his country still exists in a year, and that his friends will be alive. The new year started with Russian drone attacks, so what happens next?

One man says he hopes his country still exists in a year, and that his friends will be alive. The new year started with Russian drone attacks, so what happens next?

And that's a first for Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. I'm Leila Faldin.

And that's a first for Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. I'm Leila Faldin.

And that's a first for Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. I'm Leila Faldin.

Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rylan Barton, Megan Keene, Jan Johnson, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Katie Klein, Ben Abrams, and Julie Deppenbrock. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Join us again tomorrow.

Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rylan Barton, Megan Keene, Jan Johnson, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Katie Klein, Ben Abrams, and Julie Deppenbrock. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Join us again tomorrow.

Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rylan Barton, Megan Keene, Jan Johnson, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Katie Klein, Ben Abrams, and Julie Deppenbrock. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Join us again tomorrow.

Maybe a little more exciting. In some cases. Maybe.

Maybe a little more exciting. In some cases. Maybe.

Maybe a little more exciting. In some cases. Maybe.

All of them were involved in prosecuting President Trump.

All of them were involved in prosecuting President Trump.

All of them were involved in prosecuting President Trump.

President Trump and his administration continue to flood the zone with executive actions and department changes. Just yesterday, dozens of senior officials in the U.S. Aid and Development Agency were put on leave.

President Trump and his administration continue to flood the zone with executive actions and department changes. Just yesterday, dozens of senior officials in the U.S. Aid and Development Agency were put on leave.

President Trump and his administration continue to flood the zone with executive actions and department changes. Just yesterday, dozens of senior officials in the U.S. Aid and Development Agency were put on leave.

Right. And there's one more. The acting attorney general purged Department of Justice officials involved in investigating Trump. We're going to hone in on that purge and what it means with NPR justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. Good morning, Carrie.

Right. And there's one more. The acting attorney general purged Department of Justice officials involved in investigating Trump. We're going to hone in on that purge and what it means with NPR justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. Good morning, Carrie.

Right. And there's one more. The acting attorney general purged Department of Justice officials involved in investigating Trump. We're going to hone in on that purge and what it means with NPR justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. Good morning, Carrie.

So what do we know about these firings?

So what do we know about these firings?

So what do we know about these firings?

OK, on the campaign trail, Trump did talk about retribution and getting back at the people who investigated him. Is this Trump fulfilling that promise?

OK, on the campaign trail, Trump did talk about retribution and getting back at the people who investigated him. Is this Trump fulfilling that promise?

OK, on the campaign trail, Trump did talk about retribution and getting back at the people who investigated him. Is this Trump fulfilling that promise?

And you've got some more news about changes inside the Justice Department. What else is happening?

And you've got some more news about changes inside the Justice Department. What else is happening?

And you've got some more news about changes inside the Justice Department. What else is happening?

The future is unclear for more than 1.4 million immigrants in the U.S. legally under several Biden-era programs.

The future is unclear for more than 1.4 million immigrants in the U.S. legally under several Biden-era programs.

The future is unclear for more than 1.4 million immigrants in the U.S. legally under several Biden-era programs.

For more, NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran joins me. Good morning.

For more, NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran joins me. Good morning.

For more, NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran joins me. Good morning.

So one of the programs is called humanitarian parole. Tell us how it worked and who is in this country because of it.

So one of the programs is called humanitarian parole. Tell us how it worked and who is in this country because of it.

So one of the programs is called humanitarian parole. Tell us how it worked and who is in this country because of it.

And a Chinese AI chatbot is free and getting more popular than ChatGPT. It's caught the attention of the tech world and Wall Street. Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

And a Chinese AI chatbot is free and getting more popular than ChatGPT. It's caught the attention of the tech world and Wall Street. Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

And a Chinese AI chatbot is free and getting more popular than ChatGPT. It's caught the attention of the tech world and Wall Street. Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

Right, like the CBP One app, which we've heard about before on this program, another way people could claim asylum and enter the country legally. Tell us about that.

Right, like the CBP One app, which we've heard about before on this program, another way people could claim asylum and enter the country legally. Tell us about that.

Right, like the CBP One app, which we've heard about before on this program, another way people could claim asylum and enter the country legally. Tell us about that.

I mean, what happens, though, to these people now? Will they all get deported?

I mean, what happens, though, to these people now? Will they all get deported?

I mean, what happens, though, to these people now? Will they all get deported?

Sergio, Trump has issued several other immigration actions that aren't related to asylum. What are they?

Sergio, Trump has issued several other immigration actions that aren't related to asylum. What are they?

Sergio, Trump has issued several other immigration actions that aren't related to asylum. What are they?

That's NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran. Thank you, Sergio.

That's NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran. Thank you, Sergio.

That's NPR's Sergio Martinez Beltran. Thank you, Sergio.

NPR's John Ruich is on the line now from China to help make sense of how big a deal this actually is. Hey, John. Hi there. So, first of all, tell us about this company that many people, including me, just heard of now.

NPR's John Ruich is on the line now from China to help make sense of how big a deal this actually is. Hey, John. Hi there. So, first of all, tell us about this company that many people, including me, just heard of now.

NPR's John Ruich is on the line now from China to help make sense of how big a deal this actually is. Hey, John. Hi there. So, first of all, tell us about this company that many people, including me, just heard of now.

And what's the significance of that?

And what's the significance of that?

And what's the significance of that?

Okay, so tell us more about those caveats.

Okay, so tell us more about those caveats.

Okay, so tell us more about those caveats.

Okay, tell us more about that. The Biden administration banned the best AI microprocessors from being sold to China. Were they able to get around it?

Okay, tell us more about that. The Biden administration banned the best AI microprocessors from being sold to China. Were they able to get around it?

Okay, tell us more about that. The Biden administration banned the best AI microprocessors from being sold to China. Were they able to get around it?

That's NPR's John Ruich in China. Thank you, John.

That's NPR's John Ruich in China. Thank you, John.

That's NPR's John Ruich in China. Thank you, John.

And that's Up First for Tuesday, January 28th. I'm Leila Faudel.

And that's Up First for Tuesday, January 28th. I'm Leila Faudel.

And that's Up First for Tuesday, January 28th. I'm Leila Faudel.

Today's episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Anna Yukonanov, Kevin Drew, Jenea Williams, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas, and Claire Murashima. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Zach Coleman. See you tomorrow. They're not going to see me. Listen to us tomorrow.

Today's episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Anna Yukonanov, Kevin Drew, Jenea Williams, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas, and Claire Murashima. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Zach Coleman. See you tomorrow. They're not going to see me. Listen to us tomorrow.

Today's episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Anna Yukonanov, Kevin Drew, Jenea Williams, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas, and Claire Murashima. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Zach Coleman. See you tomorrow. They're not going to see me. Listen to us tomorrow.

Conservatives are just, in general, much more willing to speak their mind.

Conservatives are just, in general, much more willing to speak their mind.

Conservatives are just, in general, much more willing to speak their mind.

So it's been a couple days now. Bourbon Street is open again. What's life like there in New Orleans?

So it's been a couple days now. Bourbon Street is open again. What's life like there in New Orleans?

So it's been a couple days now. Bourbon Street is open again. What's life like there in New Orleans?

So after a mass killing, mass violence like this, what are you hearing from people in New Orleans about how they're going to move forward?

So after a mass killing, mass violence like this, what are you hearing from people in New Orleans about how they're going to move forward?

So after a mass killing, mass violence like this, what are you hearing from people in New Orleans about how they're going to move forward?

I'm PR's Debbie Elliott in New Orleans. Thank you, Debbie. You're welcome. A new Congress is to be sworn in today, and the first order of business in the House is to elect a speaker.

I'm PR's Debbie Elliott in New Orleans. Thank you, Debbie. You're welcome. A new Congress is to be sworn in today, and the first order of business in the House is to elect a speaker.

I'm PR's Debbie Elliott in New Orleans. Thank you, Debbie. You're welcome. A new Congress is to be sworn in today, and the first order of business in the House is to elect a speaker.

Joining us now is NPR's congressional correspondent, Claudia Grisales. Hi, Claudia. Hey, Layla. All right. So Mike Johnson was elected speaker after his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted from the job during a chaotic time and several other candidates lost bids to replace him. What is Johnson facing this time around?

Joining us now is NPR's congressional correspondent, Claudia Grisales. Hi, Claudia. Hey, Layla. All right. So Mike Johnson was elected speaker after his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted from the job during a chaotic time and several other candidates lost bids to replace him. What is Johnson facing this time around?

Joining us now is NPR's congressional correspondent, Claudia Grisales. Hi, Claudia. Hey, Layla. All right. So Mike Johnson was elected speaker after his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted from the job during a chaotic time and several other candidates lost bids to replace him. What is Johnson facing this time around?

Also, Israel moved into a U.N.-monitored buffer zone when the government collapsed in neighboring Syria. Our correspondent visited the Golan Heights. How are residents describing what Israeli troops are doing? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

Also, Israel moved into a U.N.-monitored buffer zone when the government collapsed in neighboring Syria. Our correspondent visited the Golan Heights. How are residents describing what Israeli troops are doing? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

Also, Israel moved into a U.N.-monitored buffer zone when the government collapsed in neighboring Syria. Our correspondent visited the Golan Heights. How are residents describing what Israeli troops are doing? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

And Johnson held the position as speaker for the last 14 months.

And Johnson held the position as speaker for the last 14 months.

And Johnson held the position as speaker for the last 14 months.

So walk us through that process of how the House elects a new speaker. What should we be watching for?

So walk us through that process of how the House elects a new speaker. What should we be watching for?

So walk us through that process of how the House elects a new speaker. What should we be watching for?

Who are those possible no's?

Who are those possible no's?

Who are those possible no's?

So what, if anything, does this moment tell us about the new Congress?

So what, if anything, does this moment tell us about the new Congress?

So what, if anything, does this moment tell us about the new Congress?

NPR's Claudia Grisales. Thank you, Claudia. Thank you. In the Golan Heights in southwest Syria, residents say Israeli troops are raiding their homes and villages, and they ask if this is the start of a land grab.

NPR's Claudia Grisales. Thank you, Claudia. Thank you. In the Golan Heights in southwest Syria, residents say Israeli troops are raiding their homes and villages, and they ask if this is the start of a land grab.

NPR's Claudia Grisales. Thank you, Claudia. Thank you. In the Golan Heights in southwest Syria, residents say Israeli troops are raiding their homes and villages, and they ask if this is the start of a land grab.

NPR's Hadil El-Shalchi is just back from the Golan Heights and joins us now. Good morning. Good morning.

NPR's Hadil El-Shalchi is just back from the Golan Heights and joins us now. Good morning. Good morning.

NPR's Hadil El-Shalchi is just back from the Golan Heights and joins us now. Good morning. Good morning.

And what did people say about what it's like to live with Israeli troops coming into their villages?

And what did people say about what it's like to live with Israeli troops coming into their villages?

And what did people say about what it's like to live with Israeli troops coming into their villages?

People resume their lives as the FBI says a New Year's morning attacker acted alone. What's their reading of the evidence?

People resume their lives as the FBI says a New Year's morning attacker acted alone. What's their reading of the evidence?

People resume their lives as the FBI says a New Year's morning attacker acted alone. What's their reading of the evidence?

NPR's Hadil El-Shalchi in Damascus, thank you. You're welcome. Again, we have requested comment from the Israeli military about these village raids and what residents told us. They haven't gotten back to us. If they do, we will note their response in additional reporting.

NPR's Hadil El-Shalchi in Damascus, thank you. You're welcome. Again, we have requested comment from the Israeli military about these village raids and what residents told us. They haven't gotten back to us. If they do, we will note their response in additional reporting.

NPR's Hadil El-Shalchi in Damascus, thank you. You're welcome. Again, we have requested comment from the Israeli military about these village raids and what residents told us. They haven't gotten back to us. If they do, we will note their response in additional reporting.

Federal investigators have clarified their understanding. of what happened in New Orleans on New Year's morning.

Federal investigators have clarified their understanding. of what happened in New Orleans on New Year's morning.

Federal investigators have clarified their understanding. of what happened in New Orleans on New Year's morning.

You are Steve.

You are Steve.

You are Steve.

Wait a second.

Wait a second.

Wait a second.

And I'm Layla Faldin. Don't forget, Up First airs on the weekend, too. Ayesha Roscoe and Scott Simon have the news here or wherever you get your podcasts.

And I'm Layla Faldin. Don't forget, Up First airs on the weekend, too. Ayesha Roscoe and Scott Simon have the news here or wherever you get your podcasts.

And I'm Layla Faldin. Don't forget, Up First airs on the weekend, too. Ayesha Roscoe and Scott Simon have the news here or wherever you get your podcasts.

What about my name? My name is a nice name.

What about my name? My name is a nice name.

What about my name? My name is a nice name.

NPR's Debbie Elliott is in New Orleans with this and other developments. Good morning, Debbie. Hi, good morning. So why did the FBI first suggest a broader conspiracy and then back off?

NPR's Debbie Elliott is in New Orleans with this and other developments. Good morning, Debbie. Hi, good morning. So why did the FBI first suggest a broader conspiracy and then back off?

NPR's Debbie Elliott is in New Orleans with this and other developments. Good morning, Debbie. Hi, good morning. So why did the FBI first suggest a broader conspiracy and then back off?