On a recent morning, the “Up First” newsletter highlighted significant developments in politics and global affairs. Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on Fox News to appeal to Republican voters seeking alternatives to former President Donald Trump. Anchor Bret Baier questioned her on immigration policy and decisions made during her 2019 presidential campaign. Harris also spoke in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, alongside several Republican endorsers.
In a related broadcast on NPR’s “Up First,” correspondent Sarah McCammon noted Harris did not specify how her approach would differ from President Biden’s, emphasizing instead her experience outside Washington and a willingness to collaborate with Republicans. Attendees in Pennsylvania consisted mainly of Democrats and Trump-opposing Republicans, making it challenging to determine Harris’s impact on her campaign.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump addressed Latino voters during a Univision town hall near Miami, highlighting his economic achievements and making controversial remarks about January 6 and migrant issues in Ohio. Both Harris and Trump are vying for Latino support, a demographic influential in swing states, comprising about 15% of eligible voters. NPR’s Franco Ordoñez reported Trump’s claim that Latinos fared better economically under his administration, discussing strategies to reduce energy costs and inflation while redirecting immigration policy conversations to focus on crimes by illegal immigrants. Although Trump’s posture creates concerns among Latino voters with mixed-status families, he is gaining traction among second and third-generation Latino Americans.
In Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Brussels to urge EU leaders to support his plan to resolve the conflict with Russia by the end of the next year without ceding territory. He advocated for Ukraine’s swift NATO inclusion, despite reluctance from some Western allies, including the U.S., which fears provoking Russia. Zelenskyy has faced pressure from some allies to negotiate with Russia on what he views as unacceptable terms and contends Ukraine’s security depends on guarantees like NATO membership. His plan includes allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with Western-supplied advanced weaponry, a proposition the U.S. does not support, fearing it could escalate the war — a concern shared by Russia.
In domestic news, Alabama launched a pilot program to allocate $280,000 from opioid settlement funds to assist grandparents and extended family members raising children affected by parental substance abuse. Statistics from a 2022 Generations United report indicate over 2.5 million U.S. children are raised by such “grandfamilies” due to the opioid crisis. Advocates argue the financial aid per family, though helpful, is insufficient, with funds potentially used for basic needs or to keep children engaged in activities.
Lastly, the newsletter provided life advice on methods to boost mood, such as revisiting past memories, watching ASMR videos, engaging in art, or increasing physical activity. It also mentioned three notable developments: the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne at 31, a substantial meat and poultry recall over listeria contamination concerns, and Nebraska’s Supreme Court affirming felons’ voting rights post-sentence completion.
The newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
