Up First from NPR
Trump Zelensky Meeting, Netanyahu Mar-a-Lago Meeting, Rough Year For Poverty Aid
29 Dec 2025
Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Good morning, Layla. Good morning. How was your Christmas?
Chapter 2: What progress was made in the Trump-Zelensky meeting?
It was great. Exhausting. So we're almost at the end of 2025. Hard to believe, right?
Chapter 3: What are the implications of Netanyahu's meeting with Trump?
Yeah, I mean, it feels like it passed so quickly because it's been a tough year. Busy year in the news, a tough year for NPR and local stations. You know, but despite that loss of federal funding for public media, despite continued attacks on the free press, we are still here and we are here for you.
Chapter 4: How has poverty aid been affected this year?
Up first, NPR will keep reporting the news without fear or favor. Yeah, we're committed to being here, to bringing you the news you need to start your day every morning. But we need your support now more than ever. And right now, before the end of the year, it's the best time to make your gift.
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Chapter 5: What challenges do anti-poverty groups face currently?
That includes Sarah in Georgia who says, Up first is a great start to the day. I even smile at A's jokes, even though it's too early for them. I know. We feel her pain. Whoops.
Chapter 6: What are the unresolved issues between Ukraine and Russia?
My headphones fell off. Oh, no. Ouch. Reacting to Sarah. I agree with you, Sarah.
Chapter 7: How does the Gaza ceasefire plan evolve with Netanyahu's visit?
Too early for them, but he's on Pacific Time, so is it too late for them? Either way, whether you love the jokes or don't love them so much, please join the community of public radio supporters today by signing up for NPR+. It's a simple, recurring donation that gets you perks to a whole bunch of NPR podcasts, including Up First. and you support public media while you listen.
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Chapter 8: What funding issues are impacting local anti-poverty programs?
President Trump met with Ukraine's president on Sunday after he had spoken with the Russian leader. Trump insisted Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed, but Russia kept up attacks over the weekend, so is Moscow really willing to make peace? I'm Leila Fadil, that's Michelle Martin, and this is Up First from NPR News.
Israel's prime minister is meeting President Trump today at a time where there's still so much to be done to get to peace in Gaza. Will the meeting lead to the next phase in the plan to permanently end the war? And after a year of government funding freezes and policy reversals, groups that help millions of Americans say they are operating in constant uncertainty.
When we got that news, we were in immediate panic. emergency response mode. Like, what are we going to do? What does that mean for people who rely on those programs? Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day.
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So join us every week on the New Yorker Radio Hour, wherever you listen to podcasts. Are you thinking about making any changes in the new year? The Life Kit podcast is here to help. In each episode, we have research-backed strategies and expert advice on everything from meal prep to strengthening relationships to paying down your credit card debt. Make your resolutions stick.
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President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky say they are making progress toward peace in Ukraine. The two leaders met on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, where the president has been spending the holidays. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued over the weekend and key issues remain unresolved. NPR White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben is here to give us the latest on the negotiations.
Good morning, Danielle. Good morning, Michelle. So what was your takeaway from this meeting? Is a peace deal coming?
Well, the very fact that they met seems to be a sign of momentum. Zelensky had put forward this 20-point peace proposal this past week, and the two men met shortly after and said they agreed on most of it. But when they talked to reporters after their meeting, a peace deal certainly didn't seem imminent.
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