Up First Briefing: Russia-Ukraine; campaign finance; France protests: NPR

Good morning. You are reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First Podcast for all the news you need to start your day.

Today’s top stories

The 2026 midterm elections are expected to be the most expensive on record. More than 15 billion dollars have been raised to influence the outcome and control of Congress.

• 🎧 Democratic nominees in House and Senate races are raising incredible sums of donations, even as the Democratic Party remains unpopular, says NPR’s Stephen Fowler. Republicans are also unpopular, mainly because of issues like the war in Iran, gas prices and the economy. Some megadonors, like Elon Musk, donate money to super PACs to try to push voters to vote Republican. In the 13 competitive races highlighted in the Cook Political Report, Republicans are outscored by a 5-to-1 margin. Both parties are spending heavily, indicating that the Democrats have a chance to win in several places. Currently, 75% of planned ad buys are in toss-up races or those that lean Republican.
• ➡️ Some of the most competitive congressional races may not be called until days after election day. Here is why.
• ➡️ The NPR app has all of NPR’s election coverage in one place – from the biggest stories across the country, to the issues that matter close to home. Browse headlines, playlists, podcast episodes, videos and more, all on the 2026 election tab.

At least one person died and more than a dozen were injured in a major Ukrainian drone strike yesterday on Saint Petersburg, the former imperial capital of Russia. The attack targeted strategic sites, including a key port oil terminal. Over the weekend, Russian missile attacks in Ukraine killed at least 11 people. This conflict continues as President Trump says putting pressure on Russia is the best way to end the war.

• 🎧 The recent attack on St. Petersburg seems to mark the biggest one on the city since the invasion of Russia in 2022, says NPR’s Charles Maynes First up. While it is unclear how many drones hit the city, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that 1,000 drones were intercepted in various regions that night. Trump appeared to be working to protect Russian oil facilities after cutting a deal with President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel. The move was aimed at lowering gas prices for US voters ahead of the midterm elections. Trump called the previous Ukrainian strike a “disgrace,” even as Russia continues to strike Ukraine, Maynes says. He adds that the president blames President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for attacks that allegedly increase US fuel prices, despite economists blaming the price increase mainly on Trump’s war in Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence over the weekend that he says has largely overshadowed peaceful protests across the country. The unrest began as a student protest for better conditions and expanded to include public sector workers protesting high energy prices, the rising cost of living and social inequality. The Ministry of the Interior reported about 2,300 arrests and almost 1,000 injured police officers.

• 🎧 NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley, who was on the streets of Paris yesterdayWitness burnt bicycles, broken glass and graffiti on looted shops saying things like “tax the rich.” She spoke with 23-year-old Sarah Berlia, who says she believes these actions come from a generation frustrated with rights and opportunities. Beardsley says the protest culture in France often attracts “troublemakers”, but the scale of the current events is massive. The protests had political implications, as France is six months away from presidential elections. Candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined the protesters, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who is leading the polls, condemned the violence and the government.

Live better

Better living is one special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.

Saunas are getting renewed attention in the wellness world for their potential to improve mental health. This trend reflects the growing interest in the broader wellness movement and social connection, especially post-pandemic. While scientists understand how saunas affect the cardiovascular system, they are just beginning to explore their impact on mental health. Here’s what they know so far.

• 🥵 When our skin detects heat, it sends signals to a primitive brain area that asks our body to cool down. This pathway also affects mood and happiness, which is associated with depression.
• 🥵 Heat triggers an anti-inflammatory response similar to the effects of exercise, which is known to help with depression and other mental health issues.
• 🥵 Warming people up can act like a “thermoregulatory workout”, helping their bodies cool down more efficiently over time.

Show image

Artist Jennifer Teresa Villanueva captured the everyday life of her family for eight years through her lens, revealing moments of love, care and sacrifice in their Chicago home. The personal project took root in 2018, triggered by her grandmother’s hospitalization. It began as a way to better understand her grandmother’s daily routine, and soon blossomed into a heartfelt exploration of the immigrant experience. “I’m interested in what happens when the camera enters a home where everyone already knows each other,” Villanueva told NPR. “There is no distance between photographer and subject. I photograph the people who raised me, and I also photograph the house that raised me.” See photos of the project and read more about Villanueva’s work.

3 things to know before you go

1. Noah Adams, a writer and broadcaster who hosted All things considered for 18 years, died. He was 84 years old.
2. Trump announced over the weekend that he plans to close and renovate the East Potomac Golf Links course in Washington, DC. The golf course is already at the center of a legal battle.
3. An Air Force service member died Saturday after a rappelling accident during a pregame ceremony at the Alamodome before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football game against Navy. (via Texas Public Radio)

This newsletter was created by Suzanne Nuyen.