Good morning. Welcome to the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to receive it directly in your inbox, and tune in to the Up First podcast for the essential news to kickstart your day.
Key Headlines Today
Yesterday’s discussions between leading Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump concluded without an agreement to finance the government. Federal funding is set to expire at midnight tonight. The meeting, which also featured Vice President JD Vance, was a last-ditch effort to break the ongoing deadlock over budget allocations. Vance firmly stated that Republicans would reject Democrats’ attempts to link healthcare reforms to the spending bill. Below is an overview of how a government shutdown could impact communities nationwide.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) address the press at the U.S. Capitol on September 29 in Washington, D.C. Earlier that day, Schumer, Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) met with President Trump at the White House in an effort to prevent a government shutdown set for midnight on September 30.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
- 🎧 NPR’s Deirdre Walsh reports on Up First that avoiding a government shutdown appears unlikely. After conversations with lawmakers from both parties, Walsh learned that no meaningful negotiations are underway, and no clear solution is in sight. Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to present two proposals for votes today: one continuing current funding through November 21, and another incorporating Democrats’ healthcare amendments. Both are anticipated to be rejected.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s scheduled meeting with senior U.S. military officials in Quantico, Virginia, has gained additional attention with President Trump announcing his attendance. Trump told NBC News the gathering will be “a positive discussion about our military’s strong performance and readiness.” This event, which Hegseth mandated for hundreds of generals and admirals, is the most transparent update so far on the purpose of the assembly.
- 🎧 NPR’s Quil Lawrence highlights the uniqueness of this meeting due to the broad geographic dispersion of attendees and the complex security arrangements involved. Trump’s framing of the event as a morale booster has sparked concern among military experts and former officers, who question the appropriateness of senior officers being summoned for guidance from Hegseth, who was relatively unknown in defense circles before his appointment. Speculation is also growing that Hegseth may be considering dismissals of some military leaders.
Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, President Trump unveiled a proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. This is the first time Trump has publicly presented a plan addressing both the cessation of hostilities and the future of the two million Palestinians residing in the area, nearly two years after the Hamas attack on October 7. Here are five key points from the proposal.
- 🎧 The plan calls for the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the daily entry of hundreds of humanitarian aid trucks to alleviate the ongoing famine. Additionally, Israel would free roughly 2,000 male detainees and all women and children imprisoned since the October 7 attack. NPR’s Aya Batrawy notes that while this falls short of Netanyahu’s goal for a decisive victory over Hamas, as it does not permit full occupation of Gaza or continuation of the war, Netanyahu is promoting it as a significant achievement. The plan allows Israeli forces to maintain a presence in much of Gaza for the foreseeable future, leaving questions about Hamas’s potential response.
Featured Audio
Olivia Dean, a 26-year-old singer from England, is climbing the charts with tracks from her sophomore album, The Art of Loving. She has joined the ranks of Adele as the first British artist since her to have three songs simultaneously in the U.K. Top 10. Her hit “Man I Need” has gained widespread popularity on social media and marks her debut on the Billboard Hot 100. Currently touring the U.S. as the opening act for Sabrina Carpenter, Dean’s music explores themes of romantic, self, and platonic love, often touching on heartbreak. In an interview with Morning Edition host Leila Fadel, Dean shares insights into the emotional depth of her songwriting. Listen to excerpts of her music and her reflections, or read the full transcript.
Wellness Insights
Light therapy devices, or sunlight simulators, must emit 10,000 lux to be effective. When used properly, these light boxes can help alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Daniel Wischenbarth/E+/Getty Images
Living Better is a special series dedicated to exploring strategies for maintaining health and well-being in America.
As the season shifts into autumn, our bodies detect the decreasing daylight, signaling the onset of the darker winter months. This change can often lead to a drop in mood. Around 5% of adults experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to seasonal changes, while many more endure milder “winter blues.” One effective remedy is light therapy using a light box, ideally started in the fall. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment:
- 💡 Most individuals use a light box for about 30 minutes each morning, integrating it into their daily routine.
- 💡 Research cited by Dr. Dorothy Sit, a psychiatrist and associate professor at Northwestern University, shows light therapy can be as effective as conventional antidepressants, with symptom relief often noticeable within a week.
- 💡 When purchasing a light box, choose one that emits 10,000 lux; larger screens tend to be more beneficial.
- 💡 Keep in mind that reduced sunlight isn’t the sole cause of low mood. Cold, snowy weather can limit outdoor activities and social interactions, increasing feelings of isolation. Staying connected with friends and engaging in social activities is crucial.
Three Things to Remember Before You Head Out
Merchandise from Exit Lane and 831 Stories, including baseball caps, candy cigarettes, and keychains, is showcased at a karaoke bar in New York City.
Keren Carrión/NPR
- 831 Stories, a romantic fiction publisher celebrating its first anniversary this month, is crafting an immersive universe around its books, featuring fanfiction and branded merchandise. As romance novels gain popularity, this innovative approach may resonate strongly with readers.
- In sixth grade, Tanya Eby faced social rejection when her friends stopped including her, her brother moved away, and her stepfather left. Overwhelmed with sadness, she broke down in class. Her teacher, Mrs. Welch, took her aside to the teachers’ lounge, offering a comforting embrace that helped Tanya regain her composure-a moment that profoundly influenced her life.
- Authorities are investigating the death of a stowaway found Sunday morning in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines flight arriving in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Europe.
This newsletter was edited by Yvonne Dennis.
