In this episode of the NPR Up First podcast, three key news stories take center stage. The first topic addresses the collapse of a bipartisan effort to fund the federal government, primarily influenced by Elon Musk and President-elect Trump, which raises the specter of a government shutdown. Next, the focus shifts to the fierce struggle for Pokrovsk, a city in Ukraine, showcasing the war's devastating effects and the crafty tactics Ukrainians are employing to defend against more powerful Russian forces. Lastly, the podcast examines the difficulties faced by the rebel group HTS in Syria as they work to establish a stable government after ousting Assad, while also trying to engage with the international community despite their controversial history.
