Good morning! You're reading the Up First newsletter, your go-to source for important news to kickstart your day. Subscribe here to have it delivered directly to your inbox, and don’t forget to listen to the Up First podcast for comprehensive coverage of today’s top stories.
Yesterday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced significant scrutiny on two critical issues. As lawmakers reviewed footage of the deadly September strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, he was also criticized for his use of the messaging app Signal to discuss a U.S. attack on Yemen. In a closed-door session, lawmakers raised questions regarding the second round of strikes on the alleged drug boat, which resulted in the deaths of two survivors.
Navy Adm. Frank M. Bradley, who oversaw the operation involving the alleged drug boat, defended the decision to conduct a second strike. According to NPR's Tom Bowman, Bradley argued that the survivors were in communication with their comrades via radio and were attempting to salvage drugs from the nearly destroyed vessel, which warranted the order for a follow-up strike. While Republicans continue to back the assaults on the alleged drug boats, Democrats are calling for the release of the full video to the public and holding Hegseth accountable for the actions taken.
In a significant development, the FBI announced the arrest of Brian J. Cole Jr., a 30-year-old man believed to be responsible for placing pipe bombs near the U.S. Capitol complex on January 6, 2021. Cole was apprehended in Woodbridge, Virginia, and is facing charges related to transportation of an explosive device across state lines and attempted malicious destruction with an explosive device, as detailed in an arrest warrant.
The FBI's affidavit indicates that Cole purchased materials consistent with those used to construct the pipe bombs found by authorities. Cellphone location data revealed that on the night the bombs were placed, Cole’s phone was pinging cell towers in the vicinity of the bomb locations. As the Justice Department moves forward with the prosecution of this case, more insights into the suspect's motives are anticipated to unfold in court over the coming months.
The Supreme Court has cleared Texas to implement a new congressional map that could potentially assist the Republican Party in gaining five additional U.S. House seats. This ruling provides a significant boost to President Trump and the GOP in the ongoing battle over gerrymandering. The Court overturned a previous ruling by a lower court that found a likelihood of racial discrimination in the newly drawn map.
The conservative majority of the Supreme Court sided with Texas state lawmakers, who claimed their intentions behind redistricting were not racially motivated, but rather aimed at enhancing the chances of electing Republicans. The Court has more redistricting cases on its agenda, including a crucial voting rights case concerning Louisiana's congressional map. The upcoming decisions could lead to further congressional gerrymandering in Southern states.
The much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked has recently hit theaters, enchanting audiences with its mesmerizing music, captivating storyline, and stunning costumes. Costume designer Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for costume design for the original Wicked film. His work features iconic outfits, such as Glinda's sparkling blue and lavender gown and Elphaba's rugged trench coat, effectively portraying the characters' journeys without uttering a single word.
Explore some of the extraordinary costumes Tazewell has designed for the new film. You can also listen to his insights about his journey with textiles in his interview on Fresh Air, or read the transcript of the conversation.
As the weekend approaches, here are some top recommendations from NPR for your entertainment:
Movies: Get ready for the holiday season with Pop Culture Happy Hour’s guide to this year’s notable holiday films.Books: Immerse yourself in The Aquatics, a gripping story of a politician’s wife navigating the complexities of ambition and friendship in a fictional African nation.Music: Catch the final 2025 episode of New Music Friday, featuring highlights like Dove Ellis' Blizzard and TEED's Always With Me.Theater: Experience the debut of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s first season under Alicia Graf Mack, showcasing five world premieres including Maija García's Jazz Island.Gaming: All Things Considered producer Vincent Acovino provides a review of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, praising its sound design while critiquing its gameplay elements.This week, I scored a solid nine out of eleven on the quiz, which, according to sources, places me on the nice list! Now it’s your turn to see if you make the cut.
Before you head out, here are three important things to know:
This year's Spotify Wrapped amusingly assesses users' listening ages based on their music preferences, revealing surprising results.Pantone has announced its 2026 Color of the Year, a calming shade of white, symbolizing tranquility.Researchers at the Canadian Museum of Nature have discovered a new species of rhino that roamed Canada’s High Arctic 23 million years ago, shifting the understanding of ancient animal migration patterns.Stay informed and enjoy your weekend ahead!