Up First from NPR – May 26, 2025

NPR's Up First delivers the three biggest stories to start your day, featuring reporting and analysis from NPR News. In this episode, hosts Michelle Martin and Amy Martinez cover the intensification of Russian attacks on Ukraine, the commencement of the summer travel season amidst air traffic control challenges, and the early wildfire forecast highlighting concerns over federal firefighting resources.

1. Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine

Escalation of Airstrikes

Ukrainian officials have reported that Russia has launched its largest airstrike since the inception of the ongoing conflict. Over the past three days, Russia deployed hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Ukrainian cities, resulting in the deaths of at least twelve people, including children, and causing extensive destruction to homes. Joanna Kakisis, NPR’s correspondent in Kyiv, provides a firsthand account:

“[...] here in Kyiv, we consider ourselves lucky if after all that, we are only sleep deprived. Here's what woke up last night. That's the sound of Ukraine's air defenses shooting down, drones buzzing over our neighborhood.” (02:44)

Context of Prisoner Exchange

These attacks occurred mere hours before a significant prisoner exchange— the largest since Russia's full-scale invasion began over three years ago. The exchange involved 1,000 prisoners of war from each side and took place amidst international diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. Despite these developments, Kakisis states:

“Have the diplomatic efforts to end the war made any headway? No.” (04:11)

Political Reactions and Blame

The escalation has drawn sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump, who took to social media to denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring he had “gone absolutely crazy” (02:38). However, Trump's remarks also shifted blame onto Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former President Joe Biden, insisting they share responsibility for the war's continuation.

Human Impact of the Conflict

The human toll of the conflict was poignantly illustrated during the prisoner exchange. Kakisis described the returning soldiers as "sickly and gaunt," with some bearing physical and emotional scars from their captivity. The emotional reunions were heartbreaking, as families eagerly awaited the return of their loved ones, many of whom remain unaccounted for:

“One young soldier, Anton Kobylnik, told us he'd been in captivity for three years. He's saying, I won't really feel like I'm at home until I see my mom.” (04:56)

2. Summer Travel Season Amidst Air Traffic Challenges

Record-Breaking Memorial Day Travel

As Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, a record 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday weekend, breaking a two-decade-old record. Joel Rose, NPR’s transportation reporter, highlights:

“It's mostly because of a record number of Americans driving this weekend. Drivers will find gas prices at their lowest levels on Memorial Day since 2021.” (06:24)

Air Travel Outlook and Infrastructure Issues

While driving numbers are set to soar, air travel presents a more uncertain picture. Although air travel demand is forecasted to be up about 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels, several challenges loom:

• Technical Problems at Newark Liberty International Airport: Recent radar and communication outages have led to hundreds of flight cancellations, delays, and diversions. Additionally, a nationwide shortage of over 3,000 air traffic controllers exacerbates the issue. Joel Rose explains:

  “The FAA has now capped the number of flights in and out at Newark at a level that the agency says is more in line with what air traffic control can handle.” (08:08)

• Safety Concerns and High-Profile Incidents: Earlier in the year, a mid-air collision at Washington Reagan National Airport and a hard landing in Toronto raised alarms about aviation safety.

Adjustments and Optimism from Airlines

In response to these challenges, the FAA is implementing measures such as installing new fiber optic lines and backup systems, and accelerating the hiring and training of air traffic controllers. United Airlines, which considers Newark its largest international hub in the U.S., remains optimistic that these adjustments will mitigate delays:

“United says it's optimistic that these new limits on the number of flights should reduce delays this summer.” (08:41)

Real ID Requirement

This Memorial Day marks the first travel period since the implementation of the REAL ID requirement. While TSA is currently allowing travelers without a REAL ID to fly, they caution that such passengers may experience delays and additional screening:

“Officially, that means you cannot just show up with a standard driver's license or state ID at airport security. In practice, TSA is still allowing people without a real ID to travel, but they say you may experience delays and have to go through some additional screening if you don't have the updated Real ID.” (09:14)

3. Early Wildfire Forecast and Federal Response Concerns

Above-Normal Fire Potential

The federal government has predicted an above-normal wildfire risk in much of the western United States and some southeastern states for the upcoming summer. Initial fires have already ignited in the Midwest and Arizona, with significant efforts to contain these early outbreaks.

Impact of U.S. Forest Service Staff Cuts

There is growing concern that reductions in the U.S. Forest Service staff, initiated by the Trump administration, could hamper firefighting capabilities. Ryan Hindschus, News Director at KNAU in Flagstaff, Arizona, elaborates on this issue:

“It's a worry that the hotshot crews and others could ultimately be short staffed. And when these big wildfires do pop up, the personnel just won't be there to adequately respond.” (12:44)

Current Firefighting Efforts and Forecast

Despite staffing concerns, firefighters have managed to control early fires effectively. For instance, a significant blaze in Arizona's White Mountains was contained by proactive fireline construction anticipating heavy winds. Hindschus notes:

“At its height, more than 700 personnel were fighting it, and they pulled off what I think was a bit of a miracle by building miles of fireline in anticipation of heavy winds.” (10:23)

Future Fire Predictions

Forecasters indicate that areas such as the Southwest, southern Nevada, Utah, Colorado, central and Southern California, eastern Washington, the Idaho panhandle, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Florida are particularly vulnerable due to below-average snowfall last winter, leading to drier conditions. Hindschus emphasizes the critical role of experienced Forest Service personnel, many of whom have left or been furloughed, in managing these risks.

“Sources have been telling NPR that some of the people who either chose to leave or were fired from the Forest Service are among the most experienced in leading wildland firefighting crews.” (12:48)

Conclusion

This episode of Up First underscores the multifaceted challenges facing the United States and the international community. From the intensified conflict in Ukraine with profound human and political implications, to the bustling summer travel season fraught with infrastructure and safety concerns, and the looming wildfire season exacerbated by federal workforce reductions—the stories highlight critical issues requiring vigilant attention and responsive action.

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