Accessibility links Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Open Navigation Menu --> Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Close Navigation Menu Home News Expand/collapse submenu for News National World Politics Business Health Science Climate Race Culture Expand/collapse submenu for Culture Books Movies Television Pop Culture Food Art & Design Performing Arts Life Kit Gaming Music Expand/collapse submenu for Music Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions Podcasts & Shows Expand/collapse submenu for Podcasts & Shows Daily Morning Edition Weekend Edition Saturday Weekend Edition Sunday All Things Considered Up First Here & Now NPR Politics Podcast Featured Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Fresh Air Wild Card with Rachel Martin It's Been a Minute Embedded Get NPR+ More Podcasts & Shows Search Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions About NPR Diversity Support Careers Press Ethics Up First briefing: Nepal flooding; Kevin Warsh speech; Kennedy Center As the death toll rises from flash floods that hit the Nepal-Tibet border, experts are warning more flooding could be on the way. And, Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh is expected to give a key address today. Special Series Up First Newsletter All Up First Stories Up First Podcast Morning Edition LISTEN & FOLLOW NPR App Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio RSS link Sign up for the [TITLE] Newsletter Get perks with [Podcast Title]+ Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed.
By
Brittney Melton
Good morning. You're 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.
The confirmed death toll from flash floods that hit the Nepal-Tibet border has surpassed 460 people, and more than 1,500 people are reported missing. Around 90 Americans are among the people unaccounted for, according to the U.S. State Department. The U.S. Geological Survey says a glacial collapse triggered the floods. The State Department said it would provide the region with $500,000 in aid for the rescue efforts.
Nepalese police officers watch as earthmovers clear the debris of flash flooding in Nepal's Nuwakot district on Thursday. Niranjan Shrestha/AP hide caption
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh is set to give his first major speech as Fed Chair when he addresses economists and policymakers this morning at Jackson Lake Lodge in Wyoming. Investors were left feeling let down last month when he promised to curb inflation without outlining specific plans. Many are eager for clearer guidance today, as Fed chairs have historically used this gathering to share their economic views. Prices are climbing faster than the central bank's target. They increased 3.7% in the 12 months ending in July.
A federal judge heard arguments yesterday concerning the Kennedy Center board's recent efforts to reinstate President Trump's name at the entrance of the arts complex. On Aug. 13, the board, dominated by members appointed by the president, voted to close the main building for renovations. It also voted to put up a new sign on the entryway that would read "The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump." It said in a legal filing earlier this week that the complex could be demolished if its plans for a two-year renovation, including the return of Trump's name, don't advance.
An order of ground beef is prepared for a customer at Deep Cuts butcher shop in Dallas on Oct. 21, 2025. Tony Gutierrez/AP hide caption
Trump is trying to beef up Americans' lives with a plan to temporarily lower tariff rates on some imported ground beef. In a social media post, the president said that the U.S. would "allow up to 300,000 metric tons of product for ground beef to be imported with no out of quota tariff." He also said the U.S. was committed to selling this beef at "25 percent below market prices." Beef has seen significant price increases due to rising inflation. Last month, U.S. consumers faced an average price of $6.89 per pound, and agricultural industry experts doubt that the president's plan will lead to a noticeable price drop. Here's why:
Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in Lanterns. John Johnson/HBO Max hide caption
Check out what NPR is watching, reading and listening to this weekend:
🍿 Movies: American Doctor follows three American surgeons on medical missions in Gaza. The documentary highlights the challenges they faced while treating wounded civilians and shares the struggles of their Palestinian colleagues.
📺 TV: HBO's new DC superhero show Lanterns follows space cops John Stewart and Hal Jordan, who is Earth's Green Lantern. Although they clash, Jordan agrees to train Stewart to become the next Green Lantern.
📚 Books: There's still time for at least one more summer read. NPR book critic Maureen Corrigan has three suspense thriller suggestions.
🎵 Music: Country music icon Dolly Parton left behind not only hit songs but also the stories she told as a songwriter. Her lyrics were representative of America throughout different decades, including the changing experiences of women who demanded equality.
❓ Quiz: How well do you know Dolly Parton? This week's news quiz features two questions about her, because writer Holly J. Morris says she deserves it. Plus, Planet Money Summer School is coming to an end. Test your economic knowledge and earn a diploma with this eight-question quiz.
Claire Harbage/NPR Milk bars are thriving in Rwanda, providing fresh dairy to people who have moved to the city and lost access to cows. While milk is culturally beloved, health officials are urging people to consume it more moderately.Trump signed an executive order yesterday renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America. The body of water sits between New York and Canada.CVS and Walgreens told NPR that they have each filled around 100,000 prescriptions for obesity drugs in less than two months since a pilot program through Medicare allowed eligible beneficiaries to obtain them for $50 a month. This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews. Anyone who makes such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent NPR.
Sponsor Message
Become an NPR sponsor