Stay Informed with Up First: Latest News on Government Reopening, SNAP Benefits, COP30 Summit, and Rising Prices
Start your day with the Up First newsletter, delivering the news straight to your inbox. Don't forget to tune in to the Up First podcast for all the latest updates you need. A bipartisan group of senators has reached an agreement to reopen the government, putting an end to the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The vote on the initial procedural step passed with a majority, and the agreement will fund the government until Jan. 30.
The Trump administration has two days to increase SNAP benefits from 65% to 100% following a federal appeals court's decision. There is a possibility of involving the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter. Meanwhile, states that have already paid out full benefits are facing a legal battle after conflicting court orders. World leaders are convening in Brazil for the United Nations' COP30 climate summit to address climate change. The United States will not play an active role in the discussions this year.
NPR's Cost of Living series is investigating the factors behind rising prices and how people are managing in the face of persistent inflation. The cost of electricity has surged by 40% since February 2020, driven by increased demand from new data centers supporting the AI industry. Natural gas prices, used for electricity generation, have also risen. Learn more about the impact of AI on electricity bills and financial strategies in the latest stories.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's relationship with technology. A study revealed that children's screen time is influenced by their parents' habits. Despite the challenges of managing online tasks, setting limits on screen time can positively impact children's behavior. For guidance on being a screen time role model, check out NPR's Life Kit episode. Stay informed with expert advice on various topics by subscribing to the Life Kit newsletter. Share your experiences on how rising prices are affecting your lifestyle with NPR.