NPR's Up First covers President Trump's waiver of new Russia sanctions and the escalating tensions with Ukraine following a major drone strike on St. Petersburg. The episode also analyzes 2026 midterm fundraising, highlighting how Democrats are out-raising Republicans in competitive races despite Elon Musk’s massive financial support for GOP super PACs. Finally, it reports on violent riots in France, where President Macron condemned the unrest that began as student protests over school conditions and cost of living.