In this episode of the NPR Up First podcast, three key news stories take center stage. First, a major offensive by Syrian rebels is advancing toward Damascus, raising serious concerns about civilian safety and the future of the regime, despite the rebels' controversial history. Next, the cryptocurrency market is experiencing a surge, driven by the prospect of support from the Trump administration, which has sparked both excitement and anxiety over potential market volatility and crashes. Lastly, New York City has unveiled an ambitious housing plan aimed at increasing the number of housing units, but it faces significant hurdles in providing genuinely affordable options and falls short compared to other cities' initiatives.
