Russia Rejects Peace Proposal, Hegseth Defends Boat Strikes, Tennessee House Election

This edition of Up First covers several developing stories. It begins with a lighthearted exchange between the hosts about saying "good morning." The main headlines include U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine, and the lack of progress towards a peace agreement. The podcast then shifts to a discussion on the Trump administration facing scrutiny over a U.S. attack on a drug boat in the Caribbean, including conflicting statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Finally, the hosts analyze the results of a special election in Tennessee, highlighting the implications for both Republicans and Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms, with a focus on economic concerns and voter motivation. The segment also includes a call to support NPR through donations and NPR Plus.