Ukraine's New Year's Agony, Puerto Rico Power Outages, Dry January Tips

In the January 1, 2025 episode of NPR's *Up First*, the hosts cover three significant stories: the ongoing war in Ukraine, a widespread power outage in Puerto Rico, and the rise of Dry January. The episode kicks off with a light and fun recap of the hosts' New Year's Eve celebrations before shifting to more serious topics. It discusses Ukraine's struggles amidst a new wave of Russian drone attacks and the increasing pessimism about the war's outcome, all while featuring a young Ukrainian man's hope for his country's future. The report then turns to Puerto Rico, detailing the extensive power outage that highlights the island's vulnerable infrastructure even seven years after Hurricane Maria. Lastly, the episode explores the growing trend of Dry January, providing listeners with valuable tips from sobriety experts on how to engage in the challenge and navigate social events without alcohol.