Morning news brief

NPR | By Michel Martin,

Leila Fadel

Published October 19, 2026 at 4:46 AM EDT

Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes as relations between U.S. and Ukraine deteriorate, the midterms are on track to be the most expensive on record, French president denounces violent protests.

NPR News

Michel Martin

Michel Martin is a host of Morning Edition.

See stories by Michel Martin

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a host of Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

See stories by Leila Fadel

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