Trump Economy, Federal Reserve December, Afghan Fighters' Struggles

This NPR "Up First" podcast episode covers several developing news stories. It begins with an analysis of President Trump's economic message amid voter concerns about affordability, featuring NPR's Tamara Keith. The episode then discusses the Federal Reserve's expected interest rate cut and the internal debate among committee members, with insights from NPR's Scott Horsley. Finally, the podcast presents an exclusive report by NPR's Brian Mann on Afghan soldiers who fought for the CIA and now feel abandoned, highlighting mental health struggles and immigration issues within that community, including discussion of the Lackenwall case and its impact on Afghan refugees.