Up First from NPR Missed Paychecks, NBA Gambling Scandal, Russia Reacts
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Oct 24, 2025 
Andrea Hsu, an NPR reporter, dives into the struggles of federal workers missing paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown. She outlines available resources to aid those impacted. Becky Sullivan, an NPR sports correspondent, unpacks a sensational NBA gambling scandal involving secret devices, revealing how insider tips and betting patterns led to arrests. Finally, Charles Maines, NPR's Moscow correspondent, discusses Russia's dismissive reaction to new U.S. sanctions and insights into the potential diplomatic fallout with the Kremlin.
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Uneven Pain From The Shutdown
- The shutdown caused roughly 700,000 furloughed workers and nearly as many working without pay, creating haves and have-nots within agencies.
- Local economies and services near federal hubs already show ripple effects like quieter grocery stores and emptier daycares.
Federal Worker’s Personal Strain
- Tierra Carter, a Social Security employee and union rep, described taking loans and a 401(k) hardship withdrawal to cope during the shutdown.
- She compared her struggle to swimming to the top and getting knocked back down repeatedly.
Seek Local Credit-Union Help Fast
- Credit unions near federal workers are offering short-term, interest-free loans for urgent bills like mortgages and car payments.
- Use local food banks and these credit-union loans as immediate relief while paychecks are delayed.