Transcript
A (0:00)
Live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. The Trump administration is imposing sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family and his interior minister over alleged ties to international drug trafficking. The move further heightens tensions with the leader of one of Washington's closest allies in South America. Petro has criticized President Trump's bombing of boats he says are transporting drugs. In a statement, the Treasury Department says cocaine production in Colombia has exploded under President Petro. The Pentagon is building up its military presence in the Caribbean as it continues to attack alleged drugged vessels. NPR's Tom Bowman has more.
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The aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford has been ordered to join the dozens of ships and aircraft that have already been deployed to the Caribbean. The Ford had been taking part in a port visit in Croatia, and Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Ford will, quote, bolster US Capacity to detect, monitor and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States. US for forces have already carried out 10 strikes on alleged drug vessels in the region, resulting in more than 40 dead. Democrats and some Republicans have questioned President Trump's authority to order extrajudicial killings. Tom Bowman, NPR News.
A (1:18)
Close to a million and a half federal workers are going without pay during the government shutdown. As NPR's Andrea Hsu explains, the impact of the shutdown is likely to spread.
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If it drags on and on, experts say the general public will feel the economic effects in their communities. Grocery stores that are located near federal buildings are seeing less foot traffic. Daycares are seeing fewer kids because their parents are now furloughed. Things like that are already happening.
A (1:42)
NPR's Andrea Hsu reporting. The Trump administration is moving around money to pay some employees, including members of the military and immigration enforcement. The Pentagon also says it received an anonymous $130 million gift to help pay troops during the shutdown. The move raises ethical questions after President Trump said a friend offered the gift. The government shutdown continues to disrupt flights across the country. NPR's Joel Rose reports pressure is mounting on air traffic controllers who are working without pay.
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Flights have been delayed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The FAA says that's because of a staffing shortage at the facility that manages arriving and departing traffic. It's the latest disruption at facilities that were already critically short of air traffic controllers before the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says those disruptions could get worse. When next Tuesday's payday arrives and controllers receive no money, their paycheck is going.