Up First from NPR

President Trump’s Asia trip kicks off with peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand and a trade framework with China, before meeting with President Xi Jinping on Thursday. The massive U.S. military build up in the Caribbean waters off the coast of Venezuela is causing concern from Caracas to the U.S. Congress, Venezuelan troops conduct drills on their beaches this weekend. And federal workers face growing financial strain as the government shutdown threatens holiday travel and food benefits. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Tara Neil, Kelsey Snell, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle . It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Correction: In a previous audio version of this episode we refer to Venezuelan Minister Diosdado Cabello as Minister of Defense instead of Minister of Interior. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

In New Zealand, a nationwide extermination campaign is underway. It's one of the most ambitious in the world. The country is home to more than four thousand native species that are threatened or at risk of extinction. To protect its biodiversity, New Zealand has embarked on an experiment that aims to eradicate all invasive species by the year 2050. Can the country pull it off? And how far should humans go to reverse the damage we’ve caused? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Some members of the House of Representatives are using down time during the shutdown to connect from their constituents back home - we'll tell you what they're hearing. We'll also preview President Trump's trip to Asia, which will be dominated by his administration's at times contentious relationship with China. Plus, the U.S. is ramping up its military presence in the Caribbean. The Pentagon says it's to counter drug traffickers - we'll tell you how the move is being seen in the region. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

More than a million federal workers are missing their first full paycheck as the shutdown stretches into week four, with pressure building on Washington to end the standoff. A wild NBA gambling scandal involving secret gadgets lands an active player and a Hall of Fame coach in legal trouble. And Russia's president shrugs off new U.S. sanctions after President Trump cancels his summit with Vladimir Putin. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Emily Kopp, Russell Lewis, Kate Bartlett, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

European leaders meet with Ukraine’s president with billions in frozen Russian assets on the table as the European Union and United States impose new sanctions on Moscow. Courts could rule this week on key legal challenges to President Trump’s National Guard deployments in multiple cities. And the Pentagon press corps gets a right-wing makeover as new reporters replace legacy outlets. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Alina Hartounian, Emily Kopp, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Vice President JD Vance says he’s optimistic about the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the U.S. pushes for the next phase of the deal. It’s week four of the government shutdown, and the White House is ramping up pressure with cuts and layoffs. And the demolition of the East Wing raises legal and ethical questions about President Trump’s ballroom project. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Padmananda Rama, Miguel Macias, Dana Farrington, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The economic cost of the government shutdown is mounting, as workers miss paychecks and contracts stall. President Trump’s feud with Colombia is deepening, with threats to cut aid testing a decades-long alliance. And in France, outrage is growing after the Louvre jewel heist, with political backlash and a security crackdown underway. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Raphael Nam, Tara Neil, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Israel says the ceasefire is back on after it launched strikes on Gaza in response to clashes over the weekend that threaten to unravel a fragile deal. It's day 20 of the government shutdown, but the usual pressure points that push lawmakers toward a deal haven’t been felt yet. And the U.S. steps up military operations in the Caribbean, raising fears and tensions in the region. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebecca Rosman, Jason Breslow, Tara Neil, Mohamad ElBardicy and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Homeless encampments are a part of the landscape in many U.S. cities. In Oakland, California, one of the longest-standing and most well-known encampments was at Union Point Park. It was right by the water, and it had a beautiful view of the sunset. But it was also a concern for some local residents, who worried about crime and safety. When the city tried to clear Union Point Park, the people who lived there united and fought back. Reporter Shaina Shealy followed this community for about a year, as they advocated for their own small plot of land in the city where they could live by their own rules, on their own terms. Her 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios is called A Tiny Plot. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Thousands of "No Kings" rallies are planned across the U.S. today, protesting the Trump administration's policies. Plus, over a week in the Hamas-Israel ceasefire, desperately needed humanitarian aid has been slow to arrive in Gaza. We'll also look at the latest salvos in the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

John Bolton is indicted on 18 counts for allegedly mishandling classified information dating back to his time as national security advisor during President Trump’s first term. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with President Trump at the White House to discuss Ukraine's request for long-range missiles, Trump says he will meet with Russia's president in Hungary next. And the scale of Gaza’s reconstruction is staggering, with unexploded bombs buried in the rubble, nearly all buildings damaged or destroyed and major questions about who will lead the reconstruction. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Nick Spicer, Miguel Macias, Mohamad El Bardicy and Alice Woelfle It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman. And our technical director is Stacey Abbott. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump escalates pressure on Venezuela, authorizing covert CIA operations and striking suspected drug boats. A federal judge pauses the Trump administration’s shutdown layoffs, at least for now. And active-duty troops get paid after a last-minute fix, but military families still feel the strain as the shutdown drags on. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Emily Kopp, Andrew Sussman, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Zac Coleman. And our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Hamas hands over more bodies of deceased hostages as tensions rise in Gaza over the next phase of the ceasefire deal. The government shutdown stretches into its third week with no negotiations underway, as pressure builds on both parties to break the stalemate. And the Supreme Court takes up a major case on Louisiana’s congressional map that could weaken the Voting Rights Act nationwide. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Jason Breslow, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. And our technical director is Stacey Abbott. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

A fragile ceasefire is holding in Gaza as Hamas fighters return to the streets and freed detainees cross back into the strip. President Trump returns from a Middle East trip celebrating the deal that ended the war, even as questions remain about how long it will last. And Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are ramping up arrest operations in several cities, raising concerns about ICE tactics in American cities. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Anna Yukhananov, Gigi Douban, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Phase one of the Gaza ceasefire is underway as Hamas releases Israeli hostages and thousands of Palestinians held by Israel are being reunited with their families. President Trump addresses Israel's parliament ahead of his trip to Egypt to sign the deal he brokered. And the government shutdown enters its second week, with multiple agencies sending layoff notices and growing pressure on the military payroll. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kate Bartlett, Vincent Ni, Jason Breslow, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from David Greenburg. And our technical director is Zac Coleman. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump campaigned on a promise of mass deportations. Since he took office in January, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, have been increasing detentions to try to meet that goal. Today on The Sunday Story, hear how ICE is changing under the Trump administration from two people who have been working inside the immigration system for decades. Listen to the full Throughline episode here. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

From hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado reacts to her Nobel Peace Prize, announced Friday, and tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe why she dedicated the prize in part to President Trump. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The peace deal between Israel and Hamas is entering its second day - we'll have the latest on how things are going on the ground. Also, As the shutdown rolls on, the Trump administration announces another series of layoffs among federal workers. Plus, look at subsidies for the Affordable Care Act and why they are at the center of the government shutdown. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

A fragile ceasefire deal is being put to the test as Israeli troops begin pulling back in Gaza. President Trump prepares to travel to the Middle East as the U.S. sends 200 American troops to monitor the agreement between Israel and Hamas. And New York Attorney General Letitia James is indicted on federal bank fraud charges, a case brought on after the president publicly called for her prosecution. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebecca Rosman, Gerry Holmes, Anna Yukhananov, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a 20 point peace deal. More than a week into the government shutdown, the parties are largely digging into the same messages about what should happen next. And ICE continues arrest operations in Chicago while National Guard troops from Texas are positioned outside the city, despite a lawsuit by the state and city to block the deployment. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Kelsey Snell, Cheryl Corley, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy