Chapter 1: What is the current situation regarding the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas?
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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Corva Coleman. Vice President Vance is in Israel today to support the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. President Trump's two special envoys arrived earlier for talks. Vice President Vance is expected to hold a news conference in a few hours. Meanwhile, militants inside Gaza have released the latest deceased Israeli hostage.
It is the body of a man who was killed two years ago in the Hamas attack on October 7th. NPR's Rob Schmitz has more from Tel Aviv.
Israel has identified the body of Tal Haimi, who was 42 years old when he was killed defending his kibbutz two years ago against Hamas militants, who then took his body into Gaza.
Chapter 2: How is the federal government shutdown affecting federal employees and services?
According to his wife Ella, Haimi told her on the morning of the Hamas attack that there were terrorists nearby and asked her to lock up their house. She and their three children survived, and she had their fourth child after his death. There are still 15 deceased Israeli hostages left in Gaza, and Israel has handed over 150 deceased Palestinians so far in exchange for the bodies of its hostages.
Hamas says it is waiting for the delivery of digging equipment to recover the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages. Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
The federal government shutdown is now three weeks old. Many federal employees won't receive a paycheck this week as it drags on. Government programs are also feeling the strain. Some states are signaling that families receiving food aid could go without it next month if there's no breakthrough. Many Medicare patients are also affected because they cannot schedule telehealth appointments.
Chapter 3: What updates are there on the construction of the new ballroom at the White House?
That's affected Vicki Stern. She cares for her mother, who is in her 90s. Stern tells ABC that needing to see a doctor in person can be difficult for her mom.
She's suffering with some late-onset Alzheimer's, so she gets a little disoriented too. So having the ability to talk to somebody on telehealth rather than explaining to her going to the doctor... really makes a big difference.
The federal government shutdown has not stopped work for President Trump's new ballroom at the White House. NPR's Tamara Keith reports workers started demolishing the east wing of the White House yesterday to start construction on the ballroom.
The construction is privately funded through donations, so a White House official says the government shutdown didn't delay the groundbreaking. Last week, during a dinner at the White House for large-dollar donors, President Trump pointed out toward the East Wing of the White House and explained.
Chapter 4: What are the latest developments in James Comey's legal situation?
Everything out there is coming down, and we're replacing it with one of the most beautiful ballrooms that you've ever seen.
That demolition is happening now.
And you're going to see a ballroom the likes of which I don't think it'll be topped.
Trump now says the ballroom will hold 999 people, an increase from the 650 originally announced. Tamara Keith, NPR News.
You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Former FBI Director James Comey is asking a federal judge to dismiss criminal charges against him for allegedly making false statements to Congress. Comey alleges the only reason he's facing the charges is because President Trump demanding his prosecution. Comey is a fierce Trump critic. Japan has selected its first female prime minister.
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Chapter 5: Who is Japan's new prime minister and what challenges does she face?
Sanae Takeuchi will lead, but her party has a minority in the Japanese parliament. Takeuchi will have to reach agreements with other political parties to pass legislation. She takes power just ahead of a planned visit to Japan by President Trump. The number of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales is increasing, but slowly.
That's according to researchers at the New England Aquarium in Boston. They've released a new population estimate today. From member station WBUR, Vivian Law has more.
Researchers estimate that there are eight more right whales than at the last count.
New England Aquarium senior scientist Philip Hamilton says it's good news, but... It's a really small increase in an already small population, so it doesn't change the picture of what we need to do as humans. We need to keep the pressure on for protecting the species.
Chapter 6: What is the status of the North Atlantic right whale population?
There are only about 384 right whales left. They face dangers like boat strikes, getting tangled in fishing gear, and now proposed changes to federal protections. Republican lawmakers and the Trump administration want to roll back conservation laws to help the fishing industry. Conservationists say that would be devastating for efforts to save the species from extinction.
For NPR News, I'm Vivian Law in Boston.
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