NPR News: 10-24-2025 6PM EDT
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton.
What sanctions did the Trump administration impose on Colombia and why?
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.
How is the U.S. military responding to drug trafficking in the Caribbean?
NPR's Tom Bowman has more.
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 U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt military illicit actors and activities, it compromises safety and prosperity of the United States. U.S.
What impact is the government shutdown having on federal workers?
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.
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.
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.
How is the shutdown affecting air traffic control operations?
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.
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 to be a big fat zero.
The FAA has been able to pay air traffic control trainees at its academy in Oklahoma City so far, but Duffy says that funding could run out in a matter of weeks. Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.
Stocks closed up today. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 472 points, about 1%. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.
What environmental crimes were uncovered in Latin America?
Interpol says an investigation into logging, wildlife trafficking, and gold mining across nine Latin American countries has led to 225 arrests. The International Police Organization says it uncovered more than 400 cases of environmental crime and seized timber, live animals, and weapons. The operation also exposed transnational routes, showing how organized crime networks are increasingly driving the illegal exploits. A new study suggests many urinary tract infections come from an unexpected source, meat contaminated with E. coli bacteria. NPR's Maria Godoy has more.
It's estimated that up to 60% of women will develop a UTI over their lifetime. And in recent years, evidence has been growing that some of these infections come from meat in our food supply. In the new study, researchers found that nearly one in five UTIs in a group of patients in Southern California were linked to E. coli strains detected in meat samples sold in grocery stores in the same area during a four-year period.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:03
2
What sanctions did the Trump administration impose on Colombia and why?
0:03–0:36
3
How is the U.S. military responding to drug trafficking in the Caribbean?
0:36–1:03
4
What impact is the government shutdown having on federal workers?
1:03–1:42
5
How is the shutdown affecting air traffic control operations?
1:42–3:01
6
What environmental crimes were uncovered in Latin America?
3:01–4:36
7
How is contaminated meat linked to urinary tract infections?
4:36–4:38