Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Rylan 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 drug vessels. NPR's Tom Bowman has more.

The aircraft carrier USS General Ford has been ordered to join the dozens of ships in 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 illicit actors and activities.

It compromises safety and prosperity of the United States.

U.S. 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 Shue 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.

NPR's Andrea Shue reporting the Trump administration is

moving around money to pay some employees, including members of the military and immigration

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