A look back at Putin's year
2023 began on a tough note for Russian President Putin, with his war in Ukraine stagnating and criticism from the head of the Wagner group. Now, that man is dead and Ukraine may be running out of aid.
World News
U.S. defense secretary presses Israeli officials on protecting civilian lives in Gaza
Lloyd Austin arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday and told officials that although U.S. support for Israel was "unshakeable," protecting civilians in Gaza was "both a moral duty and a strategic imperative."
NPR's John Ruwitch reflects on the changing mood in China
In the first of a series of stories about China, NPR's John Ruwitch examines shifts in public perceptions about the country's economic future.
Up First briefing: Defense Secretary visits Israel; Southwest to pay $140 million fine
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Israel amid concerns about Palestinian casualties. Southwest is ordered to pay $140 million for its 2022 holiday travel meltdown.
The latest on the war between Israel and Hamas
Hear the latest on the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Morning news brief
The latest on the Israel-Hamas war. As lawmakers negotiate border policy, the GOP makes immigration the focus. Hong Kong media tycoon and democracy activist Jimmy Lai goes on trial.
Hong Kong media tycoon and democracy activist Jimmy Lai goes on trial
Hong Kong media mogul and democracy activist Jimmy Lai goes on trial after more than 1,000 days of pre-trial detention.
Shipping is under attack in the Red Sea
Houthi rebels have been attacking ships sailing to and from the Suez Canal. NPR's A Martinez speaks to Martin Kröger of the German Shipowners' Association about threats to Red Sea shipping.
Ukrainians worry over wavering U.S. and EU support as Christmas approaches
As Ukrainians prepare to celebrate Christmas according to the Western calendar for the first time, they fear the support of their biggest allies – the U.S. and the European Union – is wavering.
China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan. Here's how
China has been sending ships and planes to encircle Taiwan and mounting more sophisticated military drills simulating a blockade of the island.