Good morning! You're reading the Up First newsletter, your essential source for daily updates. Subscribe here to receive it straight to your inbox and listen to the Up First podcast for everything you need to start your day.

In a significant development, President Trump spoke to reporters at the White House yesterday, indicating a shift in his approach towards tariffs imposed on China. The President stated that the U.S. is poised for a fair deal with China, signaling a potential easing in the escalating trade war between the two largest economies in the world. Currently, China holds a staggering 125% tariff on American goods, a retaliatory measure against the 145% tariff levied by the Trump administration on Chinese imports. The exact implications of this change in tone remain uncertain, leaving many to wonder if it will lead to actual policy adjustments.

According to NPRs Asma Khalid, this shift can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, if the tariffs remain intact, the trade relationship between the U.S. and China is likely to stagnate significantly. Secondly, the volatility induced by these tariffs has created a ripple effect, contributing to economic uncertainty that has ramifications on the stock market. Initially, Trump acknowledged that the tariffs might cause short-term economic pain; however, he believed the long-term benefits would outweigh these challenges. Nevertheless, Khalid notes that members of Trump's team have been eager to emphasize their success in striking deals. Anna Ashton, a former member of the U.S.-China Business Council, commented on the unpredictability of Trumps administration, suggesting that the frequent threats and inconsistent commitments make it unlikely that Chinese President Xi Jinping will engage in fruitful negotiations.

In a related political maneuver, Trump, alongside Vice President JD Vance, is pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider a U.S.-proposed peace deal. On his platform Truth Social, Trump criticized Zelenskyy for rejecting a contentious proposal that included acknowledging Russias annexation of Crimea, which occurred in 2014. This diplomatic strain comes as Ukraine and the U.S. engage with European officials in London, seeking strategies to navigate the ongoing conflict.

While the White House has not disclosed detailed information regarding the peace plan, NPRs Charles Maynes reports that it appears to heavily favor Russia. For Ukraine, the proposition of acquiescing to Russian claims over Crimea is a non-starter, marking a significant point of contention. Trumps insistence on a swift resolution highlights his administration's approach of applying pressure on Ukraine while appearing to ask little from Russia, raising questions about the underlying motives and fairness of the proposed negotiations.

Moreover, President Trump signed a comprehensive series of executive actions aimed at reforming education at both the higher education and K-12 levels. These actions include proposals to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in colleges, alongside new disciplinary guidance for public schools. One notable executive order tasks Education Secretary Linda McMahon with overhauling the college accreditation system. Another significant measure threatens to withdraw federal university grants from institutions that fail to provide full and timely disclosures regarding foreign financial support.

NPRs Elissa Nadworny highlights that these actions are part of Trumps broader agenda to hold colleges accountable for what he terms "ideological overreach" while promoting "intellectual diversity" in academic settings. In K-12 schools, previous policies aimed at reducing racial disparities in disciplinary practices, including suspensions and expulsions, may face revocation under these new directives. Additionally, some of the executive actions focus on enhancing workforce training and the integration of artificial intelligence in educational settings, aligning with Trump's conservative educational agenda.

As the political landscape evolves, its essential to stay informed about these developments. Todays featured story includes an inspiring segment on 19-year-old Kennia Camacho, who hosts the show Crisis Communicator on KQBH in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. With a community that is predominantly Hispanic and where many households primarily speak Spanish, Camacho has taken the initiative to address pressing concerns in her neighborhood amidst rising fears of ICE raids. Since her high school senior year in 2023, she has been a voice for her community, discussing critical issues affecting their lives.

In a related note, the Department of Education announced that for the first time in five years, it will resume collecting on defaulted student loans. Starting May 5, the department plans to begin garnishing borrowers tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and eventually wages, affecting approximately 5.3 million borrowers who defaulted before the pandemic. Experts advise that borrowers should stay vigilant, as the department will reach out with reminders of their obligations through emails and social media. Individuals can also check their loan status via StudentAid.gov, where they will find pertinent information about repayment and options for exiting default.

As we reflect on personal stories, NPR is inviting readers to share memorable moments with their mothers ahead of Mothers Day. Your experiences could be featured in an upcoming story, highlighting the love and connection shared between families.

This newsletter was expertly edited by Suzanne Nuyen.