Up First from NPR

The Iran War enters its second month with no clear ceasefire talks. Gas prices and airport chaos weigh down President Trump's approval numbers. Protesters against the president gather around the country for a third No Kings march.  

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In this special episode of Up First, we're sharing the premiere of NPR's newest podcast, Newsmakers, featuring Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. 

Moore has turned aside speculation that he might seek the presidency in 2028. He is seeking re-election to his current job in 2026.

But in this interview with Steve Inskeep, Moore says he's put a lot of thought into the challenge that President Trump’s successor would face upon taking office on January 20, 2029. 

At 47, Moore is regarded among Democrats as a rising star. The governor and First Lady Dawn Moore have drawn comparisons to the Obamas. He’s a decorated combat veteran, anti-poverty fighter and charismatic public speaker who was elected governor in 2022 in his first ever campaign. 

NPR's Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. Follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts or subscribe and watch on NPR’s YouTube channel.

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The Senate reaches an agreement to open most of the Department of Homeland Security. Trump sets a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, then extends it twice. GOP faithful gather for CPAC conference over mixed approval of the Iran war.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Kelsey Snell, Jason Breslow, Alice Woelfle, and Taylor Haney.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, and Chris Thomas.

Our technical director is Carleigh Strange, and we get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:20) Trump Cabinet
(06:22) DHS Funding
(10:18) CPAC, Trump and Iran

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Iran rejects a U.S. proposal to end the war and offers a different peace plan. Thousands more U.S. troops are deployed to the Middle East as President Trump considers seizing Iranian oil infrastructure. An unprecedented verdict against Meta and Google finds the tech giants responsible for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. 

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Gerry Holmes, Tara Neill, Brett Neely, Alice Woelfle, and HJ Mai.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, and Chris Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange, and our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Iran Rejects US Peace Proposal
(05:47) Troop Deployment
(09:30) Social Media Trial

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NPR has confirmed the U.S. is sending thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne to the Middle East, raising questions about whether this is an escalation in the war or a pressure tactic to force Iran to the negotiating table.
Lebanon expelled Iran's ambassador as Israel threatens to move the country's border northward and use the "Gaza model" in the south of Lebanon, with more than a million people already displaced. 
And Congress is inching toward a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but President Trump says he's probably not going to be happy with it, leaving TSA workers still without pay.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Gerry Holmes, Andrew Sussman, Kelsey Snell, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:53) 82nd Airborne Deployment
(05:55) Israel Threatens Lebanon Invasion
(09:39) DHS Funding Negotiations

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