Can’t-miss interviews: Gavin Newsom, Dave Portnoy and Jason Reynolds
A lot happened this week, and NPR has you covered. Catch up on the big news and culture moments you might have missed.
The Trump administration deployed thousands of National Guard troops and mobilized hundreds of active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, California to control days-long protests sparked by ICE raids in the city, over the objections of the mayor and the governor. We spoke to several people about the situation, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom who said the mobilization was “illegal,” and a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security who defended the decision. Plus, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy spoke to Morning Edition about why he voted for President Trump, how he disagrees with him and whether he could support Democrats, and Questlove joined us to talk at length about Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music.
California governor says Trump is sowing ‘more chaos’ by ordering Marines to LA
Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., told NPR that the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles by President Trump is “an illegal act.”
DHS spokesperson defends Trump administration’s use of military in LA
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, explains why the Trump administration has deployed National Guard and Marine troops to Los Angeles amid protests against immigration raids.
Dave Portnoy on Trump, the ‘manosphere’ and ‘Barstool conservatism’
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy spoke to Morning Edition. Here’s what he had to say about why he voted for President Trump, how he disagrees with him and whether he could support Democrats.
Retired Marine Corps. leader concerned about military deployment in LA
NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly speaks with retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Walter Gaskin about President Trump’s activation of Marines and what comes with following orders on American streets.
Senator Van Hollen says the return of Abrego Garcia to the U.S. is a victory for the rule of law
Senator Chris Van Hollen played a leading role in the push to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S.. The Democrat represents Maryland, where Abrego Garcia was living with his family before he was deported. Senator Van Hollen joins us now.
Questlove, drummer and bandleader for The Roots, has been working on music documentaries. He joined us to talk at length about Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music.
Sending troops to LA an ‘unnecessary escalation,’ says California attorney general
California Attorney General Rob Bonta says President Trump is violating the law and that his decision to send federal troops Los Angeles is an “unnecessary escalation.”
Israel’s UN ambassador on what prompted airstrikes against Iran
NPR’s Steve Inskeep speaks with Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon about his country’s strikes.
Jason Reynolds’ favorite thing is being alone
Jason Reynolds writes stories that meet kids where they’re at, as full, complex people. He talks with Rachel about the value of being a crier, and his restless approach to living life to its fullest.
Navy SEAL-turned-doctor-turned-astronaut says he had a clear motivator — serve others
Almost a decade after completing medical school, Kim has reached a new career milestone as he completes an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He launched into space on April 8 and is expected to return to earth later this fall.
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Opinion: The immorality of betting on war
Traders on prediction markets bet on nearly anything. One made more than half a million dollars betting on the U.S. strike against Iran. But should people wager on human suffering?
Alabama man facing execution for deadly robbery asks for clemency as he didn’t kill victim
Charles “Sonny” Burton is scheduled to be executed March 12 for his role in a 1991 robbery in which a man was fatally shot. His supporters and attorney are asking the governor for clemency, arguing that his life should be spared because Burton didn’t fire the gun or witness the killing.
Curling had its moment at the Olympics and now Paralympics. It sparked a curling bonanza in America
Hundreds of people become interested in curling every four years and the 2026 numbers already show that boom.
One week into the Iran war, the fallout is global
The war is no longer just about the U.S., Israel and Iran. More countries are getting caught in the political crossfire or being drawn into the fighting themselves.
Iran’s president defies U.S. demands while apologizing for strikes on neighbors
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that a demand by the U.S. for an unconditional surrender is a "dream that they should take to their grave." He also apologized for Iran's attacks on regional countries.
What the Trump administration says about why it went to war with Iran
The Trump administration says it is "laser focused" and mission driven, but the messaging has been varied. The range of cited motivations for striking Iran now are sometimes at odds with each other.
