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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His brother’s mental illness isolated his family. Now he’s helping other caregivers
When it comes to serious mental illness, family caregivers are crucial partners. But often, they must fend for themselves. A new solution offers them support.
Out with the mayo: How Ukrainians reclaim holiday food
For many people from former Soviet countries, New Year's is a big holiday feast time. A Ukrainian restaurant in Washington gives NPR a taste of what's on the menu.
Farmers are about to pay a lot more for health insurance
Tariffs, inflation, and other federal policies have battered U.S. farmers' bottom lines. Now many farmers say the expiration of federal health care subsidies will make their coverage unaffordable.
50 wonderful things from 2025
Each year, critic Linda Holmes looks back on the year and compiles a list of the things that brought her joy.
Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? A brief history of a long tradition
One of the earliest mentions of New Year's resolutions appeared in a Boston newspaper in 1813. But the practice itself can be traced back to the Babylonians.
In one year, Trump pivots fentanyl response from public health to drug war
Experts say Biden's focus on addiction health care saved tens of thousands of lives and slowed fentanyl smuggling. Trump scrapped Biden's approach in favor of military strikes.
