Up First from NPR Weaponry in Israel-Iran Conflict, President Trump's Domestic Agenda, Heat Dome
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Jun 21, 2025 Tensions between Israel and Iran escalate as the conflict shows no signs of abating. The effectiveness of Israel's air defense against increasing missile threats is under scrutiny. Meanwhile, President Trump’s ambitious tax cut faces hurdles amid internal party disagreements. On a different front, a heat dome looms, threatening record-breaking temperatures across the U.S. The hosts also engage listeners with a lively quiz, mixing quirky news and current events with humor and trivia, ensuring an informative yet entertaining experience.
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Iron Dome Strains Under Missile Barrage
- Israel's Iron Dome missile defense is highly effective but faces strain from sheer missile volume.
- Iran's barrage with dozens of missiles daily risks depleting Israel's interceptors and forces tough defense choices.
Iran's Missile Stockpile and Airspace Control
- Iran likely used only a third to half of its missile stockpile so far but has lost many launchers.
- Israel claims control over Iran's airspace, giving it a significant strategic advantage.
Divisions Threaten Trump Tax Bill
- President Trump's tax and spending bill extends 2017 tax cuts but cuts Medicaid and phases out clean energy tax breaks.
- Senate Republicans are divided over borrowing increases, Medicaid changes, and energy incentives, complicating the bill's passage.