Up First from NPR "No Kings" Protests; Aid Slow for Gaza; U.S. - China Trade War Heats Up
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Oct 18, 2025 
Jane Arraf, an NPR reporter with firsthand experience in Gaza, shares critical insights on the humanitarian crisis during the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. She reveals that promised aid is drastically delayed, with Israel allowing far fewer shipments than needed. Additionally, Arraf highlights bureaucratic hurdles threatening aid organizations' operations. Meanwhile, the podcast dives into the escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, with new tech export restrictions rattling supply chains. Insightful discussions on civil liberties also emerge amid nationwide protests against the Trump administration.
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Mass Nationwide Protests Planned
- Organizers expect millions to protest across 2,600+ events in all 50 states, showing rapid growth since June's 450 events.
- The movement frames itself as defending democracy against perceived authoritarianism rather than partisan politics.
GOP Frames Protests As Threats
- Republican leaders characterize the protests as "hate America" rallies and warn of violence, attempting to delegitimize participants.
- Organizers and civil liberties groups push back, insisting the events are peaceful and constitutionally protected.
Prepare Protesters For Safe Action
- Organizers trained participants in de-escalation and informed them of their protest rights to reduce risk of violence.
- The ACLU warned it would respond if the administration used the National Guard to intimidate peaceful protesters.