When Russia's war in Ukraine began over two years ago, neighboring countries feared that they could be next.

And NATO asked itself - was it prepared to defend its territory if war arrived on its doorstep?

The answer was no.

So, its military chief decided it was time to ramp up NATO's strategy and revive its military headquarters. 

And for the first time this spring, NATO will exercise brand new war plans to prepare for the worst. 

The plan comes as Donald Trump makes another run at the White House, and expresses skepticism about NATO along the way.  Can NATO take on Russia if American support for the alliance doesn't hold?

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NATO Positions Itself For War

The hosts of NPR's All Things Considered help you make sense of a major news story and what it means for you, in 15 minutes. New episodes six days a week, Sunday through Friday.

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Welcome to Wild Card with Rachel Martin. In this first episode, Rachel talks to Jenny Slate, known for her roles in Obvious Child, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On and Parks and Recreation. Jenny opens up about whether fate brought her to her husband, what she's sacrificed for motherhood and what's so special about margarine and white bread sandwiches.

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Wild Card: Jenny Slate

Larry Demeritte is the first Black trainer participating in the Kentucky Derby in 35 years. And while the betting-books have his colt West Saratoga running at long odds, Demeritte, who is battling chronic illness and cancer, is feeling confident. 

For the 70-something veteran trainer, this is his first time at the Derby, but he is part of a rich history of Black horsemen who helped shape the Kentucky Derby into the iconic race it is today.  

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Larry Demeritte will be the first Black trainer in the Kentucky Derby in decades

If you go by headlines, the last 12 months have delivered major wins to organized labor. 

But despite well publicized victories the rate of U.S. union membership fell to a record low in 2023. Just 10%. 

And in southern states, the push to unionize can still be a grinding, uphill battle.

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Want to understand America's labor movement? Head south

From New York — to Illinois — to Los Angeles — encampments in support of Palestinians dot campuses across the country.

And over the last couple of days the tension has only increased as police have intervened on several campuses, including Columbia University, UCLA and the University of Texas.  Hundreds of protestors have been arrested.

Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses are growing in scope and intensity, and colleges are calling on law enforcement to help. Is it the right decision, and what happens next?

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For weeks students have protested the war in Gaza — now things are escalating

Dame Judi Dench has played everyone from the writer Iris Murdoch to M in the James Bond films. But among the roles the actress is most closely associated, are Shakespeare's heroines and some of his villians.  

Amongst those roles are the star-crossed lover Juliet, the comical Titania and the tragic Lady Macbeth.  Now she's reflecting on that work, and Shakespeare's work in Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent.

The book is comprised of Dench's conversations with her friend, the actor and director Brendan O'Hea.

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NATO Positions Itself For War

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