Iran Ceasefire Deadline, Labor Secretary Out, Hearing For New Fed Chair

This episode of Up First from NPR covers three major developments in U.S. politics and foreign affairs. First, the fragile ceasefire between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is set to expire, with President Trump signaling he does not want to extend it despite ongoing talks in Islamabad. Iran has not confirmed participation, and tensions remain high as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to most shipping. NPR's Kat Lonsdorf reports from southern Lebanon, where a separate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is being closely watched—its survival tied directly to the U.S.-Iran negotiations. Despite the ceasefire, widespread destruction and displacement persist, with many residents unable to return home and fear of prolonged Israeli occupation looming. Second, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRimer has resigned, becoming the third cabinet member to leave in under two months. While officially citing a private-sector job, she was under investigation for misconduct, including allegations of drinking on the job, an affair with a bodyguard, and misuse of taxpayer-funded travel. Her nomination was backed by Teamsters leader Sean O'Brien, but her tenure saw little progress on labor issues, and her absence leaves a gap in leadership. Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, a veteran of the department, will step in. Third, President Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, faces a major hurdle in his confirmation hearing. Republican Senator Tom Tillis threatens to block Warsh unless the Justice Department drops its investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which Powell and others claim is politically motivated. Warsh, once an inflation hawk, now advocates for rate cuts due to AI-driven productivity gains, raising concerns among Democrats about his independence. The Fed’s autonomy remains a central issue as global inflation and regional conflict add pressure to monetary policy decisions.