NPR News Now - NPR News: 10-26-2024 3PM EDT

Episode Date: October 26, 2024

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From poll numbers to talking points to all the drama, we get it. Election season can be a lot. That's why here at NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, we're in the business of providing a little release from the squeeze of the political season. Try out any of our shows on the latest in TV, movies, and music to keep you grounded and bring you back to Earth. New episodes every week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, only from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rahm. Israel carried out air strikes against Iran overnight, targeting Iran's air defenses and the storage and production sites of ballistic missiles and drones. NPR's Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv this was after Iran had conducted missile strikes against Israel

earlier this month. Israel's response was designed as a kind of a quid pro quo after Iran carried out its missile strikes on Israel on October 1st and also designed in a way that Iran would be able to contain any reaction. Israel says that its retaliation against Iran is now over and Iran indeed is signaling that it's downplaying this. NPR's Daniel Estrin. President Biden told reporters today that intelligence officials say it appears the strikes only hit military targets. Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke about the strikes. She may says the US maintains the importance of

supporting Israel's right to exist, but also is very adamant that there must be a de-escalation in the region. Harris said the administration will continue its diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. Just 10 days remain in a tight presidential race, and Harris and former President Donald Trump are both holding rallies in the battleground state of Michigan. NPR's Amy Held reports. Trump took the stage in Novi, Michigan Saturday as early voting opened statewide. It began last week and state officials said by Friday some 20% of registered voters

had already cast their ballots. Speaking outside the Motor City, Trump lamented losses in the automotive and manufacturing industries and took another dig at Detroit. I think Detroit and some of our areas makes us a developing nation. Harris is keeping the focus on abortion rights. She addressed the media before her rallying Kalamazoo. I'm about to go and meet with some of the physicians who are on the front lines of this issue for addressing the harm that has resulted from these Trump abortion bans. Both candidates turn next to rallies in the biggest swing state prize of Pennsylvania.

Amy Held and PR News. For the first time since 1988, the Washington Post is not endorsing a presidential candidate. Robert Kagan resigned as editor-at-large. He says he blames the owner, Jeff Bezos, for the decision not to endorse Kamala Harris. Well, it was a pretty easy decision. This is obviously an effort by Jeff Bezos to curry favor with Donald Trump in the anticipation of his possible victory. Trump has threatened to go after Bezos' business.

Bezos runs one of the largest companies in America. They have tremendously intricate relations with the federal government. They depend on the federal government. And Trump has made it clear that he will attack media organizations that are critical of him. He was interviewed on CNN. You're listening to NPR News in Washington.

Hundreds of people turned out last night in Lewiston, Maine to mark the first anniversary of the worst mass shooting in Maine history. Eighteen people were killed and 13 were injured by a part-time soldier who later killed himself. From Maine Public Radio, Susan Sharon reports. There were hugs and tears and moments of silence for the victims. On October 25th, 2023, a gunman entered a bowling alley and killed eight people.

Then he drove across town, walked into a bar, and killed 10 more. At an event honoring those who died, Shanna Cox of the Lewis and Auburn Chamber of Commerce said the community has demonstrated its resilience over the past year. We have supported one another in ways large and small. This is how I know we are resilient and that together we will heal. The bowling alley is back in business and the building that formerly housed the bar

is scheduled to reopen as a warming center and food pantry in the coming weeks. For NPR News, I'm Susan Sharon in Lewiston, Maine. Georgia, the former Soviet republic, held a parliamentary election today. The ruling Georgian Dream Party has been in power since 2012. It has been steering the country closer to Russia while opposition parties are seeking closer ties with the West. They want Georgia to join the European Union.

Its bid for membership was put on hold after a crackdown by a ruling party on freedom of speech. All the parties are claiming victory today, citing competing exit polls. I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News in Washington.