NPR News Now - NPR News: 10-26-2024 6AM EDT

Episode Date: October 26, 2024

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Support for this podcast and the following message come from the NPR Wine Club, which has generated over $1.75 million to support NPR programming. Whether buying a few bottles or joining the club, you can learn more at nprwineclub.org slash podcast. Must be 21 or older to purchase. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Kyle Snyder. The Biden administration is warning against any further escalation in the Middle East after Israel launched airstrikes overnight against military targets in Iran. The strikes had long been expected in retaliation for Iranian ballistic missile attacks earlier this month, and Pierce Jackie Northam reports.

Israel's military says it launched what it calls precise strikes against military targets in Iran. Iranian media reported several large explosions in the capital Tehran and that several military bases around the capital had been targeted. The attack had been expected for several weeks after Iran launched around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and to Israel sending ground troops into southern Lebanon. The concern now is the two countries could get into this tit-for-tat situation which could lead to a broader regional war, one that could pull in the U.S.

Jackie Northam, NPR News. Iran denies that the strikes caused any real damage and says while it's obligated to defend itself, Tehran recognizes its responsibility toward peace and security in the region. Former President Donald Trump is to hold an event in Novi, Michigan today after keeping Michigan supporters waiting in the cold for hours at last night's outdoor rally in Traverse City. So I apologize, but you know, it's all about winning. We got to win. And we did some things today that will help us win. I think we did a lot of taping, a lot of this, a lot of that, a lot of everything.

Trump arrived three hours late because an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan in Austin, Texas ran long with early voting starting today in Michigan. Trump's Democratic rival Kamala Harris will also be campaigning there in Kalamazoo alongside Michelle Obama. Harris was also in Texas last night where Beyonce told supporters in Houston that it's time to sing a new song. Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos has decided the paper will not endorse anyone in this year's presidential race.

That's the first time that's happened since 1988. Imperial-staffed Folk and Flick broke the story and reports that the head of the paper's editorial page had already approved backing Vice President Kamala Harris. The Washington Post reporters have uncovered wrongdoing by former President Donald Trump and his associates while in office. The editorial page, which operates separately, has repeatedly characterized Trump as being unfit for that office. The editorial page, which operates separately, has repeatedly characterized Trump as being unfit for that office. Publisher Will Lewis told readers the paper sought to return to its roots of decades ago

when it did not endorse presidential candidates. The paper's editorial writers were outraged. Editor-at-large Robert Kagan has resigned. It's the prerogative of newspaper owners to make such decisions, and it is common that they do so. In this case, an editorial endorsing Harris was already in the works The move follows a similar decision by Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon shong David Folken flick NPR news And you're listening to NPR news Tributes are being paid to the groundbreaking grateful dead bassist Phil Lesh

being paid to the groundbreaking Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Lesh's death was announced yesterday on his Instagram account and did not cite a specific cause. He was 84. Lesh was a critical founding member of the Grateful Dead whose bass playing helped establish the band Sound. A retrial began this week for former Louisville police officer Brett Hankinson over his role in the police raid that killed 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in her apartment in March 2020. Louisville Public Media's Jocelyn Rodin has more.

Federal prosecutors alleged Hankinson blindly fired 10 shots through a covered window and a sliding glass door from outside Taylor's apartment. Prosecutors argued Hankinson's actions are against police protocol and endangered people around him. Hankinson's shots didn't strike Taylor, but they went into a neighboring apartment where a pregnant woman, her boyfriend, and her five-year-old son were sleeping. Hankinson was charged with two felony counts of violating the civil rights of Taylor, her boyfriend, and the neighboring family. The trial is expected to continue through Tuesday.

Last year, a judge declared a mistrial after the jury couldn't reach a unanimous decision. If convicted this time, Hankinson could face a maximum of life in prison. For NPR News, I'm Gisele Rodin in Louisville. This evening's Game 2 of Major League Baseball's World Series follows last night's dramatic game one finish. Los Angeles Dodgers were down to their final out when Freddie Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history, handing the Dodgers a 63 victory over the New York Yanks. Support for this podcast and the following message come from Autograph Collection Hotels,

with over 300 independent hotels around the world, each exactly like nothing else. Autograph Collection is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotel brands. Find the unforgettable at autografecollection.com.