Immerse yourself in the dynamic discussions on "NPR News Now," where Korva Coleman, Dave Mistich, Lauren Frayer, Igor Potapov, and Mara Liasson delve into the pressing global issues of today. Get informed on the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, feel the urgency as airstrikes ripple across the skies in a surge of violence reflecting heightened hostilities. Follow the trail of tension as you're briefed on the latest developments between Israel and Lebanon, another region where peace hangs by a thread.
Brought to you by a team of seasoned NPR correspondents, this episode also probes the alarming incident involving an Alaska Airlines jet, unveiling not only the plane's technical troubles but also the ramifications of an overwritten cockpit voice recorder on the ongoing investigation. And as the nation's eyes turn to internal politics, discover the intricacies of the U.S. government funding deal that skirts a shutdown but opens a chasm of debate within the Freedom Caucus, and hear about the introspective admission from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding his hospitalization -- a matter of protocol and presidential communication that's sparked controversy.
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The conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies with a significant aerial assault conducted by Russian forces. In the latest attack, 59 missiles and drones target Ukrainian territory, resulting in the deaths of four people and damage to both infrastructure and residential areas. The attacks affect civilians, increasing the hardship in the area.
Hezbollah rockets and an anti-tank missile strike northern Israel, affecting a surveillance post and a town. Following these hostile actions, Israel retaliates with airstrikes aimed at what they describe as "terrorist infrastructures" in Lebanon, marking an escalation in the conflict.
An Alaska Airlines jet faces serious issues post-takeoff, reflected by recovered fuselage parts and an overwritten cockpit voice recorder. Earlier warnings indicated pressurization problems on the plane, leading to restricted flight use. The overwritten cockpit voice recorder, which was not secured in time, complicates the investigation into the incident.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hospitalized and admits failing to inform President Biden, Congress, and his deputy promptly. His delayed communication regarding his hospital status has been criticized, and he acknowledges that he should have handled the situation better.
U.S. lawmakers reach an agreement to fund government operations, adhering to pre-agreed spending levels and avoiding a potential shutdown. The Freedom Caucus criticizes the deal as inadequate, calling for deeper spending cuts and expressing dissatisfaction with the government's current fiscal approach.
1-Page Summary
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated with a substantial barrage of missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian territory.
Russian forces launched a significant aerial assault consisting of 59 missiles and drones aimed at Ukraine. This latest onslaught resulted in tragic casualties and damage to essential infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials have confirmed that four people lost their lives as a result of these atta ...
Russia and Ukraine conflict
...
Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have escalated following a series of hostile engagements.
Hezbollah rockets and an anti-tank missile struck northern Israel, impacting a sensitive surveillance post and a border town. These incidents have intensified concerns about the stability of the border region.
In retaliation to the attack ...
Israel-Lebanon Tensions
The investigation into an Alaska Airlines jet encountering serious issues after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, has yielded concerning insights.
Investigators have successfully located a piece of the fuselage that detached from the Alaska Airlines aircraft. Before this incident, the same airplane experienced warning light activations on three separate flights, suggesting potential issues with pressurization. In response to these warnings, Alaska Airlines had proactively limited the aircraft's use, restricting it from performing long flights over bodies of water.
The cockpit voice recorder, a critical piece of evidence in aviation incidents, was recovered during the investigation. How ...
Alaska Airlines plane incident
...
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is currently hospitalized in the Washington, D.C. area. He has faced criticism for his delayed communication regarding his hospitalization.
Austin did not inform key figures, including President Biden, Congress, or his deputy, about his hospital status for several days. In ...
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalization
...
The U.S. government reaches an agreement to fund its operations, preventing a potential shutdown.
The deal struck by U.S. lawmakers adheres to spending levels that were previously agreed upon. This consensus ensures that the government will continue its functions without interruption.
Maintaining fiscal discipline, the deal reflects a commitment to stick to the spending levels that were negotiated and set forth in earlier budgetary agreements. The decision to follow these pre-established spending limits is indicative of efforts to maintain a semblance of financial stability.
Despite this agreement, the Freedo ...
U.S. government funding deal
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