44 Million Expected To Travel This Memorial Day Weekend | NPR News Now

Join the seasoned NPR News Now team, with Windsor Johnston, Maha Albana, David Gura, Roberto Roldan, and Harrison Malkin, for an episode that navigates the complexities of current geopolitical challenges and prominent legal trials. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Tel Aviv in a diplomatic endeavor to negotiate humanitarian truces amidst Israel's military encirclement of Gaza. Windsor Johnston and Maha Albana provide on-the-ground perspectives on the critical situation affecting civilians and aid workers, while Albana shares a personal account of escaping the conflict zone and her lingering fears for her family still in peril.

Delve into the judicial system's workings as David Gura and Roberto Roldan dissect two high-profile legal cases with far-reaching implications. Hear the detailed breakdown of the swift guilty verdict against crypto titan Sam Bankman-Fried for grave financial misconduct, marking a stern warning to the fintech sector. Meanwhile, Roldan offers insightful commentary on the federal prosecution of ex-detective Brett Hankison in the tragic Breonna Taylor case, highlighting the contentious debate over police accountability. In a shift to municipal matters, Harrison Malkin discusses the closure of the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, bringing to light the ongoing challenges within the correctional facilities landscape. This NPR News Now episode is a testament to the team's commitment to bringing forth the critical stories shaping our world.

In a tense and carefully reported NPR News Now episode, correspondents Korva Coleman, Lauren Frayer, Claudia Grisales, and John Ruwitch delve into the heart of global political and military unrest. From the entry of Israeli forces into Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital to the stalemated communication channels between the World Health Organization and the Gaza facility, this episode uncovers the layers of complexity in a region ravaged by conflict. Listener attention is captivated as the speakers relay the strategic consequences of Hamas' alleged use of medical facilities and the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding as a result.

Back on the home front, the podcast shifts to U.S. domestic politics, where bipartisan efforts to avoid a government shutdown are in motion, reflecting a rare moment of unity in a politically divided Congress. Then, as the narrative expands to international relations, the focus turns to the anticipated dialogue between the U.S. and China. With insights from the speakers, the episode examines the delicate dance of diplomacy and competition between the two superpowers, setting the stage for what could be a transformative discussion if military communications are reestablished. 'NPR News Now' delivers not just news but the nuanced context behind today's headlines, presenting an essential listen for those looking to grasp the pulse of current events.

In a pivotal update from NPR News Now, narrated by Korva Coleman and her colleagues, global politics take the center stage. Listeners will be drawn into the heart of diplomatic maneuvers as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for his long-awaited proposal at the UN Security Council, a momentous occasion for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Furthermore, President Biden’s diplomatic discourse extends beyond Europe, with key dialogues involving Brazil and Israel, highlighting the multifaceted nature of international relations and peace efforts steered by the United States.

The podcast also delves into the gripping developments in the Middle East, as Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv on escalating tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinians, offering a sobering account of the current state of conflict and security measures. On the home front, Camila Domonoske sheds light on the U.S. economic scene, from automotive worker strikes to the robustness of car sales amid looming challenges. As noted by the speakers, these diverse narratives from NPR News Now encapsulate a web of interconnected issues from peace propositions, diplomatic engagements, to the pursuit of impartial justice and economic resilience.

In "The Ben Shapiro Show," political commentator Ben Shapiro engages in a deep dive into the burgeoning political scene as the 2024 Presidential Election looms on the horizon. He scrutinizes the latest polls revealing Trump's edge over Biden, exploring the Democratic Party's internal disarray and conjecturing about potential rivals vying for the nomination. Shapiro advises Trump to strategically redraw his image, focusing on success stories from his tenure and navigating the sensitive terrain of contemporary legal and media landscapes. He also muses on the impact of evolving cultural norms on political scandals, pointing out the persistence of political figures amid allegations.

Shapiro doesn't shy away from hot-button issues. He fiercely critiques the Biden administration's immigration policies and foresees the challenges posed by the expiration of Title 42. Tackling the complexities of the U.S. economy, demographics, and foreign policy, he offers a slate of solutions and critiques, including a reform of immigration policies and a pragmatic approach to the conflict in Ukraine. Shapiro extends the conversation to cultural observations, lambasting shows like "Naked Attraction" for reflecting a decline in societal values and offering personal reflections on the importance of religion and tradition during Yom Kippur. In true Shapiro fashion, the podcaster blends his political and cultural discussions with endorsements of brands that align with the ethos he champions.

Dive into the complexities of global and domestic affairs in this riveting episode of NPR News Now, featuring prominent voices such as Korva Coleman and Michele Kellerman. World leaders grapple with the harrowing escalation in Gaza as the U.N. Secretary-General makes an unconventional appeal to the international community for intervention. Hear how the suffocating humanitarian crisis unfolds, with hospitals – the bastions of health and safety – succumbing to the pressures of prolonged conflict, potentially leaving countless Gaza civilians in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, on the home front, NPR News Now navigates the turbulent waters of U.S. politics and policy with contributions from individuals like Chuck Schumer and Marsha Blackburn. Listen as the contentious debate on foreign aid meets the powerful force of immigration reform proposals, revealing deep-rooted disputes and political maneuvering in Congress. Moreover, don't miss the poignant coverage of the personal and legal strife faced by Texans under restrictive abortion laws, brought to life through the experiences of Kate Cox and the advocacy of Molly Duane. This episode is a powerful testament to the interwoven challenges of national security, human rights, and public safety.

Dive into the political fray with The Daily's Michael Barbaro and Nate Cohn as they dissect President Biden's precarious prospects in the swing states critical for the 2024 presidential election in this insightful episode. Amid a backdrop of declining popularity, the episode explores the intricacies of fluctuating demographics and strategic campaign maneuvers, noting that while the paths to President Biden's reelection exist, they are narrower than expected. Cohn's expertise illuminates the challenges and potential strategies for Biden in energizing his core supporters and winning back the moderates.

With an eye on historical precedents from past elections, particularly, George W. Bush's 2004 campaign strategy, the conversation delves into the dichotomy of satisfying the core base while reaching out to the white moderates who have drifted away. Meanwhile, Barbaro and Cohn also highlight Trump's evolving approach to wooing Latino voters and speculate on the unpredictable nature of a potential political realignment in America. Moreover, shifting focus to the international stage, they consider how current events, such as the Israeli strike in Gaza, might reverberate through U.S. policy and impact domestic opinions on Biden's administration.

Nearly 85% of Americans plan to travel this summer, meaning you can expect big crowds, long lines, and high prices at popular destinations. In this article, we’ll give some tips for avoiding crowds and major travel snags, and for staying on a budget.

Air travel will change significantly in the wake of COVID-19, and this article looks at some predictions and recommendations.

In a timely episode of NPR News Now, speakers Louise Schiavone, Lauren Frayer, Windsor Johnston, Steve Hobbs, and Jennifer Homendy dive deep into several pressing global and domestic issues. The discussion begins with the dire situation in Gaza, where Secretary of State Antony Blinken, from New Delhi, expresses grave concerns over the loss of Palestinian lives and the dire need for humanitarian aid. The episode paints a stark picture of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of civilian safety as Israeli forces push into populated areas, and the temporary ceasefire that offers a slight reprieve in the face of adversity.

Back on U.S. soil, the podcast shifts its focus to address internal threats — the disturbing trend of fentanyl-laced threats to election officials and the concerning string of near-misses on U.S. runways. Washington's Secretary of State Steve Hobbs sheds light on a dual threat: physical harm and the undermining of democratic stability, highlighting the urgent need for security in electoral processes. Aviation safety is thrust into the conversation as Johnston and Homendy discuss recent disconcerting events and the contribution of understaffing among air traffic controllers to these dangers. This episode of NPR News Now provides a seamless connection between the turbulence abroad and the undercurrents of risk within America's own borders, calling attention to critical matters that need immediate and focused consideration.