Digest

The episode begins with a brief advertisement for NPR Plus, a premium subscription service offering sponsor-free listening, bonus episodes, and behind-the-scenes content. The news segment then focuses on the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the Israeli military conducting a targeted strike in a Beirut suburb after Hezbollah fighters fired rockets into northern Israel. This follows recent bombing attacks in Lebanon and Syria targeting Hezbollah fighters. Former President Trump addressed the Israeli-American Council, making controversial statements about the upcoming election. He claimed that if he loses, Jewish people in the U.S. will be responsible and warned that Israel will cease to exist if he doesn't win. He also criticized Vice President Harris for allegedly pandering to Hamas. Early voting for the general election is underway in several states, including Virginia, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Voters can cast their ballots in person or by absentee ballot, depending on the state's regulations. The deadline for voter registration varies by state, with most states requiring registration by October 6th. Nike is replacing its CEO, John Donahoe, with Elliott Hill, a former executive returning from retirement. This change comes as Nike has faced challenges, including a decline in sales and a perceived loss of innovative mojo. Hill's appointment is seen as a move to revitalize the company. The episode marks the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall on Puerto Rico. The hurricane caused widespread devastation, including power outages, communication disruptions, and a significant number of deaths. Independent researchers later determined that the hurricane caused nearly 3,000 deaths in the six months following the storm. North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor, Mark Robinson, is denying allegations that he posted racist and sexually explicit comments on an online porn forum before his election. CNN reported that a commenter using Robinson's email address and personal information made these posts, but Robinson maintains that he did not make them. The State Department has expanded its online passport renewal program, allowing Americans aged 25 and older to renew their passports online. This new process aims to reduce wait times and eliminate the need for paper applications.

Outlines

00:00:00

News Roundup

This episode covers a range of news stories, including the escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Trump's controversial remarks about the upcoming election, early voting updates, Nike's leadership change, the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria, allegations against North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor, and the expansion of online passport renewal.

00:00:24

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates

The Israeli military conducted a targeted strike in a Beirut suburb after Hezbollah fighters fired 140 rockets into northern Israel, escalating the conflict following recent bombing attacks in Lebanon and Syria.

00:00:50

Trump's Remarks on Israel and the Upcoming Election

Former President Trump addressed the Israeli-American Council, making controversial statements about the upcoming election. He claimed that if he loses, Jewish people in the U.S. will be responsible and warned that Israel will cease to exist if he doesn't win. He also criticized Vice President Harris for allegedly pandering to Hamas.

00:01:30

News Updates

This segment covers updates on early voting, Nike's leadership change, the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria, allegations against North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor, and the expansion of online passport renewal.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the benefits of NPR Plus?

  NPR Plus offers sponsor-free listening, bonus episodes, and behind-the-scenes content across various NPR podcasts.

• What is the latest development in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict?

  The Israeli military conducted a targeted strike in a Beirut suburb after Hezbollah fighters fired 140 rockets into northern Israel, escalating the conflict following recent bombing attacks in Lebanon and Syria.

• What controversial statements did Trump make about the upcoming election?

  Trump claimed that if he loses the election, Jewish people in the U.S. will be responsible and warned that Israel will cease to exist if he doesn't win. He also criticized Vice President Harris for allegedly pandering to Hamas.

• How is early voting progressing in the U.S.?

  Early voting is underway in several states, including Virginia, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Voters can cast their ballots in person or by absentee ballot, depending on the state's regulations.

• What challenges has Nike faced recently?

  Nike has experienced a decline in sales and a perceived loss of innovative mojo, leading to a change in leadership with the appointment of Elliott Hill as the new CEO.

• What is the significance of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria?

  The anniversary highlights the lasting impact of the hurricane on Puerto Rico, including the ongoing recovery efforts and the recognition of the significant number of deaths caused by the storm.

• What allegations are being made against North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor?

  Mark Robinson is denying allegations that he posted racist and sexually explicit comments on an online porn forum before his election. CNN reported that a commenter using Robinson's email address and personal information made these posts, but Robinson maintains that he did not make them.

• What is the new online passport renewal process?

  The State Department has expanded its online passport renewal program, allowing Americans aged 25 and older to renew their passports online, aiming to reduce wait times and eliminate the need for paper applications.

Show Notes