NPR is reporting that Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall early this morning with winds reaching 60 miles per hour, though experts believe it is unlikely to strengthen.
President Donald J Trump is scheduled to travel to Dover Air Force Base today for the dignified transfer of U.S. service members killed in Iranian strikes. The Pentagon identified Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, as the third service member killed in Jordan. Earlier this week, the Defense Department identified 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, as two other service members killed last week. The total number of U.S. casualties in the Iran war has reached 18. NPR said the president's visit highlights mounting questions about the war's duration and objectives. NPR's Franco Ordoñez told Up First that the public disapproves of U.S. citizens dying in what they may see as an unnecessary conflict, noting that flag-draped coffins resonate deeply with people, especially the death of 19-year-old Gonzales. Justin Logan from the Cato Institute echoed this sentiment. Ordoñez added that while Trump attempts to portray the situation positively, the casualties tell a different story.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth yesterday requested $67 billion in supplemental funding for the Pentagon during a contentious hearing with senators. He stated the funds would replenish depleted equipment and munitions, accelerate deliveries, and prevent service member pay shortfalls. Some lawmakers expressed frustration over being asked to approve funds for an unauthorized war. NPR's Claudia Grisales said senators from both parties questioned Hegseth on issues including Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting skepticism about the war's direction ahead of midterm elections. Grisales noted the war has created challenges for Republicans and opportunities for Democrats, with Democratic Sen. Patty Murray linking rising gasoline prices to the conflict.
In Arizona's primaries yesterday, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs was chosen as the Republican nominee for governor, and state lawmaker Alexander Kolodin as the secretary of state nominee. Both candidates have openly opposed the 2020 presidential election results and received endorsements from President Trump and Turning Point. Ben Giles of NPR member station KJZZ said Trump and Turning Point's support holds less weight in the general election, where candidates must appeal to a broader electorate, including Arizona’s crucial independent voters. Giles added that the primary results have caused concern among some Arizona Republicans that Democrats could win key state races, noting that primary voters prefer far-right candidates despite their struggles in general elections. Trump has campaigned more this year than in 2018, taking a different approach despite low approval ratings.
The House of Representatives yesterday voted to extend government funding through Dec. 4, past this year's midterms. Democratic leaders opposed the extension, stating it "fails to block funding for Donald Trump's violent mass deportation machine," though six Democrats joined Republicans to pass the bill. It now moves to the Senate, where it requires Democratic support to pass, or the government risks running out of money in September.
NPR's Diaa Hadid reported on how the orange metro line in Lahore, Pakistan, has improved travel and safety for women since its opening six years ago. The metro provides a separate section for women, addressing long-standing safety concerns and harassment on public transport like buses and rickshaws.
NPR also highlighted life advice from Shireen Rizvi, a board-certified dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapist and co-author of "Real Skills for Real Life." Rizvi shared TIP techniques (temperature, intense exercise, paced breathing, and paired muscle relaxation) to help cope with distress.