Up First briefing: Biden sanctions Israeli settlers; mystery noise disturbs Floridians

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At present’s prime tales

President Biden issued an govt order Thursday sanctioning 4 Israeli settlers within the occupied West Financial institution who’re accused of violence towards Palestinians. The order imposes journey bans and lays the groundwork for monetary sanctions towards settlers who perform violent assaults.

The transfer is generally symbolic and displays the rising U.S. frustration with Israel’s insurance policies, NPR’s Greg Myre says on Up First. One of many males sanctioned spoke to NPR’s Daniel Estrin. He owns a farm and says he has an excellent relationship with the 15 Palestinians he employs. He has no monetary belongings within the U.S. or plans to journey there. He tells Estrin he believes the sanctions are largely in regards to the U.S. sending a public message of disapproval to Israel.

All eyes have been on the Republican presidential major thus far this election cycle. Now, it is the Democrats’ flip. Tomorrow, the primary major that President Biden seems on takes place in South Carolina. Biden is working largely unopposed and is prone to win.

NPR Community reporter Maayan Schecter from South Carolina Public Radio says Democrats selected South Carolina to kick off their major season as a nod to the state’s range. Black voters make two-thirds of the state’s Democratic voter base. Democrats hope the first will counter the narrative that folks in Biden’s occasion aren’t energized to again him on this election cycle. Schecter experiences well being care has been an enormous motivator for Biden supporters, whereas Israel’s battle on Gaza and exhaustion over one other Trump/Biden faceoff are considerations.

Tomorrow marks one yr since a poisonous prepare derailment displaced many residents in East Palestine, Ohio. Since then, the Norfolk Southern prepare firm has dug up greater than 175,000 tons of soil and and is beginning to substitute it with uncontaminated soil. The corporate has additionally processed greater than 40 million gallons of contaminated water. President Biden is ready to go to the city later this month.

No less than 50 households by no means returned to East Palestine after the incident, Oliver Morrison of NPR community station WESA experiences. A neighborhood enterprise proprietor tells Morrison that the status of being a “poisonous city” is hurting retail and different companies that depend on individuals coming to city. Morrison says residents hope Biden’s upcoming go to will assist get the phrase out that the city is protected to go to once more. Nonetheless, some are nonetheless questioning in regards to the longterm impacts of the derailment on their well being.

At present’s pay attention

What’s that noise? Residents in South Tampa, Fla., have reported a mysterious noise that wakes up youngsters and shakes home windows. One resident describes it as a subwoofer-like vibration you possibly can really feel in your core. However the place is it coming from?

Hearken to the marginally spooky and unnerving noise and study how researchers are investigating it.

Weekend picks

Try what NPR is watching, studying and listening to this weekend:

Films: Greater than 75 motion pictures had been featured at this yr’s Sundance Movie Pageant. These are those the Pop Tradition Blissful Hour workforce thinks you must maintain in your radar this yr.

TV: The eight-part collection Feud: Capote vs. the Swans tells tales of Truman Capote’s friendships with, and betrayals of, New York’s most distinguished society girls. It is the most recent set up in Ryan Murphy’s Feud anthology.

Books: Bora Chung focuses on the perils of surveillance superior know-how in her newest assortment of brief tales, Your Utopia.

Music: Billy Joel has launched his first track in almost twenty years. With its rocking piano line and hovering strings, “Flip The Lights Again On” will sound acquainted to his largest followers.

Theater: Broadway’s new present, Days of Wine and Roses, relies on the 1962 movie. The present makes a heavy story of habit and restoration sing.

Quiz: Swifties have the benefit on this week’s quiz. The pop star confirmed up on the NPR house web page 5 occasions this week. Had been you paying consideration?

3 issues to know earlier than you go

Chart-topping singer Taylor Swift has lately been a fixture within the soccer scene due to her high-profile relationship with Kansas Metropolis Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce. Now, she’s entangled in political disinformation conversations as some unfold rumors that the Chiefs’ playoff win was Democratic propaganda. The EPA is proposing that 9 PFAs, generally known as perpetually chemical substances, are hazardous to human well being. The company cited research that linked PFAs to “poisonous results” like most cancers, thyroid points and infertility.  NPR’s Pupil Podcast Problem is again for the sixth yr. For the primary time, fourth graders can enter. Here is how.

This article was edited by Treye Inexperienced.