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Today's top stories
Last night's Republican debate was dominated by the Israel-Hamas war, foreign policy, the economy and abortion. There were just five candidates on stage in Miami, and it was largely a contest between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. Here are six takeaways from the debate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeing his lowest approval rating in two decades following Hamas's deadly attack. Some hostages' relatives want him to step down. Netanyahu told reporters that "the only thing that I intend to have resign is Hamas."
Check out npr.org/mideastupdates for more coverage, differing views and analysis of this conflict.
It's looking like a wrap on the Hollywood strikes, after the heads of major studios agreed to a tentative new three-year contract with SAG-AFTRA. The union closed its picket locations but still needs to officially ratify what it calls a billion-dollar deal of "extraordinary scope." The agreement includes "above-pattern" minimum pay increases, according to the union, among other protections its hundreds of thousands of members have demanded since July.
Note: NPR News staffers are also members of SAG-AFTRA, but broadcast journalists are under a different contract and were not on strike.
The FDA has approved Zepbound, a new obesity drug for adults. Maker Eli Lilly & Co. says the drug, set to be available in the U.S. by the end of the year, shows greater weight loss at a lower list price than the popular drug Wegovy. Like other obesity medications, Zepbound has potential side effects and, depending on insurance, a steep price tag.
Life advice

The average American generates five pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Most of it ends up in landfills, where it can contaminate water and soil, as well as produce greenhouse gasses. Here are a few helpful ways to reduce your trash output:
Today's listen

Friends and family are arguing over the Israel-Hamas war, along with other polarizing topics like abortion and gun control. Understanding brain science can help us process the emotional impulses that fuel these disagreements.
Listen to how peacemakers like Nelson Mandela have learned to curb these impulses and what they can teach us. Or, read the article here
3 things to know before you go

This newsletter was edited by Olivia Hampton. Suzanne Nuyen contributed.
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