NPR News: 05-09-2026 3PM EDT

Israel and Lebanon prepare for peace talks amid escalating strikes, Tennessee advances controversial redistricting, a cruise ship manages a norovirus outbreak, Russia holds a subdued Victory Day parade, the US Postal Service reports continued losses, and Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox has died. This NPR News Now update mixes international conflicts, US politics, health logistics, and domestic challenges.

Middle East Diplomacy and Hezbollah Strikes

Representatives from Israel and Lebanon will meet in Washington next week for two days of talks on long-term peace and security agreements, according to the State Department. Despite an existing ceasefire, Israel has intensified attacks on Hezbollah targets ahead of the discussions. NPR's Janne Araf reported from Beirut that the Israeli military struck a purported Hezbollah weapons depot in the village of Chora, claiming efforts to minimize civilian casualties. However, the strike hit a three-story building, killing three women, an elderly disabled man, and a girl who were at home. Israel provided no proof of the weapons claim. Lebanese state media reported that Israeli attacks, mostly in southern Lebanon, killed 35 people on Friday, including three other children. Hezbollah has responded with strikes on Israeli military targets. These actions underscore the fragile security situation as diplomatic efforts loom, with both sides