Up First briefing: Gazans struggle to survive; Biden seeks Israel and Ukraine aid

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Today's top news

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will reopen to humanitarian aid for Palestinians under siege by Israel. NPR's Aya Batrawy speaks with people in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

On Up First, Batrawy says it's been "sheer terror and a struggle to survive," with no guarantee of safety for those evacuating to southern Gaza. Food, water and fuel are running out. Egypt plans to bring aid in if the border opens, but Israel's prime minister's office says there's no cease-fire deal yet.

• At least 1,300 Israelis and more than 2,700 Palestinians have been killed. NPR's report shows photos of the devastation in Israel and Gaza.
• Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif is believed to be the mastermind behind the attacks on Israel. Here's what to know about the elusive leader. 
• Two-thirds of Americans think the U.S. should support Israel. But there are sharp racial and generational divides. 
• In Illinois, a 71-year-old man was charged with a hate crime after he fatally stabbed a 6-year-old boy and injured his mother in an attack over their Islamic faith and the Israel-Hamas war, according to police and a civil rights group.

The White House plans to ask Congress for billions of dollars in foreign aid this week for Ukraine and Israel. Though there's widespread bipartisan support for the request, a vocal group of Republicans — including House speaker nominee Jim Jordan — has reservations.

• U.S. allies aren't the only ones watching the situation closely, NPR's Tamara Keith says. Adversaries like China, Iran and Russia are looking for signs that alliances President Biden built in Europe and elsewhere are faltering.

Later today, a federal court judge is expected to consider a request for a partial gag order on Donald Trump and his attorneys related to the former president's criminal election interference trial.

• U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has previously issued a partial gag order on another high-profile case involving Russian operative Maria Butina. But NPR's Carrie Johnson says Trump's case is different because it's unclear whether he will follow the rules — and what Chutkan can do if he doesn't.

Picture show

Residents in parts of the U.S. saw a rare "ring of fire" in the sky this weekend during the annular solar eclipse. There won't be another one in the country until 2039, but a total solar eclipse will be viewable next year. If you couldn't witness it in person, check out photos of the sky here.

• Those without sight could hear the eclipse, thanks to a "Lightsound box" created by University of Texas at San Antonio students. Listen to what a solar eclipse sounds like. (via Texas Public Radio)

Today's listen

Across the U.S., classes are popping up that combine lessons in math, science and reading all in one. At farm-to-school events, kids swap paper and pencils for spatulas and measuring cups as they learn to cook with ingredients they've grown.

• Listen to kids share what they're learning about nutrition science and how these programs can help them maintain healthy weights.

3 things to know before you go

1. Not even the Girl Scouts are immune to inflation. Many regional councils are raising prices for their beloved Girl Scout cookies this year.
2. Netflix is planning to open brick-and-mortar stores that offer retail, dining and live experiences based on its shows and movies. 
3. The 76-year-old man charged with stealing the ruby slippers from the film The Wizard of Oz is now pleading guilty. The FBI recovered the slippers in 2018, but no one was charged until earlier this year. (via MPR)

This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi and Olivia Hampton.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.