Top Story with Tom Llamas - Aug. 29 | NBC News NOW

Travel & Aviation Industry - Labor Day weekend is expected to be one of the busiest in years, with lower gas prices and airfares encouraging travel [6][7] - A Sky West flight experienced severe turbulence, rapidly dropping nearly 5,000 feet in one minute, leading to an emergency landing and injuries [5][8] - FAA issued a ground delay at Newark airport due to staffing shortages [6] - Southwest Airlines is undergoing a major transformation, including assigned seating and different classes, with 85% of customers desiring assigned seating [11] - Southwest Airlines' stock is down 50% over four years, prompting changes like ending free baggage and considering airport lounges and flights to Europe [12] Political & Economic Landscape - A court dealt a major blow to President Trump's trade policy, ruling a majority of his global tariffs illegal, though they remain in place for now [4] - President Trump is ending former Vice President Kamala Harris's Secret Service protection, which is seen by critics as a revenge tour [36][37] Social Issues & Safety - Questions arise over whether a mass shooting at a Minneapolis church could have been prevented, with the shooter's background and family under scrutiny [24][25] - Gaza's health ministry reports at least 70 deaths due to Israeli military operations in Gaza City, exacerbating a dire famine situation [32][33] Disaster Recovery & Community Resilience - Marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, stories of survival and the city's rebuilding efforts are highlighted, with 80% of the city underwater [2][38] - The Coast Guard's largest search and rescue operation in US history saved over 30,000 lives after Hurricane Katrina [38][39] - New Orleans is better protected from storms due to $15 billion investment in a better flood system after Hurricane Katrina [38] Consumer & Retail Trends - A major trade rule ending could lead to cancelled overseas packages or additional fees, impacting shipments worth less than $800 to the US [47] - Chuck-E-Cheese employee arrested in costume for allegedly stealing a customer's credit card [48][49] Sports & Entertainment - Arch Manning, nephew of Payton and Eli Manning, is starting at quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, generating significant anticipation [4][52]