NPR News: 07-16-2026 6AM EDT
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.
What is the outcome and context of Todd Blanch's Senate confirmation testimony?
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch returns to Capitol Hill today for a second day of testimony as he seeks Senate confirmation to lead the Justice Department. NPR's Kerry Johnson reports Blanch on Wednesday faced pointed questions from members of both parties about his independence and his relationship with President Trump.
Blanch worked as Trump's personal lawyer for a couple years.
How did Blanch's past role as Trump's personal lawyer shape the committee's concerns?
He defended Trump in cases that involve election interference, classified documents, and Democrats say he's still serving Donald Trump instead of the Constitution. Then, under questioning, Blanche seemed to make a slip of the tongue. Here he is, being questioned by Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana. Are you and President Trump friends?
I'm his lawyer, was his lawyer, and now I'm the Deputy Attorney General.
Blanche went on to say he's not a yes man and that his time defending Trump should not define his long career.
That's NPR's Carrie Johnson reporting. Iran has released an American woman who had been unable to leave the country for the past year and a half.
Why was an American woman held in Iran and how was she eventually released?
NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports.
53-year-old Dana Karari runs a nonprofit organization that helps poor children in Iran. When she went to Iran to see family in December of 2024, she was blocked from leaving and then faced what her lawyer, Jared Gensler, describes as a coercive exit ban.
She was subjected to roughly two dozen interrogations and ultimately was accused of collaboration with a hostile state and espionage, but was never actually charged with those crimes.
Nor was she detained.
Who are the leading Democrats entering Maine's Senate primary to challenge Susan Collins?
When a court-ordered exit ban expired in April, Gensler says he urged U.S. negotiators to push for her release. He credits President Trump for making it happen.
What are the latest impacts and responses to flooding in south and central Texas?
Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, Washington. At least a dozen Democrats in Maine are seeking their party's nomination to take on Republican Senator Susan Collins this fall. Kevin Miller with Maine Public reports the field is rushing to reset after former nominee Graham Plattner dropped out of the race.
The list of candidates who filed papers by Wednesday's deadline includes several names familiar to Democratic voters. For instance, three of the contenders, former State Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Secretary of State Shana Bellows, and former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, competed in last month's gubernatorial primary.
How are wildfires in Canada affecting U.S. air quality and where is the smoke spreading?
Plattner lost the support of state and national party leaders after a former romantic partner accused him of raping her five years ago. He strongly denied the allegations but withdrew last week. The main Democratic Party is now under intense pressure from Plattner's large and mobilized base of supporters to choose a replacement with the same populist, progressive agenda. The new nominee will be chosen on July 25th. For NPR News, I'm Kevin Miller.
This is NPR News. Days of torrential rain have triggered widespread flooding across south and central Texas. Some areas have received more than a foot of rain, forcing evacuations and washing out more than 100 roads. Emergency crews have rescued dozens of people, many of them trapped in vehicles or surrounded by rising water. Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after a stunning victory over England. NPR's Jasmine Guards reports the defending champions beat England 2-1.
It was a game for the history books, with both teams playing equally hard and holding each other off until England scored during the second half in minute 55. Argentina then started attacking relentlessly and, as has been their style in recent games, staged a last-minute comeback. Enzo Fernandez scored at minute 85 as the game was nearing the end and equalized. Then, in the final minutes of play, Lautaro Martinez scored a header goal with an assist from superstar Lionel Messi. Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday in New Jersey. Spain's team has had a nearly flawless track record during this tournament.
Jasmine Garst, NPR News. Smoke from more than 100 wildfires in Canada is spreading across the Midwest and Northeast.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:04
2
What is the outcome and context of Todd Blanch's Senate confirmation testimony?
0:04–0:26
3
How did Blanch's past role as Trump's personal lawyer shape the committee's concerns?
0:26–1:10
4
Why was an American woman held in Iran and how was she eventually released?
1:10–1:44
5
Who are the leading Democrats entering Maine's Senate primary to challenge Susan Collins?
1:44–1:54
6
What are the latest impacts and responses to flooding in south and central Texas?
1:54–2:30
7
How are wildfires in Canada affecting U.S. air quality and where is the smoke spreading?
2:30–5:04