NPR News: 07-31-2026 12AM EDT
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder.
Why is Todd Blanche’s Attorney General nomination on hold?
Todd Blanch remains acting Attorney General, but his nomination to the post is on hold. And while President Trump said Thursday that he could pull Blanch's nomination, he also suggested he may try to wait out two key Republicans, John Cornyn of Texas and North Carolina's Tom Tillis. At issue is the controversial anti-weaponization fund Blanche signed off on. Blanche has said the fund has been abandoned, but Cornyn and Tillis want written proof. Tillis spoke with reporters on Thursday.
Somebody's telling them to not do what Blanche said they were going to do. Whoever that person is, is giving the president bad advice.
What concerns do Senators Cornyn and Tillis have about the anti-weaponization fund?
The only reason why we wouldn't move forward with this language is because that same advisor wants to bring it back to life at some point.
On social media, Trump said he could put Blanche back up for attorney general after Cornyn and Tillis leave office next year. President Trump claiming that negotiators led by his administration have made an agreement for the disarmament of Hamas. NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben reports.
Trump announced the agreement in a social media post saying it will be carried out in phases.
What details did the administration give about the alleged Hamas disarmament agreement?
He said that as Hamas disarms, Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza and an international force will work with Palestinians to take over public safety in Gaza. The administration characterized the agreement as fulfilling part of the 20-point plan to end the war that they announced last year. Last October, the U.S. brokered a ceasefire in the war. However, the Israeli military has continued to push into Gaza since then. More than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since that ceasefire, the U.N. reported this month. A senior administration official speaking on condition of anonymity said they are confident Israel will adhere to the agreement. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR News.
How severe was the earthquake in southwestern Japan and what were the impacts?
A death toll is rising from the earthquake that hit southwestern Japan Tuesday. Officials now say 34 people were killed in the quake that set off an explosion at a shopping mall, toppled a factory chimney, and flattened homes on Kyushu, Japan's main southern island. Hurricane Genevieve off of Mexico's west coast is sending powerful waves to southern California. Carly Kaye of member station KBBS reports.
Huge swells are pummeling Southern California, and Hurricane Genevieve is cranking up the power. At the same time, a heat wave is rolling through the region.
How is Hurricane Genevieve affecting Southern California beaches and heat forecasts?
Meteorologist Alex Tardy says temperatures could set records.
We're talking maybe 115 in our deserts, perhaps even 120, hitting 120 in Palm Springs.
The heat may bring big crowds to beaches. That means more people may be taking a dip in dangerous waters.
Water temp is also 76 degrees right now, so it's very inviting.
San Diego Lifeguard Chief James Gartland warns to swim at beaches with lifeguards, and choosing shores with designated swimming areas could help people stay safe.
What international and labor stories are breaking, including Uganda, WestJet, and UEFA reactions?
For NPR News, I'm Carly Kay in San Diego.
This is NPR. The wife of a prominent opposition leader in Uganda says her husband is in intensive care following his collapse during a court appearance this week. Michael Koloki has more.
Winnie Byanyima, wife of detained Ugandan opposition leader Kiza Besije, said he had been admitted to a hospital in the country's capital, Kampala. Byanyima, who heads the United Nations AIDS program, said her husband was, quote, unconscious, unable to speak and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus. Lesije has been in custody since 2024 after he was repatriated from neighboring Kenya and charged with treason. His supporters claim that the charges are politically motivated. and part of an ongoing crackdown on members of the opposition. Another of the country's opposition leaders, Bobby Wine, is currently in exile in the United States. For NPR News, I'm Michael Kaloki in Nairobi.
Flight attendants at Canada's second-largest airline are threatening to strike. The union, representing 4,400 workers at WestJet, has issued a 72-hour strike notice over pay issues, meaning a strike could start on Sunday, although the union is still negotiating with WestJet.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:03
2
Why is Todd Blanche’s Attorney General nomination on hold?
0:03–0:40
3
What concerns do Senators Cornyn and Tillis have about the anti-weaponization fund?
0:40–1:07
4
What details did the administration give about the alleged Hamas disarmament agreement?
1:07–1:46
5
How severe was the earthquake in southwestern Japan and what were the impacts?
1:46–2:23
6
How is Hurricane Genevieve affecting Southern California beaches and heat forecasts?
2:23–2:55
7
What international and labor stories are breaking, including Uganda, WestJet, and UEFA reactions?
2:55–4:59