NPR News: 08-07-2026 10AM EDT

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NPR News Now 5 min 7 speakers 6 chapters transcribed 1 month ago
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Why is Senator Lisa Murkowski opposing President Trump's attorney general nominee?

Windsor Johnston 0:00
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. President Trump's pick for attorney general is facing a new challenge after a key Republican senator said she'll oppose confirming him. NPR's Barbara Sprint reports, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski says she plans to vote no on the nomination.
Barbara Sprunt 0:20
Up Todd Blanche. Blanche has been serving as acting attorney general since April. His confirmation is a top priority for the President and the Republican controlled Senate. In a statement, Senator Murkowski said the country needs an attorney general who will quote check the worst impulses of the administration. She said she does not have confidence Blanche can do that. All Democrats are expected to vote against the nomination, and Republicans have an even narrower path given Senator Mitch McConnell's absence. The confirmation now comes down to Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who's been increasingly critical of the administration. administration since losing his reelection campaign. To a challenger endorsed by President Trump.

How is the weakening job market affecting the Federal Reserve’s interest‑rate plans?

Barbara Sprunt 1:00
Barbara Sprint, NPR News, Washington.
Windsor Johnston 1:02
Stocks on Wall Street opened higher this morning after a disappointing jobs report.
Scott Horsley 1:24
Restaurants and retailers cut jobs in July, and so did public schools. Healthcare continues to add workers, but at a slower pace than earlier this year. The softening job market complicates the work of the Federal Reserve, which is also battling stubborn inflation. Investors had thought the Fed was likely to raise interest rates next month, but that's less certain if the job market appears to be on shaky ground.

What are the details of the arson charges against the Spokane wildfire suspect?

Scott Horsley 1:46
People who have jobs saw average wage gains of three point two percent over the last twelve months. That's probably not enough to keep pace with rising prices. Scott Horsley in Pair News, Washington.
Windsor Johnston 1:56
Prosecutors have filed five counts of arson against the man suspected of starting wildfires in Spokane, Washington. Paige Browning from Member Station, KUOW reports.
Paige Browning 2:08
Aaron Farinacci is accused of starting this week's old trails fire in Spokane, which has destroyed hundreds of structures including homes. The four additional arson charges stem from recorded interviews Farinacci had with detectives, in which he revealed he started more fires or explosions in both July and August of twenty twenty five and this year. Prosecutors argue his actions were manifestly dangerous to human life, including to firefighters, and involves major economic loss. A Spokane County judge has now increased his bail to two million dollars based on the suspect's significant risk to community safety and potential for violence. The judge also ordered Farinacci to undergo a competency evaluation, which delays the timeline for him to enter a plea.
Paige Browning 2:51
For NPR News, I'm Paige Browning in Spokane. This is NPR News in Washington.

What does Britain’s approval of Paramount’s $81 billion Warner Bros. Discovery takeover mean for media ownership?

Windsor Johnston 3:00
Britain has approved Paramount's eighty one billion dollar takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery. Paramount agreed to protect editorial independence and maintain investment in British programming. The deal would bring CBS, CNN, HBO Max, and Paramount Plus under one corporate owner. The takeover is still facing an antitrust lawsuit from California and 11 other U.S. states. Today is the start of the Edinburgh Fringe built as the world's biggest comedy and theatre festival in Scotland. Among thousands of shows over the next three weeks, one One in particular is stirring some controversy.

Why is the comedy show “Cartwheel” about Amanda Knox causing controversy at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Windsor Johnston 3:42
It's a comedy called Cartwheel by Amanda Knox, the American study abroad student who was convicted and later acquitted of her British roommate's murder nineteen years ago in Italy. NPR's Lauren Freyr reports from London.
Lauren Frayer 3:56
The title cartwheel refers to how Amanda Knox was said to have done cartwheels at an Italian police station after Meredith Kircher's murder. The victim's sister, Stephanie Kircher, told the BBC that any comedy about that is hurtful to the Kircher family.
Barbara Sprunt 4:11
It's very personal to us and affects her friends as well. Still, see, you know, it's left a massive void.
Lauren Frayer 4:16
Knox says the show is about what she calls her wrongful imprisonment, how she's now juggling motherhood, and says she made it with deep heart and sensitivity.

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