NPR News: 08-07-2026 5PM EDT
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Why is Todd Blanche’s attorney‑general nomination facing opposition from key Republican senators?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Herbst. President Trump's embattled nominee for attorney general will likely squeak by in his Senate confirmation. As MPR's Barbara Sprunt reports, Todd Blanche is getting key support from Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has been facing an increasingly uphill battle in his Senate confirmation. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine both are opposing his nomination, which meant all eyes were on Senator Cassidy of Louisiana. Cassidy said he had concerns over Blanche's judgment and how politicized the department has become, but ultimately said he'll support him.
The choice is not between perfection and mister Blanch. It is between Mr Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump. And who
How could the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s mail‑in voting order affect the 2026 midterm election?
Indeed. May not be as good as Mr. Blanche.
Cassidy's support gives Blanche the votes he'll need for confirmation and is a major win for the White House. Barbara Sprint and Pier News, Washington.
The wait continues for a Supreme Court ruling on whether the Trump administration can resume carrying out key parts of the president's executive order to limit voting by mail in the midterm election. And Piers Hanzi LeWong reports another ruling on Trump's order may come soon from a lower court.
A federal judge in Boston is considering a request to block the US Postal Service from carrying out President Trump's directives across the country. American Civil Liberties Union Sophia Lynn Lake and help file the request.
What legal arguments are behind the federal appeals court’s block on the White House ballroom construction?
Changing the rules of the game at this point in time in such a significant manner does nothing to ensure confidence in the election this November and would only create chaos and confusion for voters.
Trump's order calls for USPS, which is financial supporter of NPR, to get lists of eligible voters from states and deliver mail and balance only to people on those lists. The President has said he issued this order to stop illegal voting by non U.S. citizens, a problem that many studies have found to be extremely rare. The Supreme Court is now considering Trump's request to pause an earlier ruling that blocks implementation of the policy in the twenty three states plus Washington DC that sued over the order. Anzilla Wong, NPR News.
A federal appeals court has blocked construction on the White House ballroom saying Congress needs to give the green light and fears Rachel Treesman has more.
A three judge panel Friday ruled that building a White House ballroom is a question for Congress, not, quote, a matter for executive self help. That's a win for the historic preservation nonprofit that sued the administration back in December, after it demolished the east wing of the White House to build a four hundred million dollar ballroom.
How does the new Russian sanctions bill aim to curb Moscow’s oil revenue and what are its next steps?
The ruling halts further above ground construction, but does not take effect for two weeks to give the Trump administration time to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. President Trump immediately said that it will. Rachel Treesman, NPR News.
Credo prices lower by the close. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The Senate passed a Russian sanctions bill that was a top priority for the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The bipartisan legislation would penalize countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas and other exports, and it allows President Trump to impose tariffs on the world's top five buyers of Moscow's oil or natural gas. It's meant to stifle Russia's economy. This bill now heads to the House of Representatives.
What do UN agencies report about the impact of the Gaza ceasefire on children’s lives?
United Nations agency says children's agency says at least three hundred children have been reported killed in Gaza since a ceasefire was signed nearly a year ago. Imperial Jane Araf reports that's an average of one child a day.
Israel agreed last October to suspend military operations and allow in more food and medicine in the agreement with Hamas. UNICEF said the ceasefire was failing children and noted that hundreds more children had been injured.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
Why is Todd Blanche’s attorney‑general nomination facing opposition from key Republican senators?
0:00–0:54
2
How could the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s mail‑in voting order affect the 2026 midterm election?
0:54–1:33
3
What legal arguments are behind the federal appeals court’s block on the White House ballroom construction?
1:33–2:36
4
How does the new Russian sanctions bill aim to curb Moscow’s oil revenue and what are its next steps?
2:36–3:27
5
What do UN agencies report about the impact of the Gaza ceasefire on children’s lives?
3:27–4:26
6
How can an AI app help people clear felony records and improve employment prospects?
4:26–5:03