NPR News: 08-08-2026 10AM EDT
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Why was Todd Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General so controversial?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The Republican controlled Senate has confirmed President Trump's nominee for U. S. Attorney General. NPR's Claudia Grassales reports the confirmation of Todd Blanche came after weeks of opposition from members of both parties.
Blanch was approved to the role by a one vote margin, outgoing Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who helped get Blanche over the finish line, said he was aware the decision would draw controversy.
Mr. Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this. But the choice is not between perfection and mister Blanch.
How did the Senate’s temporary spending bill pass and what does it fund?
It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump.
Blanche faced concerns over his role in a $1.8 billion fund created as part of a DOJ settlement with Trump that was on track to benefit the president's allies. Blanche rescinded the fund in writing, but two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, voted no over concerns of a Justice Department dominated by Trump's demands. Claudia Ricelles, NPR News.
The Senate has passed a temporary spending bill that would keep the government funded through early December, and PR Scott Newman reports the bill now heads to the House.
In a ninety to six vote, the spending measure was passed in the early morning hours Saturday by lawmakers before they head home for a five week recess. The bill, which still must be approved by the House, generally keeps the government funded at current levels through december eleventh. Most Democrats voted for the bill after securing a provision that blocks money for US customs and border protection.
What happened during the CDC shooting in Atlanta and why is it significant?
They also rejected a one billion dollar request from the White House to begin work on a new Trump class battleship. Since the nineteen nineties, Congress has frequently relied on temporary spending measures instead of passing a comprehensive budget. Scott Newman, NPR News, Washington.
It's been one year since a gunman opened fire on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. NPR's Ping Huang reports.
It was Friday afternoon, near the end of the workday, when a gunman stood across the street from the C D C's main campus and started shooting. doctor Dan Jernigan was there. At the time, he led the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. For about fifteen minutes, he says.
How is the Trump administration boosting domestic critical‑minerals production?
Being in an office in Atlanta was more dangerous than tracking Ebola in West Africa.
The CDC staffers all survived, but the gunman killed DeCab County Police Officer David Rose. A main road on campus is being renamed after him. The gunman who killed himself was motivated by anti vaccine and anti C D C messaging. Dernigan says those sentiments are still out there.
The rhetoric and demonization of public health and public health leaders. This certainly has not stopped.
Ping Huang NPR News. This is NPR.
Why do many patients with substance‑use disorders miss out on treatment?
President Trump has announced more than two billion dollars in critical minerals and mining related projects. The investments are intended to expand domestic production and reduce US dependence on foreign suppliers, specifically China. The administration also announced more than $180 million for mining schools and workforce training. Patients with alcohol and drug related illnesses are struggling to get medical care in the US. NPR's Brian Mann reports bias among healthcare workers is a major hurdle.
Addiction is one of the most common treatable illnesses in the US, but federal data shows more than eighty percent of people with substance use disorders never get treatment. NPR interviewed more than a dozen medical experts and reviewed research and found that many doctors and nurses are uncomfortable treating these patients. Doctor Judy Cherthock studies addiction care at the University of Pennsylvania.
It's so jarring that that is accepted by so many.
How is severe drought affecting water access in Puerto Rico?
Federal data shows roughly two hundred and fifty thousand US deaths every year are linked to alcohol and street drugs. Prescription medications proven to help reduce substance use are available.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
Why was Todd Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General so controversial?
0:00–0:37
2
How did the Senate’s temporary spending bill pass and what does it fund?
0:37–1:41
3
What happened during the CDC shooting in Atlanta and why is it significant?
1:41–2:25
4
How is the Trump administration boosting domestic critical‑minerals production?
2:25–3:00
5
Why do many patients with substance‑use disorders miss out on treatment?
3:00–4:03
6
How is severe drought affecting water access in Puerto Rico?
4:03–5:03