NPR News: 08-08-2026 10PM EDT
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Why was Todd Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General so controversial?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst. The Senate has confirmed President Trump's nominee for US Attorney General. In Pierce Claudia Grisados 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. It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump.
How are Utah wildfires affecting communities and firefighters?
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 Blanche rescinded the fund in writing, but two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, voted no over concerns of a Justice Department dominated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 Rizales, NPR News.
In Utah, extremely dry weather and high temperatures and winds are fueling wildfires in the state, including the large wide mouth two fire. Deanna Younger is the public information officer with the fire.
We're at one hundred and eleven thousand. Three hundred and six acres. with twenty four percent containment. It's about two miles southwest of Kenosh, Utah. And we are still experiencing
What new CDC travel restrictions are in place for travelers from Ebola‑affected African countries?
Extreme fire behavior.
She says there are more than six hundred thirty people fighting the fire, including nine crews, along with seven helicopters, twenty three engines, nine dozers, and water tenders. Meanwhile, the fate of two crew members on board a fire fighting helicopter that crashed yesterday isn't known. Fire officials say the remote crash site is in the perimeter of the fire and that until conditions get better, they can't safely send in emergency responders. The NTSB and the FAA are investigating the crash. Wildfires are burning in several western states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's tightening restrictions for people traveling to the United States from Ebola affected areas in Africa.
Michael Colocki has more.
The latest CDC guidance means Americans and other nationals who have been to the Democratic Republic of Congo within 21 days prior to traveling to the United States will not be allowed to board commercial flights with US destinations. Those travelers must remain outside of the DRC for 21 days before re-entering the US.
How can mentorship help marginalized youth pursue science careers?
The CDC says the measures are in place to reduce the risk of a board. are being brought into the United States, adding that certain categories of travelers who have recently been to Uganda or South Sudan will be required to enter the US through designated airports where they will undergo health screening. For NPR News and Michael Kaloki in Nairobi.
This is NPR News in Washington. Most children have little idea what they want to do when they grow up. In Pierce Janet, Wu Jong Lee reports on how mentorship can open the door to careers they may have never considered.
Even when kids are passionate about something, it can be hard for them to figure out what that dream job looks like and how to make it happen. And research shows that can be especially true for young people from marginalized backgrounds. There's expectations that black folks do this and black folks don't do that. Keith Russell is a conservation scientist at Audubon in Philadelphia who mentors aspiring blackbirders and scientists.
What is the “In Pursuit” essay series and which presidents are featured?
And that's been a real barrier for black folks to get into burning. So It's really important to have support and to you know be with people that understand your interests. Russell says mentorship could help young people understand what needs to be done to achieve those dreams, like plan their education or work on specific skills. Janet Wojangli, NPR News.
Three former presidents joined an all-star roster of historians, contributing to a series of essays about presidents back to George Washington.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
Why was Todd Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General so controversial?
0:00–0:40
2
How are Utah wildfires affecting communities and firefighters?
0:40–1:32
3
What new CDC travel restrictions are in place for travelers from Ebola‑affected African countries?
1:32–2:37
4
How can mentorship help marginalized youth pursue science careers?
2:37–3:36
5
What is the “In Pursuit” essay series and which presidents are featured?
3:36–4:27
6
What did Sally Field say about acting with a CGI octopus on Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me?
4:27–5:03