NPR News: 08-08-2026 12PM EDT
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Who was confirmed as the new U.S. Attorney General and why was his confirmation contentious?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Linda Kenyon. The Senate has confirmed President Trump's nominee for U.S. Attorney General. Todd Blanch squeaked out a victory early this morning after a bruising confirmation battle. NPR's Claudia Grisales has details.
A week ago, it wasn't even clear if he had the votes to win confirmation. And much of the concerns came down to a conflict of interest. That is Blanch's role in stalling Trump's demands. And that includes a controversial settlement this year under his administration between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service that created a $1.8 billion fund that was on track to benefit Trump's allies.
How is the Trump administration investing in U.S. mining and why does it matter for AI competition with China?
And Blanche rescinded the plan in writing. But that and more was part of the reasoning that he lost support from two key Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who expressed concerns about the future of the agency with little restraint to Trump's demands.
The Senate also passed a short-term funding bill to keep the federal government operations running past the November election. President Trump says his administration is investing millions of dollars in mining, including mining education. He says this will help ensure the U.S. does not have to rely on foreign countries for resources. NPR's Deepa Shivaram has more.
Trump and members of his cabinet gathered with mining executives at the State Department and unveiled nearly $200 million in mining training and education.
Everything from advanced weaponry to automobiles, and we want these essential products to be mined, refined, and made right here in the USA with the American skill and American hands.
There's been a more acute focus on mining since the AI race with China has intensified, as many metals and rare earth materials are needed to produce critical technology. Officials say the U.S.
What happened during the CDC headquarters shooting anniversary and how are officials honoring the fallen officer?
graduates fewer than 200 mining engineers each year, compared to China graduating more than 3,000. Deepa Shivaram, NPR News.
Today marks one year since a gunman targeted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, killing one police officer and causing severe damage to the building. Sophie Gratas of Georgia Public Broadcasting reports.
Last August, around the end of the workday, the CDC was put on lockdown. Around 200 rounds were fired at the building, shattering windows while staff were still inside. On Friday, CDC leadership and staff gathered to honor 33-year-old DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, who was killed while responding to the shooting. As friends, family and colleagues filed out, Rose's former co-worker, Public Information Officer Elise Wells, said the day was about gratitude. I think he would be proud. I think he would be proud of his sacrifice.
Why did Spain impose border checks on travelers from Italy and what sparked the diplomatic spat?
I think that he would do it all over again. I don't think he would have any regrets. The road leading into campus has been renamed after Officer Rose. For NPR News, I'm Sophie Grados in Atlanta.
You're listening to NPR News. Spain has imposed border checks on visitors flying from Italy amid a continuing diplomatic spat between the two countries. NPR's Miguel Macias reports the restriction is rare within the European Union, where there is freedom of movement.
The move comes after Italy's Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni criticized the Spanish government for its handling of a chaotic mass border crossing last week at the Spanish territory of Celta in northern Africa. Italy was first to impose border controls on travelers coming from Spain after the events of July 30th. Meloni blamed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his immigration policies for the tragic events in Ceuta, where over 70,000 people managed to cross the border from Morocco.
How did the Chicago Ducky Derby raise funds for the Special Olympics and what was the outcome of the duck race?
82 people died according to Spanish authorities, most of them drowned. Nearly all of those who crossed into Celta have returned to Morocco. Spain is imposing the temporary border checks after demanding that Italy leaves its own to no avail. Miguel Macias, NPR News, Seville, Spain.
A deluge of 90,000 rubber ducks poured out of a truck and into the Chicago River this week.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
Who was confirmed as the new U.S. Attorney General and why was his confirmation contentious?
0:00–0:41
2
How is the Trump administration investing in U.S. mining and why does it matter for AI competition with China?
0:41–1:51
3
What happened during the CDC headquarters shooting anniversary and how are officials honoring the fallen officer?
1:51–2:45
4
Why did Spain impose border checks on travelers from Italy and what sparked the diplomatic spat?
2:45–3:43
5
How did the Chicago Ducky Derby raise funds for the Special Olympics and what was the outcome of the duck race?
3:43–4:35
6
How can an AI app help people with criminal records clear felonies and find employment?
4:35–5:04