NPR News: 08-08-2026 8AM EDT
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How did the Senate confirm President Trump's DOJ nominee and what was the vote tally?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. President Trump's pick to lead the Department of Justice has been confirmed by the Senate.
On this vote, the yease are fifty, the nays are forty nine. The nomination is confirmed.
All Democrats voted against the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general, along with Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy provided crucial support for Blanche on Friday after raising concerns about his nomination. Blanche previously served as President Trump's personal attorney and the Justice Department's second ranking official. The Senate has also voted to approve a short-term spending bill to keep the government funded past the end of September.
Why is the U.S. Postal Service reporting a multi‑billion‑dollar loss and what are the implications?
The measure would maintain current funding levels through December 11th. The bill now goes to the House, which is expected to consider it after the August recess. The U.S. Postal service continues to face major financial challenges. NPR's Hanzi Lo Wong reports the self funded mailing agency is reporting a net loss for the third quarter in a row this fiscal year.
Tens of millions of people rely on the US Postal Service to deliver mail and packages at least six days a week to just about every address in the country. And in turn, USPS relies on selling stamps and service fees, not tax dollars. But with people sending a lot less mail compared to decades ago, plus inflation and fuel costs, USPS ended its third quarter of the fiscal year with a net loss of two and a half billion dollars.
What new federal rules will cut Colorado River water supplies for Arizona cities?
David Steiner is a Postmaster General.
As things stand, the Postal Service is expected to be self sustaining while at the same time fulfilling mandates that are inherently unsustainable and do not cover their costs.
USPS, which is a financial supportive NPR, has paused payments to its worker retirement funds in order to avoid running out of cash. The Postal Service now projects that crisis may come as soon as twenty thirty one. On Zila Wong, NPR News.
New federal rules for sharing the Colorado River are expected to make big cutbacks to the water supply for cities in Arizona. Alex Hager from Member Station KJZZ reports the Phoenix and Tucson areas say they can keep taps flowing.
Big cuts to Arizona's water supply have been in the works for years, and city utilities have been planning accordingly.
Why have Spain and Italy imposed reciprocal border checks after the Ceuta crisis?
Many have spent years diversifying their water supplies to soften the impact of future Colorado River cuts. Some will lean harder on water from underground aquifers, or the nearby Salt River, which is managed separately. Cities are prepared to spend billions on projects like a bigger dam to store more water during extra wet years. Some utilities are prepared. Building equipment that can safely recycle sewage back into drinking water. And a new program is in the works where cities with enough water to sell can find other cities looking to buy it. For NPR News, I'm Alex Hager in Phoenix.
You're listening to NPR News from Washington.
How is a powerful typhoon affecting China’s schools, tourism and neighboring regions?
Spain has imposed border checks on visitors flying from Italy as a diplomatic spat between the two countries continues, NPR's Miguel Macius reports the restriction is a rare move within the European Union where there's freedom of movement.
The move comes after Italy's Prime Minister Giorgio Maloni criticized the Spanish government for its handling of a chaotic mass border crossing last week at the Spanish territory of Ceuta in Northern Africa. Italy was first to impose border controls on travelers coming from Spain after the events of July 30th. Malone 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, 82 people died according to Spanish authorities, most of them drowned. Nearly all of those who crossed into Ceuta have returned to Morocco. Spain is imposing the temporary border checks after demanding that Italy lift its own to no avail.
Miguel Macias and Pierre News, Seville, Spain.
What highlights from the latest Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me episode feature Sally Field?
Authorities in China are closing schools and tourist sites as a powerful typhoon approaches the eastern coast.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
How did the Senate confirm President Trump's DOJ nominee and what was the vote tally?
0:01–0:49
2
Why is the U.S. Postal Service reporting a multi‑billion‑dollar loss and what are the implications?
0:49–1:34
3
What new federal rules will cut Colorado River water supplies for Arizona cities?
1:34–2:21
4
Why have Spain and Italy imposed reciprocal border checks after the Ceuta crisis?
2:21–3:00
5
How is a powerful typhoon affecting China’s schools, tourism and neighboring regions?
3:00–4:04
6
What highlights from the latest Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me episode feature Sally Field?
4:04–5:03