President Donald Trump wants to end the Senate's "blue slip" process, a long-standing tradition that lets home state senators approve or block federal judge and U.S. attorney nominees. Trump argues it's outdated, but many Republican senators, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, oppose the change. They believe the blue slip process helps them block nominees they don't support and gives them leverage when they're not the majority party.
Key Facts
The "blue slip" process is a traditional practice where home state senators approve or block federal judicial and U.S. attorney nominees.
President Trump wants to end the process, calling it unconstitutional and outdated.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and other Republicans oppose changes to this practice.
Trump claims the process results in only "weak" judges being approved in states with at least one Democratic senator.
Republicans previously used the process to block nominees during President Biden's administration.
Judicial nominees often don't get enough votes for confirmation if they lack home state senator approval.
The blue slip tradition has existed since at least 1918 and has become more partisan over time.
California, Washington, and New Mexico might lose federal funding if they do not enforce English language requirements for truck drivers, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. These rules, which require truckers to understand road signs and communicate in English, were established after a deadly crash in Florida involving a driver who failed to comply with these standards. The Transportation Department has found that these states have had numerous safety inspections but have often not enforced the English language rule.
Key Facts
California, Washington, and New Mexico face potential loss of federal funding if they don't enforce English language rules for truckers.
The rules require truck drivers to understand road signs and communicate with authorities in English.
An investigation after a Florida crash found failures in enforcing these language rules.
The Florida crash involved a foreign truck driver making an illegal U-turn, resulting in three deaths.
Since implementing the language rules, California found many safety violations but seldom enforced English proficiency.
Washington identified over 6,000 safety violations but pulled only four drivers for language issues.
New Mexico has not removed any drivers for English language violations since the rules were established.
The states risk losing millions from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program if they do not comply within 30 days.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against all federal district court judges in Maryland. The DOJ claimed the judges had overstepped their authority by temporarily stopping deportations, but the judge said the lawsuit was not the right way to address the issue.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice (DOJ) sued all 15 federal district court judges in Maryland, claiming they exceeded their authority.
A federal judge, Thomas Cullen, dismissed the lawsuit, saying it was not appropriate to sue all judges in this manner.
The DOJ was unhappy with a ruling that temporarily halted deportations for 48 hours.
DOJ usually defends judges in lawsuits, but this time, they were the ones filing the suit.
Prominent lawyer Paul Clement represented the judges in this case.
Many legal organizations and past judges supported the Maryland judges.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident where a man was deported despite a court order against it.
President Trump attempted to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, sparking a legal controversy. It is not clear if the president has the authority to remove a Fed governor, leading to questions about the Federal Reserve's independence from political influence.
Key Facts
President Trump tried to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her job.
There is uncertainty about whether the president has the legal power to fire a Fed governor.
Trump cited the U.S. Constitution and the Federal Reserve Act as reasons for removing Cook.
Bill Pulte accused Cook of mortgage fraud related to past bank documents.
The Federal Reserve Act says a president can fire a governor for a valid reason, but what qualifies is unclear.
This situation brings a theoretical idea into reality, testing the boundaries of presidential power over the Federal Reserve.
There is no precedent for a president firing a Fed governor, making the outcome uncertain.
The event raises concerns about the Federal Reserve's political independence.
Former President Donald Trump wants to remove Lisa Cook from her role as a governor of the Federal Reserve Board, citing alleged mortgage fraud. Lisa Cook was appointed in 2022 by President Biden and is the first African American woman in the role. She denies the allegations and plans to challenge the dismissal.
Key Facts
Lisa Cook was appointed as a Federal Reserve governor in 2022 by President Biden.
She is accused of falsifying mortgage documents, but she has not been charged with a crime.
There are questions about whether Trump can legally remove Cook, as the Federal Reserve Act allows firing only "for cause."
The Fed, or Federal Reserve, sets U.S. interest rates, which affect borrowing costs.
Cook has voted to keep interest rates steady in recent months.
Trump has previously pressured the Fed to lower rates to make borrowing cheaper.
Legal experts are skeptical about the validity of Trump's dismissal action against Cook.
Vice President JD Vance will visit La Crosse, Wisconsin, to talk about a new large bill that is intended to help manufacturing. He will highlight the economic achievements under President Trump. Vance has been visiting several states to discuss this bill and its potential impact on the economy.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the Vice President of the United States.
He will speak at a steel fabricating facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The main topic is the benefits of the new large bill for manufacturing.
Vance aims to showcase the economic successes achieved during President Trump's time in office.
Concerns exist about tariffs, which are taxes on imports, affecting businesses and workers.
Vance has previously visited Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio to discuss the bill.
The bill is called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
There are claims that the bill provides tax fairness and supports domestic job creation.
Former President Donald Trump announced he is firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook due to allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook, who was appointed by President Biden, refuses to resign, stating Trump lacks the legal power to remove her. This situation could lead to a legal battle and affect the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Key Facts
Donald Trump announced the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing mortgage fraud allegations.
Lisa Cook refuses to step down and claims Trump lacks legal authority for her removal.
Bill Pulte, appointed by Trump, accused Cook of mortgage fraud involving properties in Michigan and Georgia.
The firing could lead to a legal case, potentially going to the Supreme Court.
Trump's action might affect the Federal Reserve's independence, important for controlling inflation.
Cook is the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve's board, appointed by President Biden in 2022.
U.S. markets showed a slight decline following Trump's announcement.
Legal experts say a "for cause" dismissal requires a proper legal procedure, which has not occurred.
President Trump is taking on a new role where he influences how private companies operate in the United States. He is pushing for government investments in companies and other interventions that relate to national security and American competitiveness. Despite these moves, there is no strong congressional or legal challenge to his actions.
Key Facts
President Trump is influencing how private companies run and is pushing for government stakes in them.
Trump's strategy is said to focus on national security and American competitiveness.
The government has invested in Intel, with plans for more similar actions.
Trump has made demands on various companies, such as asking Apple for investment commitments and controlling parts of U.S. Steel.
Trump has interfered in sports and entertainment industries, like threatening to disrupt stadium deals or broadcasting licenses.
Business leaders have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity and predictability in these actions.
There's no significant negative impact on the economy reported, with stocks and company earnings performing well.
Congress has not yet approved a proposed sovereign wealth fund for more government investments.
United States President Donald Trump announced new security measures in Washington, DC. He ordered more National Guard troops and federal law enforcement to focus on crime in the city. These actions include creating a special unit in the National Guard and hiring more police and prosecutors.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced new security measures in Washington, DC.
More than 2,200 National Guard troops are currently deployed in the capital.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was instructed to create a special National Guard unit for public safety.
Trump ordered hiring more US Park Police and prosecutors to address crime.
Trump criticized the cashless bail system and ordered federal custody for certain arrests.
National Guard troops in DC are carrying weapons but can only use them if necessary.
Federal law enforcement, including ICE, has increased its presence in the city.
These actions have caused some protests from residents in Washington, DC.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously deported to El Salvador, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities again but cannot be deported without a legal challenge in court. President Trump is attempting to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, questioning her integrity and seeking greater control over the central bank.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is in U.S. federal custody and faces deportation, but a judge ruled he must be allowed to challenge it in court.
Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March and returned to the U.S.; he now faces possible deportation to Uganda.
He arrived in the U.S. in 2011, fleeing gang threats, and has not been convicted of any crimes.
The Trump administration accuses Garcia of gang membership, which he denies.
President Trump is trying to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing concerns over her mortgage applications.
The Federal Reserve operates independently, and Cook argues Trump cannot fire her.
Trump aims to influence the central bank and replace Cook with someone more aligned with his interests.
Trump also expressed intentions to expand military intervention and criticized the abolition of cash bail in places like Washington, D.C.
Former President Trump issued an executive order to create a "specialized unit" within the D.C. National Guard. Christopher Purdy, a veteran and advocate, discussed this order with NPR.
Key Facts
Former President Trump gave an executive order related to the National Guard.
The order calls for forming a "specialized unit" in the D.C. National Guard.
Christopher Purdy, an Army National Guard veteran, shared his insights on this order.
Purdy is also a veterans' and democracy advocate.
The discussion about the order was aired on NPR's Morning Edition.
President Trump signed an executive order to form a special National Guard team that can help local police in Washington, D.C. He also aims to stop the practice of cashless bail.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order related to law and order in Washington, D.C.
The order includes creating a new National Guard unit.
This unit is meant to assist local law enforcement.
Trump wants to end cashless bail, a practice where people do not pay money for release before trial.
The changes focus specifically on Washington, D.C.
After Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, many people had to leave their pets behind due to evacuation policies and shelters not allowing animals. This led to a new law in 2006, the PETS Act, which encourages including pets in disaster planning. The experiences showed that saving pets can also help save people's lives during disasters.
Key Facts
During Hurricane Katrina, tens of thousands of pets were left behind because people had to evacuate without them.
Many shelters and rescue operations wouldn't allow pets, forcing people to leave them.
In 2006, the U.S. government passed the PETS Act to include pets in disaster planning.
The change was a response to national shock over the treatment of pets during Katrina.
Ensuring pets are part of evacuation plans helps both animals and people.
Many people chose not to evacuate during Katrina because they did not want to leave their pets behind.
Nearly 1,400 people died in Hurricane Katrina, which is one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
Animal rescue teams helped save many malnourished and sick pets after the storm.
St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana is still recovering 20 years after Hurricane Katrina. Flood prevention systems have improved, but the population has not fully returned to pre-storm levels.
Key Facts
Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana on August 29, 2005, causing severe flooding in St. Bernard Parish.
The community's population is now about two-thirds of what it was before the storm.
New flood prevention measures, costing $14.5 billion, include a regional flood protection system.
The Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet channel, which worsened flooding, was closed in 2009.
A 22-mile levee system to protect the area was completed in 2018.
Residents like Kevin Potter have spent years repairing and remodeling their homes.
Climate change increases the risk of more intense hurricanes and flooding in the area.
Former President Donald Trump signed executive orders related to law and order in Washington, D.C. He also moved to remove a member of the Federal Reserve's governing board. Additionally, Kilmar Abrego Garcia was taken into custody by ICE.
Key Facts
Donald Trump signed executive orders about law and order in Washington, D.C.
Trump took steps to fire a member of the Federal Reserve's governing board.
ICE took Kilmar Abrego Garcia into custody.
The news was part of a morning briefing by Steve Inskeep and A Martínez on NPR.
The segment is part of "Morning Edition," aired on August 26, 2025.
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. dismissed a weapons case against a man named Torez Riley, stating that he was subject to an illegal search. This incident comes after federal officers were brought in to aid local police under the Trump administration's order to reduce crime in the city.
Key Facts
A federal judge described the search of Torez Riley as the "most illegal" he had ever seen.
Riley was held due to a search that law enforcement conducted, discovering two weapons.
The dismissal of the case occurred amid heightened scrutiny of police and prosecutors in D.C.
President Trump ordered federal and National Guard involvement to control crime in Washington, D.C.
An executive order aims to ensure more arrests in D.C. result in federal charges.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro decided to dismiss charges after reviewing body camera footage.
The judge criticized the U.S. Attorney's Office for filing what he considered inappropriate charges.
The federal court is currently managing an increased number of weekend arrests.
The article discusses how a mother named LA Johnson used her art to show what it's like to have intrusive thoughts. She collaborates with mental health experts to provide advice on handling these thoughts, especially after significant life changes.
Key Facts
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, repetitive ideas that can cause distress.
LA Johnson experienced these thoughts after having her second child.
She created a comic illustrating her experience with intrusive thoughts.
Mental health experts U'nek Clarke and Brooke Smith offer strategies to manage these thoughts.
The comic addresses mental health issues and the topic of suicidal thoughts.
The article encourages people in crisis to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support.
LA Johnson’s insights are shared via NPR’s Life Kit series, available on various podcast platforms.
A federal judge ordered Kari Lake, a Trump administration official, to answer questions under oath about her actions regarding Voice of America. She is accused of trying to dismantle the federally funded broadcaster despite Congressional mandates. The court requires her to provide detailed information by September 15.
Key Facts
Kari Lake is a Trump administration official involved in a court case about Voice of America.
A federal judge has ordered her to testify under oath about her actions concerning the broadcaster.
The judge claims Lake was close to contempt of court for not following previous orders.
Lake and two aides must give detailed information by September 15 about Voice of America.
The case is brought by Voice of America's director, journalists, and advocacy groups.
Lake, a former news anchor, faced criticism for trying to cut the broadcaster significantly.
Actions include asking Congress for new funding and reducing the workforce at the agency.
Lake disagrees with the judge's authority, stating district courts often overstep their power.
The Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, still faces significant challenges 20 years later. The area has seen a drastic drop in population and has limited businesses and services available, making recovery difficult for the remaining residents. Some individuals, like Burnell Cotlon, have worked to revitalize the community by opening businesses such as his market.
Key Facts
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused massive destruction in New Orleans, especially in the Lower Ninth Ward.
The Lower Ninth Ward's population has decreased from 15,000 African American residents to about one-third of that number today.
Many residents did not return after the hurricane, leaving many homes abandoned.
Burnell Cotlon owns one of the few surviving businesses in the area, Burnell's Lower 9th Ward Market.
Cotlon notes a lack of basic services and stores, calling the area a "food desert."
Some neighborhoods in New Orleans have recovered better than the Lower Ninth Ward.
Before Katrina, the Lower Ninth Ward had more businesses like theaters and salons, but now only a few remain.
Cotlon's market was a significant effort to serve the community and drew attention from well-known visitors.
A park ranger found a high school ID card on a Mississippi island, which was lost 20 years ago during Hurricane Katrina. The ID belongs to Becky Hamel, who lost it when the storm hit and has now been returned to her.
Key Facts
Becky Hamel lost her belongings, including a high school ID, in Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago.
Park ranger Becky Copeland discovered the ID on Horn Island, Mississippi.
The ID card was from John Carroll High School in Birmingham, Alabama, dated back to 1969-1970.
Copeland initially could not read the name on the ID due to its condition.
The card's details became clear over time, revealing the name Catherine Hamel.
Copeland used social media to track down Hamel and return the ID.
