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.
The article discusses whether increasing penalties for minors accused of crimes can reduce youth crime. It mentions that the Trump administration wants to impose stricter penalties in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
The focus is on whether tougher penalties can reduce crimes committed by minors.
The Trump administration proposes stricter penalties for juvenile offenses in Washington, D.C.
The discussion involves Michel Martin from NPR and juvenile justice expert Vincent Schiraldi.
There is audio content related to this topic that will be available later.
President Trump announced he is firing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook using Article II of the Constitution and the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. Democratic lawmakers argue that this action is illegal, and they are urging the courts to challenge it. The controversy adds to tensions as Trump pressures the Federal Reserve to change its interest rate policies.
Key Facts
President Trump stated he is removing Lisa Cook from her position as Federal Reserve governor.
Trump claims he has the authority under Article II of the Constitution and the Federal Reserve Act.
The Federal Reserve Act allows a president to remove a governor for cause, but it has not been done before, and its legality is uncertain.
Trump mentioned claims that Cook listed two primary residences in mortgage applications as part of his reasoning.
Lisa Cook said she had no intention of stepping down and is preparing to respond to the allegations.
Democrats see this as an illegal move and are calling for judicial intervention.
The action happens amid Trump's criticism of Federal Reserve policies on interest rates.
Trump's decision is part of broader efforts to influence federal agencies for economic purposes.
A large dust storm, known as a haboob, swept through Pinal County in Arizona, carried by thunderstorm winds. These dust storms are common in the southwestern United States.
Key Facts
A dust storm occurred in Arizona, specifically in Pinal County.
The storm was driven by winds from a thunderstorm.
The phenomenon is called a "haboob," which means "strong wind" or "gale."
The term "haboob" originates from Arabic.
Such storms are frequent in the southwestern region of the United States.
Former President Donald Trump announced via social media that he has decided to remove Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook from her position. Trump accused Cook of signing conflicting mortgage agreements for properties in Michigan and Georgia. Neither Lisa Cook nor the Federal Reserve has commented on Trump's decision.
Key Facts
Donald Trump announced the removal of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He accused Cook of signing conflicting mortgage documents for properties in two different states.
The accusation involves Cook's claims about primary residences in Michigan and Georgia.
As of now, Lisa Cook and the Federal Reserve have not responded to the accusations.
Cook is the first African American woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board since 2022.
Trump has criticized the Federal Reserve and its chair, Jerome Powell, for not lowering interest rates.
Donald Trump has removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook due to unproven claims of mortgage fraud. Trump cited allegations from a federal mortgage regulator and used his authority under the U.S. Constitution and the Federal Reserve Act for the removal.
Key Facts
Donald Trump ordered the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
The removal is based on unproven mortgage fraud claims.
Trump cited powers from the U.S. Constitution and the 1913 Federal Reserve Act.
Allegations were made by the U.S. federal mortgage regulator.
Cook allegedly made false statements about mortgage agreements.
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte accused Cook of listing two primary home addresses.
The decision raises questions about the independence of the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve has not responded to requests for comment.
President Trump removed Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook from her position. The White House claims she was fired due to accusations of mortgage fraud, but Cook denies wrongdoing. Her term was initially set to last until 2038.
Key Facts
President Trump fired Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor.
The White House cited legal reasons for her dismissal related to mortgage fraud accusations.
Lisa Cook was the first Black woman to serve as a Fed governor.
Her term was originally set to end in 2038.
Bill Pulte of the Federal Housing Finance Agency accused Cook of falsifying bank documents.
Cook denies the allegations and plans to provide evidence to refute them.
Stephen Miran has been nominated to temporarily take her place.
If Cook's removal stands, it would create a second vacancy in the Fed this month.
President Donald Trump signed an order to punish people who burn the U.S. flag with a year in jail. This action goes against a Supreme Court decision that protects flag burning as free speech under the First Amendment. Free speech groups criticize the order as a violation of civil liberties.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order punishing flag burning with jail time.
The order gives one year in jail for flag burning with no early release.
The 1989 Supreme Court decision protects flag burning as free speech.
Free speech groups argue the order violates the First Amendment.
Attorney General is instructed to prosecute flag burning cases fully.
The order also considers revoking visas or deporting foreign nationals involved in flag burning.
Trump claims, without evidence, that flag burning incites riots.
Legal experts argue that flag burning is not a widespread problem.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has started an investigation into former President Trump's claim that Washington D.C.'s crime data was manipulated. This comes shortly after a federal investigation into the same issue was announced. Trump has been using these allegations to support his idea of involving federal agents in cities.
Key Facts
James Comer is leading the investigation into D.C. crime data manipulation claims.
This action follows a federal investigation announcement by the Justice Department.
Trump claims D.C. manipulated crime data to justify federal involvement.
A whistleblower alleged that D.C. police manipulated statistics on a large scale.
Commander Michael Pulliam was suspended for allegedly manipulating crime data.
Trump has criticized other cities like Los Angeles and New York in similar terms.
A letter from over 180 current and former FEMA employees warns that cuts to the agency could lead to a disaster like Hurricane Katrina. They criticize the leadership and policies that hinder FEMA's response to emergencies. The letter calls for Congress to make FEMA an independent agency and protect its operations.
Key Facts
Over 180 FEMA employees signed a letter warning of a potential disaster due to agency cuts.
35 named and 146 unnamed signatories were part of this letter.
The letter criticizes the qualifications of current FEMA leaders.
A requirement for high-level review on contracts over $100,000 is seen as reducing FEMA's efficiency.
Some FEMA staff were reassigned to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Cuts to FEMA’s budget and workforce have been proposed by the administration.
The letter suggests making FEMA an independent agency to avoid political influence.
The concerns were highlighted on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
A case of a flesh-eating parasite called New World screwworm has been reported in a person in the United States. The person had traveled from El Salvador, where there is an ongoing outbreak. Authorities say the parasite mainly affects animals and the risk to people in the US is low.
Key Facts
The first human case of New World screwworm in the US involved a person returning from El Salvador.
New World screwworm causes a parasitic infection using fly larvae known as maggots.
The infection usually affects animals, but sometimes it can affect humans, especially those with open wounds.
An outbreak of this parasite is present in Central America and Mexico.
US health officials, including the CDC and Maryland's health department, investigated the case.
The USDA warns that an outbreak in livestock could have significant economic impacts.
Measures are being taken by US agencies to address the screwworm outbreak.
President Trump announced efforts to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. He cited alleged false statements on a mortgage application as the reason for her dismissal. The move is part of Trump's effort to gain more influence over the Federal Reserve.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook.
Trump alleges Cook made false statements on a mortgage application.
Federal law allows Fed governors to be removed only for cause.
Trump claims there is enough reason to dismiss Cook based on these allegations.
The allegations include obtaining home loans under potentially false pretenses.
Cook has not yet provided a detailed response to these allegations.
Removing Cook could give Trump the opportunity to appoint more Fed governors.
There may be legal challenges to the dismissal due to Fed's intended independence.
President Trump spoke about sending the National Guard to Chicago to reduce crime, homelessness, and immigration issues, but there is legal uncertainty about this action. Illinois leaders are concerned that this might not be allowed by law. The situation involves disagreement between state and federal powers over law enforcement.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to send the National Guard to Chicago to address crime and immigration.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other leaders question the legality of this move.
Normally, a state governor agrees with the president to use the National Guard.
Federal troops can typically only protect federal areas unless the Insurrection Act is invoked.
The Insurrection Act allows the president to use troops to control unrest.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel claims the move is more about immigration control than crime.
There is ongoing debate about federal vs. state control over law enforcement.
Crime rates in Chicago are dropping, but some serious incidents still happen.
