The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is shutting down its operations due to losing federal funding. This decision comes after President Trump signed a law cutting $1.1 billion in public broadcasting funds. CPB President Patricia Harrison announced that most staff positions would end by September 30, 2025, with a small team staying until January to handle remaining responsibilities.
Key Facts
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will close by September 30, 2025, after losing federal funding.
President Trump signed a law that cuts $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting.
The funding cuts were part of a $9 billion rescission package, also impacting foreign aid.
A Senate committee chose not to restore funding in the following year.
CPB plans to handle remaining financial responsibilities until January.
NPR receives a small portion of its budget directly from federal funds but depends on CPB for support.
PBS gets about 15% of its revenue from federal funds, impacting its member stations.
A recent poll showed that 66% of Americans, including 58% of Republicans, support federal funding for public broadcasting.
Shane Tamura, a man with a mental health history, was involved in a shooting in New York, killing four people before taking his own life. Despite having a history of mental health issues, he had access to firearms, raising questions about the effectiveness of "red flag" gun laws designed to prevent such incidents. Nevada's "high risk protection orders" aim to temporarily remove firearms from those who pose a threat, but the law was not used in this case.
Key Facts
Shane Tamura, involved in a New York shooting, had a known mental health history.
Tamura used an M4 rifle and killed four people, including a police officer.
He also had a note mentioning CTE, a brain condition linked to head injuries.
He had a legal gun license and bought weapons, including an AR-15 style rifle.
"Red flag" laws aim to remove guns from individuals deemed dangerous.
In Nevada, "high risk protection orders" could remove gun rights temporarily.
Nevada's law has been rarely used since it began in 2020.
21 U.S. states and Washington, DC, have "red flag" laws in place.
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has temporarily removed references to former President Trump's two impeachments from its exhibit on the American presidency. The museum plans to update the exhibit and eventually restore the references, but it has not given a specific timeline. This change follows a conflict between the Trump administration and the Smithsonian over museum content.
Key Facts
The exhibit "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden" originally included Trump's impeachments as of 2021.
References to Trump's impeachments, from 2019 and 2021, were recently removed while planning a larger exhibit update.
The Smithsonian stated the exhibit had not been updated since 2008, and a substantial overhaul requires time and money.
The museum plans to include all presidential impeachments in a future exhibit update.
The removal came after a conflict between the Trump administration and the Smithsonian regarding museum content.
These changes occurred after a White House executive order about presenting unbiased American history.
Smithsonian's Board of Regents emphasized maintaining independence from political influence.
Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, resigned following the conflict and the executive order.
President Trump announced new tariffs on imports from many countries, affecting U.S. businesses and consumers. These new tariffs, although lower than initially threatened, could still lead to higher prices for imported goods. The start date for these tariffs is now delayed until August 7.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered new tariffs on imports from 66 countries, including the EU, Taiwan, and the Falkland Islands.
Tariff rates include 40% on goods from Laos, 39% from Switzerland, and 30% on South African products.
The start date for the tariffs was postponed to August 7.
Some tariffs were lowered from initial announcements; for example, Indonesia's is 19% instead of 32%.
Companies are managing tariffs differently, with some increasing U.S. prices while others absorb the costs.
U.S. consumers might see prices rise for products with high import content, especially those with steel and aluminum.
Tariffs already in place include 50% on aluminum and steel, and varying rates with countries like Japan and the Philippines.
Goods like furniture, appliances, and electronics have already seen price increases due to past tariffs.
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A teacher named Andrew James McGann is charged with killing a couple he didn't know while they were hiking with their children in an Arkansas state park. He is held without bond and is set to appear in court. The motive for the attack is still unclear.
Key Facts
The incident happened at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas.
Andrew James McGann, 28, admitted to the crime after being arrested.
The victims were Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41.
The couple's children, ages 7 and 9, were not harmed and are with family.
Police found McGann using footage and sketch, leading to his arrest at a barbershop.
McGann has teaching licenses in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma with no past criminal record.
He resigned from two teaching positions in Texas and Oklahoma prior to taking a job in Arkansas.
The State Police collected evidence, including DNA and surveillance footage, to identify McGann.
Last month, U.S. employers added 73,000 jobs, which is less than experts expected. The unemployment rate increased to 4.2% as more people left the workforce. Economists say trade policies and tariffs are affecting job growth.
Key Facts
U.S. employers added 73,000 jobs last month, below the expected 115,000.
Revisions removed 258,000 jobs from May and June figures.
The unemployment rate increased to 4.2%.
The number of unemployed people rose by 221,000.
Tariffs and trade policies by President Trump are linked to the slowdown.
Manufacturers cut 11,000 jobs in July.
The federal government lost 12,000 jobs last month.
Healthcare companies added 55,400 jobs, making up most of the new jobs.
A group of Democratic lawmakers, who are alumni of Harvard, warned the university against settling a dispute with former President Trump. They threatened an investigation if Harvard agreed to a settlement reportedly worth up to $500 million. These lawmakers worry that such an agreement could harm Harvard's reputation and influence its independence.
Key Facts
Democratic lawmakers from Congress, who attended Harvard, threatened to investigate if the school settles with Trump.
Reports suggest Harvard might spend up to $500 million to resolve issues with the Trump administration.
A letter from the lawmakers expressed concern about settling under political pressure.
The Trump administration has targeted various institutions as part of its campaign against certain cultural values.
Columbia University paid a $200 million fine to settle with Trump's administration previously.
Lawmakers seek details on Harvard's negotiations, any settlement terms, and involvement from students and faculty.
No comment was received from spokespeople for Harvard or the White House.
Lawmakers suggested any deal could undermine democratic principles if influenced by political threats.
Democrats have decreased their focus on the Green New Deal, a climate change proposal, since President Trump's second term. Over recent months, the mention of the Green New Deal has significantly dropped among Democrats while Republicans continue to critique it. Key Democratic figures involved in the Green New Deal have not reintroduced the proposal, indicating a shift in strategy.
Key Facts
Democrats mentioned the Green New Deal only six times on social media and in Congress over the last three months.
During the same period, Republicans mentioned it 337 times.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey have not reintroduced their Green New Deal resolution.
Democratic focus has shifted from the Green New Deal to other strategies for addressing climate change.
Some Democratic leaders are concerned about whether liberal climate groups can mobilize voters effectively.
Support for wind and solar energy has decreased, especially among Republicans.
Former President Biden passed a major climate-focused bill, but it didn't significantly boost voter support for Democrats.
Hundreds of U.S. Department of Education workers are losing their jobs as their department faces significant staff reductions. This comes after President Trump signed an order to dismantle parts of the department, aiming to give control back to states. The department will now have about half the staff it had when Trump took office.
Key Facts
Roughly 1,400 workers at the U.S. Department of Education are being laid off.
Staff reductions began after a March 11th order from President Trump.
An executive order by Trump aimed to give control of education back to the states.
President Trump stated the intention was to remove employees not performing well.
Linda McMahon, the education secretary, called the layoffs a step toward improving U.S. education.
The Education Department did not specify the exact number of employees leaving.
Some former employees discussed their past roles and the importance of their work.
David Downey, a long-time employee, worked on federal funding and disagreed with policy changes affecting civil rights protections.
Former President Donald Trump asked the Federal Reserve's board to take control from Chair Jerome Powell, criticizing Powell for not lowering interest rates. Trump wants rates cut, believing this will boost economic growth and reduce borrowing costs, despite current interest levels slightly above the Fed's target.
Key Facts
Donald Trump urged the Federal Reserve’s board to take control from Chair Jerome Powell.
Trump criticized Powell for not cutting short-term interest rates.
Trump believes lower interest rates will help economic growth and reduce debt costs.
The current interest rate is slightly above the Fed's target of 2%.
Trump suggested cutting the Fed’s benchmark rate by 3 percentage points.
This large rate cut could risk increasing inflation.
The Supreme Court indicated Trump could not remove Powell over policy disagreements.
Powell’s term as Federal Reserve Chair runs until May 2026.
Alaska is facing a major issue with funding for school repairs and maintenance, as the state has not successfully addressed its budget problems for years. Many rural schools have not received the needed money to fix deteriorating buildings, putting students and teachers at risk. Lawmakers have attempted to increase funding but faced setbacks, including vetoes and a reliance on fluctuating oil revenues.
Key Facts
Alaska has ignored many requests from rural school districts for money to repair buildings over the years.
School buildings in remote areas are in bad condition, posing health and safety risks.
The state legislature approved $40 million for school repairs, but this is only a small fraction of the $800 million needed.
Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed most of the approved funding, cutting nearly $28 million.
Alaska relies heavily on oil revenue, which has decreased due to lower oil prices and production.
The state does not have an income tax or statewide sales tax, limiting its revenue options.
Spending on education facilities has dropped by almost 60% since oil prices fell in 2014.
The legislative focus on education funding this year did not lead to significant progress due to financial constraints.
The article offers a quiz related to various mystery topics, including a question about the U.S. destroying $9.7 million worth of something. It invites readers to participate and potentially contribute questions to the quiz.
Key Facts
The U.S. is destroying something valued at $9.7 million.
The quiz includes questions on topics like President Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Readers can submit their questions for inclusion in the quiz.
Submissions are open until Tuesday, August 5.
Contributors may be credited on NPR's website if their question is chosen.
The quiz covers current events from July 28 to August 5.
NPR's quiz adheres to their Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The White House has announced new tariff rates for many countries. In Texas, lawmakers are listening to flood survivors and local officials. U.S. Jewish leaders are asking Israel to let more aid into Gaza.
Key Facts
The White House introduced new tariff rates affecting many countries.
Texas legislators are meeting with people affected by floods and local government representatives.
Jewish leaders in the U.S. have written a letter to Israel.
The letter requests Israel to permit more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The news was reported by A Martínez and Steve Inskeep.
This information is part of the National Morning news brief.
Texas lawmakers listened to survivors of floods that killed over 130 people in central Texas. They also asked local officials about their whereabouts during the floods.
Key Facts
Floods in central Texas resulted in over 130 deaths.
Survivors shared their experiences with state lawmakers.
Lawmakers questioned local officials about their actions during the floods.
These discussions took place in Texas.
The flood survivors and officials spoke directly to state lawmakers.
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Jeffrey Epstein of abusing her, criticized former President Trump's remarks that Epstein "stole" her from her job. The family clarified that Giuffre was recruited, not stolen. They also urged Trump not to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, who was convicted of sex trafficking.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre's family objected to Trump's claim that she was "stolen" by Jeffrey Epstein.
Guiffre accused Epstein and others of abuse when she was a minor.
Her brother, Sky Roberts, stated that she was recruited and not taken against her will.
The family does not want Ghislaine Maxwell to be pardoned for her crimes.
White House said Trump only mentioned Giuffre in response to a question.
Giuffre's family believes Epstein's crimes should be made public.
Trump previously expelled Epstein from his club for inappropriate behavior.
Officials confirmed that Trump is not considering clemency for Maxwell.
Virginia Giuffre’s family expressed shock after former President Donald Trump said Jeffrey Epstein "stole" her from his club. Giuffre accused Epstein and others of sex trafficking before she passed away this year. The statement followed Trump's remarks on his relationship with Epstein and the ongoing legal issues surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre was a well-known accuser in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case.
Former President Trump stated Epstein "stole" Giuffre from his club in an interview, which her family found shocking.
Giuffre accused Britain's Prince Andrew and others of exploiting her as a teenager.
Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year.
Epstein was a financier who faced federal sex trafficking charges before his death in jail in 2019.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence.
Maxwell has provided testimony to the Justice Department but details are not public.
Giuffre accused Epstein and Maxwell of making her a sexual servant for Epstein and his associates.
During severe flooding in Texas over the 4th of July weekend, three key county officials were not available to respond immediately. The floods resulted in at least 135 deaths, with Kerr County being severely impacted. Officials faced scrutiny over the lack of early flood warnings and preparation.
Key Facts
Three top officials in Kerr County were unavailable during the flood: two were asleep, and one was out of town.
The flash floods in Texas killed at least 135 people.
Kerr County was the hardest hit, with at least 95 deaths, including at Camp Mystic.
Emergency management coordinator William B Thomas felt ill and remained off-duty on the day before the flood.
Sheriff Larry Leitha said he was not aware of any impending disaster and saw a weather report indicating only rain.
Judge Rob Kelly was away at a lake house and noted no flood alerts were issued prior.
Governor Greg Abbott stated a storm warning was issued but the full extent of the storm was not known.
Authorities faced criticism for possibly inadequate flood warnings and lack of early evacuation.
Severe storms have caused significant flooding on the East Coast of the United States, leading to a state of emergency in New York and New Jersey. The rain has flooded streets and subway systems, and airports in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia are experiencing flight delays and cancellations.
Key Facts
A state of emergency is in effect in New York and New Jersey because of severe storms.
Streets and subway systems in these areas are flooded.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York advises residents to stay informed and cautious.
Airports in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia report significant delays and cancellations of flights.
The flooding and storms are part of severe weather affecting the East Coast.
President Donald Trump signed an order to impose new tariffs on imports from several countries. The tariffs range from 10 percent to 41 percent and affect goods from countries like India, Taiwan, and South Africa.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the order on Thursday.
New tariffs apply to imports coming into the US from various countries.
The tariff rates range from 10 percent to 41 percent.
India is subject to a 25 percent tariff on its exports to the US.
Taiwan faces a 20 percent tariff on its goods bound for the US.
South Africa's exports to the US will have a 30 percent tariff.
Elon Musk made a $10 million donation to congressional Republicans after he criticized President Trump. Soon after, Musk changed his stance, calling for a new political party and criticizing Trump again. These actions highlight Musk's shifting relationship with the president.
Key Facts
Elon Musk donated $10 million to Republican groups shortly after disagreeing with President Trump.
Musk publicly criticized Trump over a bill that he believed would increase the budget deficit.
Musk later suggested creating a third political party, which he called the America Party.
He had multiple conversations with Vice President Vance and White House officials in June.
Musk deleted his critical posts about Trump and expressed regret for his earlier remarks.
He threatened to continue with the America Party if Congress went ahead with the bill.
Musk previously founded America PAC to support Trump in the 2024 campaign.
America PAC spent over $45 million but failed to secure a win in a Wisconsin court race.
