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as President Trump’s nominee to lead the Justice Department permanently. Blanche is expected to face questions about his handling of the Epstein files, the targeting of the president’s political enemies and the broader politicization of justice.
Read more How to keep cool in this year’s extreme summer heat even without air conditioning
- 🎧 , NPR’s Ryan Lucas tells . With Republicans holding a razor-thin Senate majority, a handful of GOP defections could be enough to block his confirmation. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. ET. Watch it live here.
- ➡️ , including Dani Bensky, are speaking out against Blanche’s nomination. Bensky is expected to testify before the committee.
- ➡️ , Trump’s latest nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is scheduled to appear before a Senate committee this morning to answer questions about her vision and qualifications for the role.
Trump says the U.S. will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and has reversed a plan to charge foreign ships a transit fee. The threat and shifting statements come as the U.S. and Iran continue exchanging attacks, with little sign their fragile ceasefire will hold.
- 🎧 that recent U.S. strikes have not done enough to reduce Iran’s threat to commercial shipping. They say it could take weeks of more intensive bombing, and the U.S. may also need to escort commercial vessels through the Strait.
- 🎧 NPR’s A Martinez asks retired Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, a former commander of the Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the Combined Maritime Forces in the Middle East.
during its enforcement operations. This change comes after two deaths associated with ICE traffic stops. Neither person killed was the intended target of the immigration enforcement actions.
Read more Bill Maher on comedy, atheism and dining with Trump
- 🎧 The agency attributes this shortfall to Democratic lawmakers and the impact of partial government shutdowns, NPR’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán says. DHS says all agents will be equipped with body cameras within the next 60 days. Meanwhile, advocates, politicians and community members continue to demand independent investigations into the two shootings.
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Newsmakers Newsmakers
Bill Maher received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor this summer at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The comedian and host of HBO’s has spent more than three decades criticizing figures across the political spectrum and challenging organized religion. In a new episode of , ‘s Steve Inskeep speaks with Maher about his approach to comedy, how his Catholic upbringing shaped his atheism, why he invited Louis C.K. to speak at the award ceremony, and what he took away from having dinner with President Trump.
Watch or listen to the interview or read the highlights.
Living better
Ice cream is a summer favorite, and Dr. Zeke Emanuel says there’s no need to skip it. In his book, he cites evidence suggesting that people who regularly enjoy the sweet treat face a lower risk of metabolic disease — a finding research called “the ice cream paradox.” He also offers simple evidence-based advice for staying healthy:
Read more CDC director nominee Erica Schwartz faces Senate for confirmation hearing
- 🍦 Avoid smoking, vaping and excessive alcohol use.
- 🍦 Initiate conversations with people. Casual interactions can help promote positive feelings.
- 🍦 Keep moving. Even a walk after a meal can help stabilize your blood sugar.
3 things to know before you go
- The Trump administration has changed the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, a move environmental groups argue could weaken wildlife protections. Lawsuits are already underway.
- International artists are increasingly skipping tours in the U.S. because of the complicated and costly visa application process.
- E. Jean Carroll has received approximately $5.625 million in her sexual abuse and defamation case against Trump after years of delays caused by his appeals.