U.S. News and National Top Stories : NPR

Judge: Trump-era rule change allowing the logging of old-growth forests violates laws

Old growth Douglas fir trees stand along the Salmon river Trail on the Mt. Hood National Forest outside Zigzag, Ore. Rick Bowmer/AP hide caption

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Judge: Trump-era rule change allowing the logging of old-growth forests violates laws

August 31, 2023 • U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Hallman on Thursday found that the U.S. Forest Service violated the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act and the Endangered Species Act.

A big group of student loan borrowers are learning their debt has been forgiven

August 31, 2023 • Federal student loan borrowers are expected to resume payments this fall. But more than 800,000 borrowers are finding out that their loans have suddenly been forgiven.

A big group of student loan borrowers are learning their debt has been forgiven

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A neurology professor weighs in on the health questions surrounding Mitch McConnell

August 31, 2023 • For a second time in a little over a month, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze up while taking questions a press conference, raising questions about his health.

A neurology professor weighs in on the health questions surrounding Mitch McConnell

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Arkansas lawmaker describes going on the first congressional trip to Syria in 5 years

August 31, 2023 • NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with GOP Rep. French Hill of Arkansas about his trip that he took to Syria with two other Republican members of Congress.

Arkansas lawmaker describes going on the first congressional trip to Syria in 5 years

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Chicago officials are joining the effort to crack down on cases of COVID aid fraud

August 31, 2023 • COVID aid fraud was rampant countrywide, but thousands of Chicago residents appear to have taken money for bogus businesses. Officials say they may have to concentrate on only the worst cases.

Chicago officials are joining the effort to crack down on cases of COVID aid fraud

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Now-released forms reveal more trips gifted to Justice Clarence Thomas by Harlan Crow

August 31, 2023 • Justice Clarence Thomas, who has been the subject of scrutiny over gifts he received from billionaire Harlan Crow, reported additional trips Crow paid for in newly released financial disclosure forms.

Now-released forms reveal more trips gifted to Justice Clarence Thomas by Harlan Crow

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The latest from Florida's Cedar Key, one of the areas Hurricane Idalia hit hardest

August 31, 2023 • Hurricane Idalia's storm surge and winds thumped the fishing community of Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf coast. Most people evacuated beforehand — but not everyone.

The latest from Florida's Cedar Key, one of the areas Hurricane Idalia hit hardest

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Marijuana could soon be downgraded from a Schedule 1 drug

August 31, 2023 • The federal government may soon change how marijuana is regulated. The Drug Enforcement Administration has kicked off a review of whether marijuana should remain a strictly controlled substance.

Marijuana could soon be downgraded from a Schedule 1 drug

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92,003 fans set a record for women's sports attendance watching college volleyball

August 31, 2023 • More than 90,000 people filled the University of Nebraska's football stadium Wednesday night to watch women's college volleyball. It was one of the biggest crowds ever for a women's sports event.

92,003 fans set a record for women's sports attendance watching college volleyball

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Texas will soon allow unlicensed chaplains to act as school counselors

August 31, 2023 • Citing a shortage of school counselors, Texas passed a law allowing chaplains to be school counselors. Some say it's the government's responsibility, not churches', to provide mental health services.

Texas will soon allow unlicensed chaplains to act as school counselors

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Fact check: Do lower drug prices make it harder for companies to find new treatments?

August 31, 2023 • The pharmaceutical industry has long said that any attempts to control drug prices would mean disaster for their research and development efforts. But the research doesn't back that up.

Fact check: Do lower drug prices make it harder for companies to find new treatments?

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Politicians now tend to be older than they've been historically. It's causing issues

August 31, 2023 • The average age in Congress dropped slightly this year, but is still one of the oldest in modern history. Democrats and Republicans have both been forced to confront limitations in aging politicians.

Politicians now tend to be older than they've been historically. It's causing issues

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Late night TV hosts team up for a new podcast amid the writers strike

The late night heavyweights are putting their power into a new podcast, sharing this image on the Instagram page for the show. Instagram hide caption

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Late night TV hosts team up for a new podcast amid the writers strike

August 31, 2023 • The biggest names in late night have turned their private group chat into a Spotify podcast. All the proceeds will go to support their staff during the writers strike.

Late night TV hosts team up for a new podcast amid the writers strike

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Proud Boys leaders sentenced to a combined 32 years for Jan. 6 riot

Proud Boys members including Zachary Rehl, left, Ethan Nordean, center, and Joseph Biggs, walk toward the U.S. Capitol in Washington, in support of President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021. Carolyn Kaster/AP hide caption

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Law

Proud Boys leaders sentenced to a combined 32 years for Jan. 6 riot

August 31, 2023 • Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl were convicted alongside former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio and other fellow members of the group.

Hurricane Idalia's aftermath: Florida rushes to restore power and clear debris

A storm-damaged gas station is reflected in a puddle in Perry, Fla., after Hurricane Idalia crossed the state on Wednesday. Sean Rayford/Getty Images hide caption

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Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Hurricane Idalia's aftermath: Florida rushes to restore power and clear debris

August 31, 2023 • Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, Fla., as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday, gradually weakening as it ripped through the state, into Georgia and across the Carolinas.

Thursday August 31, 2023

A big group of student loan borrowers are learning their debt has been forgiven

A neurology professor weighs in on the health questions surrounding Mitch McConnell

Arkansas lawmaker describes going on the first congressional trip to Syria in 5 years

Chicago officials are joining the effort to crack down on cases of COVID aid fraud

Now-released forms reveal more trips gifted to Justice Clarence Thomas by Harlan Crow

The latest from Florida's Cedar Key, one of the areas Hurricane Idalia hit hardest

Marijuana could soon be downgraded from a Schedule 1 drug

92,003 fans set a record for women's sports attendance watching college volleyball

Texas will soon allow unlicensed chaplains to act as school counselors

Fact check: Do lower drug prices make it harder for companies to find new treatments?

Politicians now tend to be older than they've been historically. It's causing issues

Late night TV hosts team up for a new podcast amid the writers strike