Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Justice Department, is currently facing a high-stakes confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers are set to rigorously question Blanche as part of the process to confirm his appointment.

Blanche’s nomination is also met with a strong campaign from survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, who are actively working to block his confirmation.

Additional news highlights reported by NBC Politics on July 15, 2026, include the arrest of two teenagers connected to a wildfire near Paris, the revelation of Alzheimer's diagnosis by pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, and the U.S. resuming the Hormuz blockade amid threats of further strikes by former President Trump. The House has passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Meanwhile, the death of Theo Burrell, a star from 'Antiques Roadshow,' after a battle with cancer was also reported.

NBC’s Hallie Jackson provided these updates for TODAY.

Sources