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NPR News: 08-18-2026 7PM EDT

Aug 18, 2026 · 4m

Summary

President Trump denies planned talks with Iran as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz, while primary elections proceed in Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming. Legal battles intensify as Minnesota sues Texas over an ICE agent’s extradition and ABC challenges the FCC over free speech concerns. In other news, Turkish President Erdogan signs a Kurdish militant pardon, ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77, and comedians settle a racial profiling lawsuit.

Topics discussed

Trump denies planned talks with Iran; Strait of Hormuz tensions Primary elections in Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming Debbie Wasserman Schultz faces Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Minnesota sues Texas over extradition of ICE agent ABC sues FCC over Trump's challenge to broadcast licenses Wall Street retreats as AI stocks sink Turkey pardons Kurdish militants in peace effort with PKK ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77 Comedians settle lawsuit over Atlanta airport racial profiling Up First preview: Midterms, Gaza peace plan, and Iran deadline
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