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NPR News: 08-20-2026 6PM EDT

Aug 20, 2026 · 4m

Summary

The USS Abraham Lincoln returns home after a record nine-month deployment amid war with Iran, while Tehran dismisses Trump’s economic threats. Domestically, the federal debt exceeds $40 trillion, and legislative director James Braid leaves the White House ahead of midterms. The episode also covers new deportations to Liberia, proposed cuts to disability community services, and the discovery of mountaineers’ remains in melting Swiss glaciers.

Topics discussed

USS Abraham Lincoln returns home after record deployment Federal debt hits $40 trillion amid political blame White House legislative director James Braid departs First deportations under new Liberia agreement Threats to community-based disability services Bodies of missing mountaineers found in Swiss Alps NPR Politics Podcast promo on crime statistics
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