NPR News: 08-20-2026 7AM EDT
Summary
NPR News covers the U.S. federal debt surpassing $40 trillion, with interest payments now exceeding defense spending. International updates include a deadly Russian missile strike on Kiev and Israel launching criminal investigations into specific Gaza War incidents. Domestically, rent increases are accelerating as construction slows, while California enacts strict landscaping rules to mitigate wildfire risks.
Topics discussed
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Federal debt passes $40 trillion record
Russian missile attack on Kiev and energy strikes
Israel investigates Gaza war attacks
U.S. futures trading mixed
Rent prices rising as construction slows
California wildfire landscaping rules
Sponsor: NPR Wine Club
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