While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.

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Week in Politics: Blanche confirmed as attorney general; Iran-Oman Strait deal stalls

NPR | By Scott Simon,

Ron Elving

Published August 8, 2026 at 6:43 AM CDT

We look at what it took to get Todd Blanche confirmed as U.S. attorney general, as well as the proposed deal between Iran and Oman to control the Strait of Hormuz.

Scott Simon

Scott Simon is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

Ron Elving

Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News, where he is frequently heard as a news analyst and writes regularly for NPR.org.