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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Bipartisan spending pushes U.S. national debt past the historic $40 trillion mark

NPR | By Eric McDaniel,

Scott Simon

Published August 22, 2026 at 6:43 AM CDT

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The national debt reached $40 trillion this week. It's an eye-popping figure -- one that has grown as the influence of debt and deficit hawks has receded in Congress.

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Eric McDaniel

Eric McDaniel is a congressional reporter for NPR's Washington Desk.

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.