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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Hegseth appeared on the Hill. It was a rare chance to ask about the Iran war

NPR | By Quil Lawrence

Published July 21, 2026 at 3:14 PM CDT

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified in the Senate on Tuesday. It's the first time since May that anyone has had a chance to ask questions in public about the escalating war in Iran.

Quil Lawrence

Quil Lawrence is a New York-based correspondent for NPR News, covering veterans' issues nationwide. He won a Robert F. Kennedy Award for his coverage of American veterans and a Gracie Award for coverage of female combat veterans. In 2019 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America honored Quil with its IAVA Salutes Award for Leadership in Journalism.