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NPR News: 07-17-2026 10AM EDT

July 17, 2026

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5 min read

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Wildfire smoke from Canada is seeping into large parts of the United States, pushing air quality to unhealthy levels from the Dakotas to the Midwest and East Coast. NPR's Kristen Wright reports pollution has reached dangerous levels in some areas, with the Washington Monument sitting behind a haze of smoke. Throughout the day in DC, where you can smell the smoke at times. Detroit, Chicago, and New York are experiencing some of the worst air quality in the world, according to rankings by IQ Air. And meteorologists say it's among the worst in years. Parts of Pennsylvania hit code purple, which is worse than red. Smoke from more than 800 wildfires burning in Canada is able to travel long distances, and the summer heat can make the air quality even worse.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:05) **Canadian Wildfire Smoke Hits US Air Quality** - Smoke from over 800 Canadian wildfires drifts into the US, causing hazardous air quality from the Dakotas to the East Coast.
  • 2 (01:17) **Declassified Material on 2020 Election Released** - Newly declassified information aligns with what was already known, contradicting Trump's claims of Chinese interference.
  • 3 (01:59) **Venezuela's Earthquake Recovery and Political Crisis** - After devastating quakes killing over 4,800 people, the government prioritizes recovery over elections, sparking protests.
  • 4 (03:00) **Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce** - Federal health officials trace a major cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from a Mexican supplier used by Taco Bell in five states.
  • 5 (03:28) **Texas Flooding Continues with More Rain Expected** - Days of heavy rain cause widespread flooding in Texas, with at least two deaths and over 200 rescues.
  • 6 (03:40) **New DHS Rules Limit International Student Stay** - The Department of Homeland Security changes rules to cap international student stays at a fixed period of up to four years.
  • 7 Standout Quotes

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NPR News: 07-17-2026 10AM EDT

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