NPR News: 09-12-2026 3PM EDT
Summary
NPR News Now reports on a drone attack that shut down a major Saudi oil pipeline, escalating regional tensions amid Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The episode details how these disruptions are driving up global energy prices, causing U.S. gasoline costs to spike and keeping inflation elevated. Financial markets reacted with weekly losses as investors anticipate the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates. The broadcast also covers the Supreme Court's ongoing debate over mail-in ballot delivery and a study on the effectiveness of social media age verification laws.
Topics discussed
Saudi Arabia shuts down oil pipeline after drone attack
Details on drone origins and Iraqi response
Houthis capture strategic island in Bab al-Mandeb Strait
Trump attributes attack to Iran; Iraq closes borders
Energy prices soar and Wall Street stocks fall
Inflation rises and Fed rate hike expectations grow
Weekly stock market performance summary
Anthropic CEO urges AI industry to slow down for safety
NPR News segment transition
Mail-in voting underway amid Supreme Court postal dispute
Study finds age restrictions on social media ineffective
Research on social media usage by minors and age verification
Closing remarks and transition to Throughline
Preview of Throughline: MLB walk-up songs
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