Up First from NPR Up First from NPR

Fed Raises Interest Rates, Iran War and Oil Prices, EU-Canada Alliance

Sep 17, 2026 · 13m

Summary

NPR's Up First covers the Federal Reserve's first rate hike in three years, which President Trump criticized as defying his wishes. The episode also details global protests over soaring fuel prices amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and the ongoing war in Iran. Finally, it examines the EU's proposal to make Canada its first associate member, a move Trump threatened to punish with new tariffs.

Topics discussed

Intro: Trump pressures Fed Chair Kevin Warsh News roundup: Fuel protests, Canada-EU, and tariffs Sponsorships: Charles Schwab and Midi Health Fed raises rates for first time in 3 years Political drama: Trump vs. Fed independence Economic rationale: Inflation and strong employment How rate hikes work and their limits on inflation Inflation drivers: Iran war, tariffs, and wages Global protests and record high oil prices Saudi oil output drops due to Houthi attacks Human toll: War crimes report and Yemen displacement Diplomacy: US-Houthi talks and Saudi support EU proposes Canada as first associate member Context: Shared values and pushback from Trump European reaction and upcoming Carney-Macron meeting Trump threatens tariffs if EU move is hostile Credits and sign-off Sponsorships: Schwab, Conservation Fund, and Bombas
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