Morning news brief

NPR | By A Martínez,

Leila Fadel

Published September 16, 2026 at 4:44 AM EDT

The Fed is expected to raise interest rates Wednesday, new reports detail the damage and $30 billion price tag of the Iran war, Kennedy Center board votes to close after judge's ruling.

NPR News

A Martínez

A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First.

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a host of Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

See stories by Leila Fadel

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Saudi Arabia calls an attempted Mecca attack a 'red line' as Houthis deny they did it

The Associated Press

Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels overnight of trying to attack Islam's holiest city, prompting condemnation from countries in the region but no sign of military support.
NPR News

As campaign season gears up, AI-generated ads are everywhere

Geoff Brumfiel

Data suggests many candidates are embracing AI this year to boost their image and portray their opponents unfavorably. But whether it will turn out voters remains unclear.
NPR News

A Kansas girl ran off to join the circus and changed the tattoo world

Julie Denesha

One of the country's first known female tattoo artists was born on a Kansas farm. Maud Stevens Wagner ran off to join the circus and later became a tattoo legend.
NPR News

21 million women live in U.S. counties with limited birth control access

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Because of a data lag, the current reality of access may be even worse.
NPR News

The Fed is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in 3 years

Scott Horsley

The Fed is widely expected to raise its benchmark interest rate to combat stubborn inflation. That could make it more expensive to borrow money to buy a car or carry a balance on a credit card.