NPR News: 09-16-2026 11AM EDT
Summary
The Trump administration is consulting Congress on a $2.8 billion munitions package for Israel, reversing Biden-era delays. Meanwhile, EU President Ursula von der Leyen proposes a new European security council to counter Russian aggression and close the AI gap with the US and China. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates, while an NPR analysis reveals that for-profit colleges have student loan nonpayment rates twice as high as other institutions. The episode also covers the Senate hearing for nominee Nicole Saffire and growing calls from AI researchers to slow development d…
Topics discussed
Trump administration consults Congress on munitions for Israel
Senate Democrats oppose arms deal amid Gaza conflict
EU proposes new security council to counter Russia
EU plans for AI regulation and social media restrictions
Federal Reserve expected to raise interest rates
NPR analysis reveals high student loan delinquency rates
Senate hearing for new US Surgeon General nominee
Google DeepMind researcher resigns over AI safety concerns
Industry leaders call for AI development slowdown
House vote on data center electricity cost legislation
NPR Up First podcast promotion and sign-off
Listen ad-free on Castria