NPR News: 09-16-2026 8PM EDT
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What are the key provisions of the Russia sanctions bill being sent to President Trump?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. Congress is sending a Russia sanctions bill to President Trump's desk. The vote split lawmakers in both parties, as NPR Sam Greenglass reports.
Republican Congressman Michael McCall says the sanctions will target the officials, companies, and banks helping fund Russia's war in Ukraine.
When we look back at this moment in time, I want to be able to say. That we used all the tools available to end this war.
The package will allow President Trump to impose tariffs on countries buying oil and natural gas from Russia, a sticking point for many Democrats like Congressman Don Bayer.
The bill is a loophole that will allow him to define basically any country as a facilitator of evading Russian sanctions. He could then hit them with tariffs of up to 100% with no guardrails or oversight and no exploration.
Why did the House vote to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress?
The legislation is named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who negotiated Trump support for the sanctions. Sam Greenglass, NPR News, Washington.
The House voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt. NPR's Bill Chapel reports the vote comes nearly two weeks after Black defied subpoenas in a Jeffrey Epstein probe.
House lawmakers voted unanimously to hold Black in contempt of Congress. Black is refusing to comply with two subpoenas from the House Oversight Committee as part of its look at Epstein, a convicted sex offender and disgraced financier. Black acknowledges paying Epstein at least one hundred fifty eight million dollars, but he says it was for legitimate reasons like estate planning. The oversight panel wants Black to speak under oath and to share any nondisclosure agreements that he allegedly signed with survivors of Epstein's abuse. Black says the panel has overstepped its powers and he's suing the committee.
How is the Kennedy Center controversy affecting its funding and naming?
The contempt resolution now goes to the Justice Department. Bill Chapel, NPR News.
Fencing has gone up around the main Kennedy Center building in Washington DC a day after President Trump's aligned board voted to close most of the performing arts center for repairs. That came after a federal judge blocked the institution from returning Trump's name to the building. Congress has allocated two hundred and fifty seven million dollars to pay for the repairs, but Trump has said that would only happen if his name is added to the building. Stocks fell today after the Fed raised interest rates. NPR Scott Hoarsley reports the Dow tumbled more than one point two percent.
Members of the Fed's rate setting committee voted unanimously to raise their benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point in an effort to tamp down stubborn inflation. The move comes as the US war with Iran continues to put upward pressure on gasoline and diesel prices.
What impact did the Federal Reserve’s latest interest‑rate hike have on the markets?
Fed Chairman Kevin War says he and his colleagues want to make sure that wartime spike in prices doesn't spread.
We must be confident that underlying inflation is moving to our objective. Clearly and at sufficient speed. Today. This standard has not been satisfied.
Fed policymakers signaled that on average they expect just one more quarter point rate hike this year and stable rates in twenty twenty seven. Scott Horsley, Impair News, Washington.
This is NPR. The Trump administration is planning to deliver powerful 2,000-pound bombs to Israel as part of an upcoming arms deal.
What does the Trump administration’s new arms deal with Israel include?
The $2.8 billion package includes 40,000 bombs. Weapons of this kind prompted concern about the possibility of mass casualties in Gaza that the Biden administration paused their delivery two years ago. The Latin Recording Academy has announced the nominations for the 27th annual Latin Grammys. NPR's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento reports there's a common theme among album of the year contenders.
In Latin America, folkloric music is currently all the rage, and the Latin Grammys have taken notice. Whether it's the Argentinian roots music championed by 19 year old rapper Milo Jota on his album La Vida era más corta, or the deeply evocative folk of Mexican singer songwriter Silvana Estrada's album, Vendrán Suave, se apagaron ya las luces.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What are the key provisions of the Russia sanctions bill being sent to President Trump?
0:00–0:49
2
Why did the House vote to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress?
0:49–1:40
3
How is the Kennedy Center controversy affecting its funding and naming?
1:40–2:30
4
What impact did the Federal Reserve’s latest interest‑rate hike have on the markets?
2:30–3:07
5
What does the Trump administration’s new arms deal with Israel include?
3:07–4:15
6
Why are folk and traditional rhythms dominating this year’s Latin Grammy nominations?
4:15–5:03