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Episode Date: September 9, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Rylan Barton. President Trump gave $45,000 Christmas bonuses to a few of his West Wing aides, including his executive assistant Natalie Harp. NPR's Luke Garrett reports that in Harp's case, the cash gift amounted to nearly one-third of her government's salary. A White House disclosure shows Natalie Harp, communications advisor Margo Martin, and Oval Office aide Chamberlain Harris, each got $45,000. Trump's Oval Office Director and former valet, Walt Nata, received a lot of $20,000 in cash. The aides are among Trump's closest and most loyal. In a statement, the White

House says the Christmas gifts are a, quote, longstanding practice by Trump and that the cash has nothing to do with, quote, official government duties. It defended the gifts as, quote, permissible under relevant legal and ethical standards. Federal law does bar federal employees from receiving, quote, supplementation of salary. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to questions regarding Trump's cash gifts and whether they violate U.S. Code. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington. The price of oil went over $100 a barrel again today. It comes after the U.S. military struck five Iranian oil carriers, and Iran says it targeted an airbase in Jordan where U.S. troops are positioned. NPR's Aibat Trawi has more on how the war has shaped

the Gulf region over the last six months. Iran's attacks on U.S. bases since the start of the war have killed and wounded troops, prompting the Pentagon to pull back thousands of personnel from the region. The Navy's fifth fleet in Bahrain was hit by Iran early in the war, forcing a major drawdown of American military personnel there. Chief of Naval Operations Darryl Kato was asked recently during a live stream when sailors would be able to return to Bahrain to get their personal belongings. He answered, we're not getting back in there any time soon. And in Qatar, Iranian strikes during the war caused billions in damage and halted gas production, despite the presence of some 10,000 U.S. troops there before the war. The American bases across the Gulf are meant to be a deterrence, but it's now a factor in why Iran has attacked these Arab states.

A. Abel-Trawi, NPR News, Dubai. Stocks fell today as energy prices jumped. NPR's Scott Horsley reports, investors shrugged off an effort by the Treasury Secretary to keep government bond yields in check. The yield on long-term government debt rose despite the Treasury Department's announcement that it would buy back $6 billion worth of government bonds on Thursday. That's three times the routine level of buybacks, a move that was designed. to reassure investors and keep the yield on 10-year treasuries in check. Investors were not persuaded, and the yield continue to climb.

The government's cost for borrowing money helps determine lots of other interest rates on things like mortgages and auto loans. Investors are also demanding higher interest rates because of stubborn inflation. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have pushed crude oil prices back above $100 a barrel, and diesel prices are at an all-time high. Scott Horsley and Pair News, Washington. Major U.S. stock indexes fell today. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Republicans have gathered in Dallas for an unusual midterm convention that puts President Trump at center stage, but some party members are skipping the affair, citing scheduling conflicts or high attendance fees.

Organizers describe it as a showcase for Trump's successes and Republican causes. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talariko is hosting a food drive in Dallas in an attempt to contrast with the convention. Apple will start selling a foldable iPhone about the size of a passport next month. As NPR's John Ruich reports, it's the biggest change to the iconic products since it was introduced nearly 20 years ago. At Apple's annual iPhone launch event, executives talked about an updated iPhone, AirPods, and watch lineup, and then nearly an hour in, new CEO John Turnus said this. But actually, there is one more thing. It's a classic line that late Apple founder Steve Jobs made famous when he announced innovative new products like the first iPhone.

The new foldable iPhone has a 5.4-inch exterior screen and is almost like a small iPad when opened with a 7.6 inch screen. The nearly $2,000 price tag goes to about $3,200 with all the bells and whistles. Analysts say that may test the upper boundaries of what Apple users will pay for a phone. Apple is a financial supporter of NPR. John Rewich, NPR News. Pabst Blue Ribbon is offering up to $20,000 to anyone who provides new information that leads to the recovery of 1,602 stolen cases of PBR and non-alcoholic old Milwaukee beer. Police in Montclair, California said the beer was stolen last month from a warehouse in two

separate incidents on the same day. This is NPR News.