Why the Fed is trapped by inflation

Why the Fed is trapped by inflation

From Here & Now Anytime by NPR

June 10, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

The episode discusses rising inflation, its impact on interest rates, Social Security funding issues, and Team USA's upcoming match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Prices are rising at their fastest clip in three years, according to new data out Wednesday. What does this mean for interest rates? Loretta Mester, former president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, explains the likely economic impact. Then, a new government report out this week found that unless Congress passes new laws soon, Social Security will not be able to pay out full benefits to all eligible seniors starting in 2032. Former Social Security commissioner Michael Astrue shares more. And, Team USA will play its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament on Friday against Paraguay. NPR’s sports correspondent Becky Sullivan gives more details from Los Angeles, where the game will take place. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Guests: Loretta Mester, Michael Astrue, Becky Sullivan

Topics covered

  • inflation
  • interest rates
  • Social Security
  • 2026 FIFA World Cup
  • economic impact
  • government report

Keywords

  • inflation
  • interest rates
  • Social Security
  • 2026 FIFA World Cup
  • economic impact
  • government report
  • Loretta Mester
  • Michael Astrue
  • Becky Sullivan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Social Security

Places: Los Angeles, Paraguay

More episodes of Here & Now Anytime

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Here & Now Anytime podcast page.