Fed Raises Interest Rates for First Time Since 2023
Left 33%
Center 67%
Right 0%
1 left · 2 center · 0 right
What happened
On Wednesday, September 17, 2026, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, the first increase since 2023. The central bank described the move as intended to slow inflation. The change raises the cost of borrowing tied to the federal funds rate, including many credit cards and variable-rate loans, and can feed through to mortgages and other household credit. NBC News and CBS News reported the decision and discussed its expected effects on consumer finances.
ONE-SIDED THIS WEEK.
Only left-leaning outlets have covered this story in the last two days;
Fox Business reported it on 2026-09-16.
Omitted — what each side leaves out
Unpacked
Right-leaning outlets had not covered this as of publication, so a reader on that side would not know the Federal Reserve had raised interest rates. Left-leaning coverage reports the first increase since 2023 and says it will affect credit cards, mortgages, and the cost of food and gas. The hike is framed as a move "aimed at slowing inflation." With only one left-leaning outlet on the story, there is no disagreement inside that camp to map.
The left-leaning story opens on household costs rather than on the Fed's target range or any quoted official, putting "American Consumers" in the NBC headline and listing food and gas beside mortgages.
What is the new federal funds rate after the hike, and how many extra dollars would it add to a typical credit-card or mortgage payment?
Bottom line
NBC is walking viewers through a 0.25% Fed increase as a hit to credit cards and mortgages; right-leaning outlets have not reported that the hike happened.
The receipts — 2 facts one side's coverage lacks
- The hike is a move aimed at slowing inflation
- The hike will impact credit cards, mortgages and the cost of food and gas
The Left View
NBC News framed the hike around household costs, with correspondent Brian Cheung explaining how the 0.25% increase could affect credit cards, mortgages, and prices for food and gas. A related NBC segment noted former President Donald Trump commenting on the Fed’s decision. CBS News, featuring business analyst Jill Schlesinger, likewise focused on how the first rate increase since 2023 may affect Americans’ wallets and personal finances. Both outlets treated the hike as a confirmed policy action and emphasized downstream costs for consumers rather than dissenting monetary-policy arguments.
Our Take (balanced)
The story is substantive: it concerns a named institution, a specific date, and a checkable 0.25 percentage-point policy change, not an unverified allegation. Established facts are the hike itself, that it is the first since 2023, and that it will raise variable borrowing costs; claims about food, gas, and broader household budgets are forward-looking analysis, not completed outcomes. No right-leaning outlet has reported this. Watch for the Fed’s official statement and vote record, updated CPI and consumer-credit data, and any further on-the-record responses from Fed officials or elected leaders.
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