The Sen Times

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2026 (AP) A key question hangs over the Federal Reserves two-day meeting that ends Wednesday: Will central bank policymakers still reduce short-term interest rates this year, now that the Iran war has sent oil prices higher and gas prices spiking? Or will they have to stand pat for months to see how the conflict plays out? Fed Chair Jerome Powell is almost certain to announce Wednesday that the central bank has kept its key rate unchanged for the second straight meeting at

BISMARCK, N.D., March 18, 2026 (AP) Tennessee farmer Todd Littleton expects to pay $100,000 more for fertilizer this season, a 40% spike from his bill last year thanks to the war in Iran and he is scrambling to cover that extra cost. The problem is, is were so strained financially coming into this issue, said Littleton, a third-generation farmer from Gibson County in the states northwest corner. We have had a couple of record losses the last couple years, so everyones kinda grabbing at straws