What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?
Here are 10 of the biggest stories as of Wednesday, September 16, 2026 (U.S. ET):
Want me to narrow this to U.S.-only, markets, or a specific region, or send updates later today as stories develop?
Citations (10)
- Federal Reserve is expected to raise its benchmark rate, defying Trump's demands
Backs: “The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates today for the first time in three years despite President Trump urging cuts; markets have been jittery with stocks sliding and the 10‑year Treasury yield recently topping 5%.”
- Saudi crown prince seeks Egypt's backing as Houthi attacks rattle Red Sea oil routes
Backs: “Saudi Arabia sought Egypt’s support as Houthi attacks rattle Red Sea routes; oil prices have jumped to multi‑week highs after fresh strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure.”
- US military says it destroyed 2 small Iranian boats trying to steal a sea drone
Backs: “The U.S. military says it destroyed two small Iranian boats that tried to seize a U.S. sea drone off Iran.”
- Trump's push to restrict mail ballots has failed. Other efforts to reshape the midterms are ongoing
Backs: “The Supreme Court halted the Trump administration’s late push to restrict mail voting ahead of November’s midterms; Trump publicly criticized justices after the ruling.”
- Kremlin welcomes Trump's idea of energy truce with Ukraine, calls for sanctions removal - Yahoo News Malaysia
Backs: “The Kremlin welcomed a U.S. proposal to stop strikes on each side’s energy infrastructure, while pressing for protection of exports and sanction relief.”
- American incomes finally top pre-pandemic levels, fighting against inflation all the way
Backs: “New Census data show median household income rose 2.6% in 2025 to $87,460 and the official poverty rate dipped to a record‑low 10.2%.”
- House panel recommends contempt charge for billionaire Leon Black in Epstein probe
Backs: “A House panel voted to recommend contempt of Congress charges against billionaire Leon Black for defying a subpoena.”
- Asian markets make nervous start ahead of Fed decision
Backs: “Asian and global equities wavered ahead of the Fed decision as higher oil and bond yields weighed on sentiment.”
- Heathrow expansion incompatible with UK climate goals unless airlines do more, advisers say - Yahoo News Malaysia
Backs: “U.K. climate advisers said Heathrow’s expansion is incompatible with net‑zero targets unless airlines fully account for emissions.”
- Tech CEOs call for AI regulation. Trump and Congress are not rushing to act
Backs: “Tech CEOs are urging rules for artificial intelligence, but the White House and Congress aren’t moving quickly.”