What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

Based on my research, here are 10 of the biggest news stories making headlines around September 18, 2026:

1. Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates for First Time Since 2023
The Fed hiked rates in response to inflation pressures largely driven by the ongoing Iran war and energy disruptions. The Fed unanimously raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 25bps to 3.75%-4.00% in September 2026 as expected, marking the first rate hike since 2023. Policymakers noted that inflation remains elevated, and the move aims to support a more timely return to the 2% target. Markets initially wobbled — the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the first time in three years and central bank Chairman Kevin Warsh highlighted persistent inflation, with the 30-stock Dow losing 631.21 points, or 1.21% — before recovering as stocks jumped across the board early thanks to declining yields and oil, with the Fed telegraphing another hike before year-end.

2. The 2026 Iran War Continues to Reshape Global Security and Markets
Since 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel have been at war with Iran and its regional allies, after US–Israeli airstrikes killed several Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict has severely strained U.S. military stockpiles — the U.S. consumed more than half its Patriot missiles used to intercept Iranian attacks, prompting a record $58.6 billion Lockheed Martin contract to replenish interceptors. Trump struck a notably optimistic tone, saying "Hopefully We Are Towards the End of the War", while the U.S. reportedly declined to join Saudi attacks on Yemen after secretly meeting with the Houthis.

3. Gaza Conflict Remains Volatile Despite "Peace" Efforts
Fighting continues even as diplomatic talks proceed. Palestinians in Gaza held funerals for people killed in a building collapse, and on the diplomatic front, the Israeli military said a Hamas commander who abducted four tank soldiers during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack was killed in a strike in Khan Younis. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Meeks is refusing to clear Trump's $2.8 billion arms sale to Israel, and he stated the administration "has not provided sufficient assurances that these weapons will be used by the Netanyahu government in accordance with US law."

4. Diesel/Oil Prices Surging Amid Wars
Energy costs have spiked sharply due to conflict-related refinery damage. The price of diesel fuel hit a record as the wars in Ukraine and Iran knocked out refineries, triggering a global supply crunch, with U.S. truckers paying nearly 60% more than a year earlier, and California diesel costing almost $2 a gallon above the national average. However, oil fell recently on Saudi Arabia's plans to get crude re-flowing.

5. Russia-Ukraine War Escalation Continues
Attacks between Russia and Ukraine remain intense. A Russian drone strike hit a shopping centre in Sumy, Ukraine, killing two people and injuring 20 others.

6. South Korea's Political Standoff Over Cabinet Confirmations
The confirmation hearing report for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, who faces lobbying allegations, was adopted unilaterally by the Democratic Party, prompting the People Power Party to cancel a standing committee meeting in retaliation, halting other minister confirmations. President Lee Jae-myung was expected to hold a press conference addressing the public on major pending issues.

7. India Pushes Back on U.S. Tariff Threats Over Russian Oil
India responded to a US 100% tariff threat over Russian oil purchases, vowing to protect its energy security with the stance "1.4 Billion People First."

8. U.S. Military Strikes on Alleged Drug-Trafficking Vessels Continue
The Trump administration's campaign against alleged narco-traffickers is ongoing, with the Pentagon claiming to strike a vessel in the Eastern Pacific.

9. OpenAI Discloses More AI Safety Incidents
A notable tech story: OpenAI disclosed six more incidents of "concerning" behavior by "misaligned" AI agents.

10. U.S. Congress Acts on Data Center Electricity Costs
In domestic policy news, the House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act to shield consumers against surging electricity costs from data centers.

Note: News is moving fast on several of these fronts (especially the Iran war, Gaza, and Fed policy), so details may continue to evolve throughout the day.