Investors seek signals from the Fed on interest rates
Wall Street will pay close attention Wednesday when the Federal Reserve gives its policy update at the close of its two-day meeting.
The Fed, which raised its benchmark interest rate in December for the first time in nine years, is widely expected to stand pat on interest rates for a second straight gathering. But investors will be on watch for any surprises or clues about a possible rate hike in June — or even April — that may come from the Fed's official statement and Fed Chief Janet Yellen's comments afterward.JR wrote, EB edited
Politicians hit the trail after major primaries on Tuesday
After a night of big wins for Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican John Kasich, the two will be out campaigning on Wednesday. Clinton, who won in Florida, Illinois, North Carolina and Ohio, is scheduled for a campaign appearance in Arlington, Va. Kasich, who had his first primary victory with a win in Ohio, will host a town hall in Villanova, Pa.In other Election 2016 news: GOP front-runner Donald Trump took home victories in Florida, Illinois and North Carolina, Republican Marco Rubio dropped out and the Missouri races were too close too call.
D.C. subway closes for 29 hours
More than 700,000 Washington, D.C.-area commuters will need to find another way to get to work Wednesday as the city shuts down Metro — its massive subway system — for inspections. Federal offices will remain open, but the Office of Personnel Management said federal workers could use unscheduled leave or telecommute. A fire Monday appears similar to one that ignited in January 2015, so safety officials want to inspect 600 so-called "jumper cables." Spread across D.C., Virginia and Maryland, Metro is the only subway in the country spread across three jurisdictions, which makes governance more complicated. EB wrote, Cara edited
Michelle Obama to join star-studded panel at SXSW
First lady Michelle Obama will take the stage Wednesday at the SXSW 2016 festival for a keynote panel that will include rapper Missy Elliott, songwriter Diane Warren and actress Sophia Bush and will be moderated by Queen Latifah. The group will hold a dialogue on music, finding one’s passion and the importance of girls’ education.from the SXSW website The first lady will also highlight the Obama administration’s Let Girls Learn initiative. President Obama spoke at SXSW on Friday, urging the tech industry to put their vast skills to work to help solve problems and improve civic life. JR wrote, EB edited
Floating caskets might head back toward the ground
The Sabine River should crest at a record high early Wednesday after last week’s torrential rainfall. The flooding caused caskets to float to the surface in several cemeteries in southwestern Louisiana. While the scene is somewhat common in low-lying cemeteries in the South, it can be heartbreaking and dangerous for loved ones to attempt to retrieve concrete vaults and caskets. Fortunately, only a few light showers are forecast for the region on Wednesday as the floodwaters slowly recede.Doyle wrote, EB edited
Bonus item: Final two of the "First Four" games tip off
Holy Cross plays Southern University and Michigan takes on Tulsa as the NCAA Tournament's "First Four" contests continue Wednesday (6:40 p.m. ET, truTV)JR wrote, EB edited
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And the essentials:
Weather: Winter will hang on in parts of the Midwest and the Rockies Wednesday while springlike warmth continues in the South and West.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were higher Wednesday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Americans, Nashville and Beyond Borders.
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