Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday that it was “too soon” to assess the economic consequences of the ongoing war in Iran.

“The implications of events in the Middle East for the U.S. economy are uncertain. In the near term, higher energy prices will push up overall inflation, but it is too soon to know the scope and duration of the potential effects on the economy. We will continue to monitor the risks to both sides of our mandate,” Powell said.

He said the broader economic fallout remains uncertain, though rising energy costs are likely to lift inflation in the near term.

“The U.S. economy is doing pretty well. It’s just we don’t know what the effects of this will be. And really, no one does,” Powell said.

TRUMP DEMANDS POWELL CUT RATES AS IRAN CONFLICT DRIVES UP ENERGY PRICES

Powell’s comments came as tit-for-tat strikes in Iran and across the Middle East helped push crude above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, rattling global markets and renewing concerns about tighter energy supplies.

That pressure is beginning to reach consumers. As oil prices climb, gasoline and diesel prices are also rising — especially diesel, which often moves faster because of its close ties to freight and industrial demand.

GAS PRICES SURGE, PINCHING AMERICANS AND HANDING THE GOP A NEW MIDTERM HEADACHE

Fed policymakers voted to leave the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The decision followed the central bank’s move in January to hold rates steady after three successive quarter-point cuts in September, October and December.

Economic data showing a slowdown in the labor market, inflation still running above the Fed’s 2% target and unrest involving Iran all helped keep policymakers on hold.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

The Federal Open Market Committee voted 11-1 to leave rates unchanged, with Fed Governor Stephen Miran dissenting in favor of a 25-basis-point cut.

For President Donald Trump, the timing is politically difficult.

He campaigned on lowering costs for Americans, but the conflict involving Iran now threatens to do the opposite — driving up energy prices and putting fresh pressure on one of his core economic promises.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains missing more than six weeks after authorities say she was taken against her will from her home in the Catalina Foothills outside Tucson in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, 2026.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has described the case as an abduction, citing evidence that the longtime Tucson resident — who lived alone, relied on daily heart medications and had a pacemaker — did not leave voluntarily. Her purse, phone, wallet and vehicle were left behind inside the residence, along with droplets of blood confirmed to be hers near the front entrance and porch. No signs of a major struggle were reported.

Guthrie was last seen by family on the evening of Jan. 31. She took an Uber to daughter Annie Cioni’s nearby home around 5:32 p.m. for dinner and games, then was dropped off by her son-in-law shortly before 10 p.m. She entered through the garage, which closed behind her. A narrow 41-minute window in the predawn hours is believed to be when she vanished, roughly four hours after returning home. She failed to appear for a virtual church service the next morning, prompting family and friends to report her missing that afternoon.

Investigators recovered doorbell camera footage and additional still images from Nest and other security devices at the property. The material shows a masked male suspect — wearing a balaclava, dark clothing, gloves and carrying a backpack — approaching the front door on the night of the disappearance. In one sequence, the individual appears to tamper with the camera. Authorities have described him as the prime person of interest and released the images publicly, urging anyone with information to come forward. A neighbor later reported seeing an unidentified man casing the area weeks earlier who “didn’t fit in the community.”

The high-profile case, fueled by Savannah Guthrie’s national visibility as co-host of the “Today” show, has drawn intense media attention and more than 3,000 tips to law enforcement. The FBI joined the investigation early, establishing a dedicated task force and offering rewards that now total up to $1 million from the family — payable for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible — alongside federal contributions.

Multiple purported ransom notes surfaced in the days after the disappearance, including emails to local media outlets demanding large sums, some referencing Bitcoin or tight deadlines. At least one led to a federal arrest, though authorities have not publicly linked any suspect directly to the abduction or confirmed the notes’ authenticity in every instance. Speculation about motives — from a targeted home invasion to possible elder-related exploitation — has circulated, but officials have released limited details to protect the active probe.

Searches have been extensive. Hundreds of law enforcement personnel, including FBI agents, have combed the rugged desert terrain around Tucson and beyond. Technology such as BlueFly signal detection was reportedly used in efforts to locate signals from Guthrie’s pacemaker. Specific cell-tower coordinates in neighboring counties prompted ground searches for possible remains, though none linked to Guthrie were found. Unverified reports of bodies discovered elsewhere, including in canals or ponds, were quickly ruled out as unrelated.

As the search entered its seventh week in mid-March 2026, the FBI noted that the volume of tips to its dedicated line had tapered after an initial surge, a common pattern in prolonged missing-persons investigations. However, a full-time task force remains operational, and officials emphasize that the case is far from cold. Retired FBI agents familiar with the probe have called it “red hot” with ongoing actionable leads, forensic analysis of blood patterns, digital evidence and neighborhood canvassing that recently expanded to review surveillance from as early as Jan. 24 — about a week before the disappearance.

Pima County Sheriff Nanos has faced public criticism and a recall effort over the pace of the investigation and perceived transparency issues, including the timing of evidence releases. He has vowed to abide by the outcome of any recall while defending the multi-agency effort and stating the home was likely targeted. Construction or utility workers who had been at the property prior to the incident were questioned and cleared in some reports. The sheriff has repeatedly said the family — including Savannah, Annie and son Camron Guthrie — has been fully cooperative and ruled out as suspects.

Savannah Guthrie has made emotional public appeals, including video messages posted to social media pleading for her mother’s return and offering the substantial reward. In one, she said, “Someone knows how to find our mom and bring her home.” She briefly returned to the “Today” show set in early March after weeks away. The family has described Nancy Guthrie as a devoted mother and grandmother who was active in her church community despite mobility limitations.

Experts have noted the case’s rarity. Abductions of women in their 80s represent a tiny fraction of kidnapping statistics, making the circumstances particularly puzzling. The combination of an elderly victim, apparent home invasion in an affluent, secluded area, blood evidence, camera tampering and ransom demands has set it apart from typical missing-persons reports and amplified national interest.

Nancy Guthrie, née Long, was widowed since the death of her husband Charles in 1988. She had three children and lived independently in the Catalina Foothills, a suburban enclave north of Tucson known for its desert views and privacy. Her health required consistent medication, raising urgent concerns among investigators that time is critical.

As of March 18, 2026, her whereabouts and condition remain unknown. Law enforcement continues to process forensic evidence, analyze newly recovered camera images from the neighborhood and property, and pursue leads door-to-door. Officials stress that anyone with information — even seemingly minor details about suspicious activity in the weeks before Feb. 1 — should contact authorities immediately.

The FBI tip line is 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Tips can also be submitted online or to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900. Anonymous reports are accepted via 88-CRIME (520-882-7463). The family has encouraged digital media such as doorbell or dashcam footage from the area.

The investigation remains active, with no arrests announced in connection with the abduction itself. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the suspect could strike again and continue to ask the public for help solving what Sheriff Nanos has called a targeted crime that has upended a family and captivated the nation.

(Word count: approximately 1,050. This article incorporates the most recent publicly reported developments as of mid-March 2026, including expanded camera reviews, ongoing tip analysis, reward offers and the status of the multi-agency probe.)

Operator

Good morning. My name is Ina, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the High Tide First Fiscal Quarter 2026 Unaudited Financial and Operational Results Conference Call.

[Operator Instructions]

Mr. Brownlee, you may begin your conference.

Carter Brownlee
Communications & Public Affairs Advisor

Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to High Tide Inc.’s quarterly earnings call. Joining me on the call today are Mr. Raj Grover, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Mr. Mayank Mahajan, Chief Financial Officer.

On March 17, 2026, the company released financial and operational results for the fiscal quarter that ended January 31, 2026. Before we begin, please let me remind you that during the course of this conference call, High Tide’s management may make statements, including with respect to management’s expectations or estimates of future performance. All such statements other than statements of historical facts constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and are based on assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date hereof.

Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all disclosures regarding future results of operations, economic conditions and anticipated courses of action. For more information on the company’s risks and uncertainties related to forward-looking statements, please refer

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Skywatchers across much of the northern United States and Canada have a prime opportunity to witness the northern lights, or aurora borealis, tonight into early Friday morning as a powerful geomagnetic storm impacts Earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

The SWPC issued a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for March 19 (UTC), which corresponds to late March 18 and early March 19 local time in North America. Forecasters note a chance of conditions escalating to G3 (strong), potentially pushing visible aurora displays farther south than usual. Multiple coronal mass ejections from the sun, detected earlier this week, are expected to arrive, triggering enhanced geomagnetic activity.

The storm’s effects could begin as early as 11 p.m. EDT on March 18 (0300 GMT March 19), with peak moderate G2 conditions most likely between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. EDT (0600-1200 GMT). The Kp index, a measure of global geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9, is forecasted to reach around 6 or higher during the peak, expanding the auroral oval southward.

Under these conditions, the aurora viewline — the southernmost boundary for visibility — stretches across states including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. If G3 levels materialize, sightings become possible low on the northern horizon from northern parts of Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island — a rare treat for mid-latitude observers.

In stronger displays, the lights may appear as faint green glows or low horizon bands, sometimes more vivid through long-exposure cameras than to the naked eye. Overhead or colorful pillars are more likely in higher-latitude regions like Alaska or northern Canada.

The best viewing windows fall between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, though activity can persist or shift. Clear, dark skies away from light pollution are essential. NOAA recommends checking real-time updates on its Aurora Dashboard for the latest OVATION model predictions, which map the aurora’s intensity and location over North America.

Prime locations for tonight include:

– **Alaska**: Fairbanks and Utqiaġvik offer overhead displays under moderate activity. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides live all-sky cameras for remote monitoring.

– **Northern U.S. states**: Head to rural areas or state parks with northern views. In Wisconsin, spots like Newport State Park in Ellison Bay, Harrington Beach State Park near Belgium, or Kettle Moraine State Forest provide minimal light pollution. Similar dark-sky sites in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, or Maine’s Acadia National Park (away from town lights) boost chances.

– **Pacific Northwest**: Northern Washington and Idaho, such as areas near the Canadian border or high-elevation spots in the Cascades or Rockies, could see low northern horizon glows.

– **Northeast**: Vermont, New Hampshire and upstate New York offer potential, especially from elevated viewpoints facing north.

Viewers should dress warmly, allow eyes to adjust to darkness for 20-30 minutes, and face north. Apps like Aurora Forecast or spaceweatherlive.com provide alerts, while NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast offers short-term predictions.

This event stems from heightened solar activity during Solar Cycle 25’s peak years (2024-2026), when coronal mass ejections occur more frequently. March often ranks among the best months for aurora due to equinox-aligned geomagnetic responsiveness.

The moon, in a waning gibbous phase, rises later, leaving early evening skies darker for optimal viewing if clouds cooperate. Forecasters warn of potential power grid stress or communication disruptions from the storm, though impacts remain minor at G2-G3 levels.

If tonight’s skies are overcast, activity may linger into March 20, with G1 conditions possible. Aurora enthusiasts are advised to monitor NOAA’s 3-day forecast and local weather for cloud cover.

The northern lights, caused by charged solar particles exciting atmospheric gases, create shimmering curtains of green, purple and red. Tonight’s storm offers one of the season’s strongest chances for widespread sightings in the lower 48 states, a reminder of the sun’s influence on Earth’s skies.

Advertising technology firm Trade Desk’s shares tumbled on Wednesday as Wall Street analysts downgraded the stock after French ad giant Publicis Groupe advised its clients against using the company’s platform.

The stock slid over 5%, adding to Tuesday’s 7.4% drop following Ad Age’s report on a recent Publicis-commissioned audit ‌that found ⁠Trade Desk ⁠had violated multiple clauses of their agreement, prompting the recommendation.

Trade Desk charged multiple fees that exceeded the limits of the agreement and opted clients into extra features without consent, the report said, citing the audit.

Publicis, in an emailed statement on Wednesday, confirmed the report, saying that “an experienced independent auditor concluded that Trade Desk did not pass the audit. As a result, we will no longer be recommending Trade ⁠Desk … for ‌our clients.”

Unlike the closed ad ecosystems of Alphabet’s Google and Meta-owned Facebook, Trade Desk is an independent intermediary that lets companies buy ads ⁠and run campaigns on any website or app they pick.

Trade Desk said it is “aware of questions related to a Publicis audit process.” But it added that “any notion that TTD failed an audit is not true.”
Publicis’ request “included asks for data that would violate customer and partner confidentiality agreements,” Trade Desk said, but added that it would work with the company to provide workable alternatives and other detailed information. Publicis, however, said that none of ‌the options proposed by Trade Desk resolved the issues raised by the audit.

At least two brokerages downgraded Trade Desk following the news, while three lowered their price targets. ⁠The stock has fallen nearly 34.7% this year, following a 68% decline in 2025.

“We’re not quite sure how conservative current 2026 estimates might be if the company does, in fact, lose some of its client base as a result of this audit,” brokerage Stifel said.

The company faces stiff competition from so-called “walled gardens” that integrate content, commerce and user data to attract advertisers. Amazon’s ad-buying platform, in particular, with its vast trove of shopper data, has become a formidable rival.

Spot gold continued to trade lower after the Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision on Wednesday, having hit a more than one-month low due to a stronger dollar and expectations for interest rates to remain higher for longer amid ‌the ongoing ⁠Middle East ⁠conflict.

Spot gold fell 2.9% to $4,860.21 per ounce by 2:58 p.m. ET (1858 GMT), after hitting its lowest level since February 6 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures for April delivery settled 2.2% lower at $4,896.20.

The U.S. dollar strengthened, making gold less affordable for holders of other currencies.

The Fed held rates steady, as was widely expected, citing somewhat elevated inflation and giving little indication when it might next cut short-term borrowing costs. ⁠Fed officials’ economic ‌projections indicated they expect to cut rates once again this year.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the latest round of Fed forecasts are ⁠a bit of a shot in the dark given uncertainty created by the Iran war.

“Powell signalled strongly that the Fed is on the sidelines and his gentle dovish hints were not nearly enough to cheer assets or gold, which has been trading like a risky asset. If the market was hoping for a Fed ready to “help” – they didn’t get it,” said Tai Wong, an independent metals trader.
“Gold’s slump under $5,000/oz could be technically troubling, but still ‌won’t impact long-term bullishness.” Gold is a traditional safe haven in times of uncertainty but tends to underperform when rates are high, as it yields no interest.

Meanwhile, a Labor Department report ⁠showed U.S. producer prices increased more than expected in February, and could accelerate further due to the war.

Nearly three weeks into the Iran conflict, there is little sign of de-escalation, keeping benchmark Brent futures above $100 a barrel.

Iran’s huge Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday, a major escalation, prompting Tehran to announce it would respond with attacks on oil and gas targets throughout the Gulf.

In other metals, spot silver fell 4.2% to $75.99, platinum was down 3.9% at $2,041.30, and palladium lost 6.1% to $1,503.97.

CANTERBURY, England — A rapidly spreading outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease, primarily strain B, has killed two young people and hospitalized others in Kent, southeastern England, prompting urgent public health measures, antibiotic distribution and a scramble for vaccines amid depleted private supplies.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported as of 3:30 p.m. on March 17, 2026, nine confirmed and 11 probable cases with epidemiological links to Canterbury, totaling 20 notifications. Six of the nine confirmed cases involve group B meningococcal disease (MenB), a severe bacterial infection causing meningitis and septicaemia. All affected individuals required hospitalization, with no additional deaths reported since the initial two fatalities announced earlier in the week.

The victims include an 18-year-old sixth-form pupil from a school in Faversham and a student at the University of Kent. Health officials link most cases to patrons of Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury who attended events on March 5, 6 and 7, along with associated social networks. The outbreak has extended beyond the university to at least three schools and, more recently, Canterbury Christ Church University, which confirmed its first case on March 18.

UKHSA described the cluster as “explosive” and “unprecedented” in speed and scale for the region. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thomas Waite called it “by far the quickest-growing outbreak I’ve ever seen.” Cases surged from initial reports of 13 on March 15 to 15 by March 16 evening, then to 20 by March 17 afternoon.

Symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion and a characteristic non-blanching rash. The infection progresses rapidly, sometimes within hours, making early recognition critical. Septicaemia, or blood poisoning, often accompanies meningitis and can lead to organ failure and death even with prompt treatment.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting updated Parliament on March 17, stressing that UKHSA acted “as quickly and comprehensively as possible.” Authorities distributed preventive antibiotics — typically ciprofloxacin or rifampicin — to close contacts and at-risk individuals, including nightclub attendees from the implicated dates. Officials urged anyone present at Club Chemistry during those evenings to seek antibiotics immediately, even if asymptomatic, as a precautionary measure.

Vaccination efforts face challenges. The MenB vaccine, introduced into the UK’s routine childhood schedule in 2015, protects infants but does not cover older children, adolescents or young adults born before that year. Private supplies of the Bexsero MenB vaccine have run low due to surging demand, with pharmacies reporting shortages. The NHS has not launched a widespread catch-up campaign, though experts argue for expanded access given the outbreak’s impact on university-aged populations.

Public concern has intensified, with parents and students questioning the response speed. Some accused authorities of delays in alerting the community, though officials maintain contact tracing and prophylaxis began promptly upon confirmation. Streeting urged sticking to facts and avoiding panic, noting the outbreak remains localized.

Meningitis Now and other charities welcomed the focus on MenB but stressed ongoing work needed. The strain accounts for most recent UK cases, particularly among teens and young adults in close-contact settings like universities and nightclubs.

Broader context highlights meningitis risks in social environments. Universities see higher transmission due to shared living, parties and physical proximity. The Kent cases echo past clusters but stand out for rapid escalation.

In the United States, separate meningococcal trends continue. Chicago reported an unusual adult cluster since January 15, 2026, with 10 cases and two deaths by mid-February, primarily on the West and Southwest Sides. Nationally, U.S. cases rose sharply post-2021, reaching 503 in 2024 — the highest since 2013 — driven largely by serogroup Y increases. CDC surveillance shows ongoing elevation, though no direct link to the UK event.

Globally, meningococcal threats persist in pilgrimage settings. Saudi Arabia reported travel-associated cases linked to Umrah in early 2025, with low vaccination compliance among some pilgrims raising importation risks. The African meningitis belt continues facing seasonal epidemics, though vaccination has reduced serogroup A dominance.

The Kent outbreak underscores bacterial meningitis dangers despite vaccination progress. While MenACWY vaccines cover other strains for travelers and high-risk groups, MenB remains a challenge for adolescents outside routine programs.

Authorities continue tracing contacts and monitoring for secondary cases. Residents in Canterbury and east Kent should watch for symptoms and seek immediate medical care if concerned. UKHSA updates will track developments, with pharmacies urged to prioritize at-risk individuals for remaining vaccine stock.

As investigations proceed, the tragedy highlights the need for vigilance in crowded settings and potential policy reviews on adolescent MenB protection.

Advertisement