War and Finances Top U.S. Headlines -- The Sunday Political Brunch September 20, 2026

Founding Father Ben Franklin famously wrote, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." A more modern-day interpretation of our headlines might read, “Nothing can be said to be certain, except war and high prices.” The two issues are deeply intertwined. Let’s “brunch” on that and more this week.

“Iran War Latest” – Tensions have flared up here and there between the U.S. and Iran, but nothing major. Meanwhile, other fighting in the Middle East threatens to escalate the situation. Iran is supported by Houthi rebels, who are engaged in a civil war in their country of Yemen. The Houthis have been very provocative, with many drones striking U.S. ally Saudi Arabia. Houthis also took control of a key port in Yemen along the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, where 12 percent of the world’s oil passes through on the way to market. The Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz also ships 20 percent of the world’s crude, so we’re talking nearly one-third of the world's oil supply being slowed down, or cut off. The average per-barrel price of oil hovers near $96. Gas prices in the U.S. have shot up $4.48 a gallon, up from $3.18 one year ago. Diesel fuel is at record highs.

“House Approves War Powers Act” – For the third time this year, the U.S. House has voted to invoke a War Powers Act resolution designed to make President Donald Trump consult with Congress before continuing the Iran War. The vote was 220 to 204, with several key Republicans switching their past no votes to yes. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton (D) Massachusetts, who said, “Remember when Donald Trump said that this war would last just a few weeks?” It has now lasted six months and cost $38 billion. Rep. Zach Nunn (R) Iowa voted twice against the War Powers Act, but switched his vote, saying, “With the negotiating window closed, sustained combat operations now require congressional authorization.” He added, “I will not support another open-ended war.”

“Fed Rate Hike” – To the surprise of many, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors voted Wednesday to raise interest rates by one-quarter of one percent. It is the first interest rate hike in three years. This may put President Trump at odds with Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, whom he appointed earlier this year in hopes Warsh would lower interest rates. Warsh has publicly said his biggest concern is high inflation. At his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, Warsh said he would be “an independent actor,” and not necessarily cut rates as Trump wanted. Warsh added, “The plain fact is that inflation is too high and has been for too long.” Financial markets reacted poorly at first, as the Dow Jones dropped more than 800 points, but it regained most of it by Thursday. Mortgage rates rose to 7 percent, the highest in almost two years. It will be a while before the entire economic impact plays out. President Trump was not happy with the rate increase, saying, "Interest Rates in the United States should be 1%, or less."

“Trump Boots Media” – Late Friday it was announced that President Trump would deny CNN, MS NOW and Politico access to White House briefings. In short, they were banned over what he called, “fake News.” I believe what he is doing is unconstitutional. The White House is a public building open to all, but with security scrutiny. The First Amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." I think it’s a slam dunk win for the media. Let’s fight all the way to the Supreme Court. Inclusion is in!!!

“Mail-in Balloting” – In a blow to President Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court says his executive order restricting mail-in voting can’t be enforced. Tammy Patrick of the non-partisan Election Center supports the high court’s ruling, saying, “Voters should realize the midterms are going to be secure. They’re going to be legitimate.” In response to Monday’s Supreme Court ruling, Trump lashed back at the justices, saying they lacked the “courage necessary to save our America.” The U.S. Constitution gives states the power to run elections. In the most recent elections, more than 30 percent of Americans voted by mail. It’s a standard, accepted practice.

“Texas Senate Poll” – Right now, Democrats need a net gain of four seats to retake control of the U.S. Senate. My analysis has them taking North Carolina, Ohio, and Alaska. That would put them at an even 50 Republicans, but Vice President JD Vance remains the tiebreaker. So, where do Democrats find that fourth seat? Well, they crashed and burned in Maine, so that is out. But a new poll in the bright-red state of Texas offers a glimmer of hope. Rep. James Talarico (D) Texas is leading Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) Texas, in the latest poll from SoCal Strategies, 50 to 45 percent. Back in June, the same pollster had Paxton leading 49 to 47 percent. I still believe Republicans will keep this seat, but President Trump has been making fun of Paxton at campaign rallies, and that may not play well with the remaining independents and undecideds.

“Kennedy Center Shuttered” – The fight over the Kennedy Center for the Arts is beginning to look like a tennis match. The Trump-backed board of directors voted to close the facility this week, saying it needed repairs and posed a safety risk. Congress has already authorized $257 million for repairs and renovations. This came on the heels of a federal judge ruling Trump’s name can’t be put back on the building. Judge Chris Cooper said, “Simply put, Defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress’s blessing.” Congress has not taken any action on the name change. The judge further ordered the Kennedy Center board to give 30 days' public notice before any repairs or demolitions occur. That will allow opposition groups time to file lawsuits and injunctions. This looks like it will bounce all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Senator McConnell Returns” – Former Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) Kentucky, cast a vote from a wheelchair on the Senate floor this past week, after being absent for more than three months. He suffered a fall and became unconscious in mid-June and since then has been in rehab with some very secretive accommodations. McConnell said, “Today, I’ll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June. I’m really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues.” McConnell is retiring in January after choosing not to seek reelection, but Republicans need him on upcoming key votes that might otherwise have been defeated by a 49-50 margin. Two or three Republican Senators have consistently voted with Democrats on controversial Trump initiatives and nominations. Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) is not convinced McConnell is up for the job, saying. "I still think he has an obligation to prove to the people of Kentucky that he has the capacity to represent us and represent us well. That means being able to come day after day, to serve on committees." McConnell cast the tie-breaking ballot on the 12-to-11 vote in the Agriculture Committee Wednesday to advance the Farm Bill to the full Senate. His presence matters, despite his health issues.

“Epstein Update” – Convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein may have died seven years ago, but his name keeps popping up in the headlines. This week, Epstein’s friend and fellow billionaire Leon Black was voted in Contempt of Congress by the House Oversight Committee. Black refused to testify before the committee or provide subpoenaed documents. Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R) Kentucky said, “No one is above the law. We have no choice but to hold him in contempt.” The bipartisan committee vote was unanimous. No one has accused Black of any sexual impropriety, but rather there are questions about how he structured and invested Epstein’s considerable fortune, including non-disclosure agreements. The full House will vote next on contempt.

Mark Curtis, Ed.D., is a South Florida-based political writer and analyst who has covered news and politics nationwide for the past 50 years. He is a multiple award winner, including two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards. For ten years, he was the Chief Political Reporter for seven Nexstar Media TV stations, covering the Washington DC media market, West Virginia, and its five neighboring states. Curtis is a former Congressional Fellow who worked in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Over the years, he has contributed as a writer and analyst at Patch.com. His commentary and analysis air every Friday at 1:45 p.m. ET on the 22-station West Virginia Metro News Radio Network. www.WVMetroNews.com.

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