Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) Politicians and public figures will gather today marking 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States National remembrance ceremonies will take place to honor the more than 3,000 people killed that day. This year, the National September 11th Memorial & Museum is adding a seventh moment of silence at 12:30pm, honoring thousands whose lives were cut short by illnesses linked to the toxic aftermath of the attacks. More than 8,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program have since died, and officials say tens of thousands continue to battle 9/11-related health conditions. The FDNY will also lead a moment of silence at 9:11a E at the Times Square triangle, before heading to the NASDAQ to ring the opening bell.
2) A six-member bloc of Gulf states are considering meeting with Iranian officials to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz, people familiar with the matter said. Oman is aiming to get foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran together on Monday in Salalah, according to a person familiar with the matter. The meeting is not confirmed and worsening hostilities between Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis may complicate the plans, another person said.
3) Diesel prices rose above $6 a gallon for the first time ever, raising the risk of further energy-driven inflation. The impact of record-high diesel prices will trickle down to consumers as diesel is a key input in food prices, the cost of shipping and construction. Geopolitical turmoil has sharply curtailed the world’s ability to produce and ship sufficient quantities of diesel, with fighting around the Strait of Hormuz and lost refining capacity limiting production and distribution.