On this day in 2026 - 9/18/2026
Buffett Steps Down, Midterms Open, Hormuz Tensions Rise | Sept. 18, 2026 News
Warren Buffett Completes Historic Transition as Midterm Voting Opens and Iran Conflict Pressures Energy Markets
OMAHA and WASHINGTON — Friday, September 18, 2026, brought a mix of corporate milestone, electoral opening, and geopolitical strain that defined the day’s top national headlines. Legendary investor Warren Buffett formally stepped aside as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway after more than half a century, early voting began in Virginia for the November midterms, and fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz added to soaring fuel costs already shaping the political landscape.
Berkshire Hathaway announced that the 96-year-old Buffett, who has led the company in various capacities since 1965 and served as chairman since 1970, would become chairman emeritus immediately while remaining on the board. His son, Howard G. Buffett, a director since 1993, was elected chairman. Greg Abel, who took over as CEO at the start of 2026, continues to run day-to-day operations.
In a letter to shareholders, Buffett wrote, “Father Time always wins. He has, however, been generous with me.” He expressed confidence in Abel’s leadership and described Howard’s role as guardian of the company’s culture and values. The move completes a succession plan first signaled in 2025. Berkshire, now a roughly $1 trillion conglomerate encompassing insurance, railroads, energy, and consumer brands, saw little immediate stock reaction.
The announcement arrived as Americans began casting ballots in the 2026 midterms. Early in-person voting opened Friday in Virginia and select other states, kicking off more than six weeks of voting ahead of the November 3 election that will decide control of Congress. Virginia voters will choose a U.S. senator, all 11 House seats, and three state constitutional amendments amid debates over the cost-of-living crisis and the prolonged Iran war. Officials urged early participation, noting that mail-voting restrictions sought by the Trump administration remain blocked.
Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Iowa, a state with competitive Senate and gubernatorial races, as Republicans defended districts President Trump carried easily in 2024. Analysts described the map as more challenging than expected for the GOP in some deep-red areas.
Energy prices remained a central midterm issue. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it struck the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend in the Strait of Hormuz, the latest incident in the 2026 Iran war that has disrupted shipping through the critical chokepoint. Diesel prices hit record highs, contributing to inflation pressures that prompted the Bank of Japan to raise rates and influenced recent Federal Reserve action in the United States.
A United Nations fact-finding mission reported evidence of U.S. war crimes in attacks that killed civilians in Iran, a finding the White House dismissed. Congress recently approved new sanctions on both Iran and Russia. President Trump has indicated he is approaching a decision point on whether to intensify operations.
In Washington, a federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice before any major physical alterations, including demolition that Trump has threatened. The performing arts center, already the subject of prolonged litigation over attempts to add the president’s name to the building without congressional approval, had temporarily closed citing structural concerns. Judge Christopher Cooper’s order aimed to prevent sudden changes amid the dispute.
Other developments included the White House withdrawing the nomination of former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving the agency without a Senate-confirmed director. The U.S. Postal Service halted work on a computer system tied to efforts to restrict mail voting after the Supreme Court rejected a related executive order. In Los Angeles, prosecutors charged an SUV driver with murder after a crash that killed two bus passengers; a news helicopter covering the scene also crashed, adding to the death toll.
These stories—corporate succession at one of America’s most storied companies, the practical start of a high-stakes election, and the economic and security fallout from conflict in the Middle East—captured the intersecting pressures facing the country on Friday. Voters now have weeks to weigh them at the ballot box.
Buffett Steps Down, Midterms Open, Hormuz Tensions Rise | Sept. 18, 2026 News
Warren Buffett becomes Berkshire chairman emeritus at 96 as his son takes over. Early voting starts for the 2026 midterms amid soaring gas prices from Strait of Hormuz attacks and a Kennedy Center court order
9/18/2026 - On this day in:
West Valley Shootings, Crashes, and a Shifting Monsoon Dominate Arizona Headlines on September 18, 2026
PHOENIX — A deadly early-morning shooting in Avondale, multiple traffic incidents that shut down major roads, and the fading of Arizona’s monsoon season topped local news Friday as the state also tracked midterm election preparations, lingering effects of recent flooding, and a Cardinals win that shifted perceptions of the team.
Avondale police responded just before 4:30 a.m. to a home near Buckeye and Dysart roads after reports of a shooting. Officers found a man with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to a hospital and later died. Investigators focused on a nearby residence, prompting a SWAT deployment. Officers used a vehicle intercom in English and Spanish to order anyone inside to exit with hands raised. Main Street was closed between 4th and 7th streets for hours. No suspect was publicly identified, and police asked anyone with information to contact Avondale PD or Silent Witness.
Elsewhere in the West Valley, a man was critically injured after fleeing police and crashing near the El Mirage-Sun City border, shutting down a major roadway. A separate head-on crash closed a stretch of road south of Chandler on the Gila River reservation. In Pinal County, a third suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting of a 10-year-old girl in Casa Grande earlier in the week. A former Glendale police commander was fired amid a criminal investigation into alleged sexual exploitation of a minor in another state. Department of Public Safety arrested a man accused of impersonating an officer and pulling over a driver on Interstate 17 in north Phoenix; authorities believe there may be additional victims.
Phoenix New Times reported on newly released bodycam footage from Pinal County showing deputies using a police dog on a man who had suffered a stroke rather than immediately rendering aid. The footage has drawn criticism and legal scrutiny.
Weather offered a contrast to recent storms. After a tropical low dumped several inches of rain on the East Valley earlier in the week—flooding streets, stranding vehicles, and prompting rescues—drier air moved in Friday. Dew points dropped to their lowest levels since July, signaling the monsoon’s decline and a return to typical fall conditions with sunny, warm days. A flood warning was in effect for parts of Pima County earlier Friday. Recovery continued at the Grand Canyon after deadly flash floods, with human remains recently identified.
On the sports front, the Arizona Cardinals’ surprising victory over the Chargers prompted discussion about whether the team’s perception has changed heading into the rest of the season. Arizona State University’s triathlon program marked its 10th anniversary.
Politically, the death of former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl at 84 continued to receive coverage. Kyl, a longtime Arizona Republican known for water policy work, died Thursday from complications of a neurological disease. Midterm voting is underway nationally, with Arizona’s mail-in system—used by a large share of voters—proceeding after a Supreme Court ruling blocked federal restrictions. Local races include debates over school vouchers and education leadership. Maricopa County reported 27 measles cases, the highest in 30 years. Small businesses also highlighted soaring APS electricity bills.
Friday also coincided with National Cheeseburger Day, with several chains offering deals across the state. Broader national issues, including rising gas prices tied to the Iran conflict, continued to affect Arizona drivers and the political conversation.
These stories—violent crime in the West Valley, weather transition after flooding, and the everyday mix of sports, politics, and costs—reflected a typical yet eventful Friday across the state.
Comments