Local

• USDA Recognizes State Bank of Lincoln as Illinois top Guaranteed Rural Housing Lender in 2014   

• Logan County Economic Development Partnership to Host Manufacturer’s Council March 26   

National

Fed set to ditch 'patient' rate vow as it eyes U.S., world growth

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testifies before a House Financial Services Committee hearing to receive the semi-annual report on Monetary Policy and State of the Economy, on Capitol Hill in Washington February 25, 2015. REUTERS/Jim Bourg

• Alibaba investors face lock-up battered but largely unbowed

• Many Blackstone M&A bankers expected to depart ahead of spin off to Taubman

 International

Protesters, police clash near new European bank HQ in Frankfurt

A German police car, set on fire by anti-capitalist protesters, burns outside the European Central Bank (ECB) building hours before the official opening of its new headquarters in Frankfurt March 18, 2015. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

• Shares up in Europe and Asia before Fed meets; dollar steady

• Brent oil falls below $53 as industry data shows U.S. stocks at record high

Volkswagen hit by second Chinese state television exposé in one week

A security guard stand next to a Volkswagen logo at the stage of the company prior to the opening of the 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition April 19, 2013. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

• Holcim, Lafarge discussing new role for Bruno Lafont to save deal - sources

• ECB's money printing may stymie cash generators

Money

Many Blackstone M&A bankers expected to depart ahead of spin off to Taubman

Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Blackstone Group, speaks during an interview with Maria Bartiromo, on her Fox Business Network show; "Opening Bell with Maria Bartiromo" in New York February 27, 2014. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

• U.S. student borrowers need relief in bankruptcy

• Watchdog: Fannie, Freddie could need another bailout as risks rise

• Berlin for business? A traveler's cheat sheet from Marriott's CEO

 Economy

• U.S. mortgage applications fall in latest week: MBA

• Dollar bulls bank on Fed losing its patience

• UK earnings growth slows in January, jobless rate stable

Markets

Stock futures slip ahead of Fed statement

The outside of the New York Stock Exchange is seen in New York May 13, 2011. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

• Microsoft tackles China piracy with free upgrade to Windows 10

Investors cheer Nintendo move to smartphones

Shigeru Miyamoto, senior managing director of Nintendo and general manager of its Entertainment Analysis and Development division, together with Nintendo character Mario (L), introduces the new game "Mario Maker" during a news conference at the 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo, known as E3, in Los Angeles, California June 11, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian

• German court to rule on legality of Uber ride service

• Tencent revenue growth slowest in seven years as net income misses forecasts

• India plans IPO rule changes to lure homegrown start-ups: sources