Mid-day Update

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now accepting proposals from contractors who want to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. We'll take a look at the criteria the federal government are asking for. Next, we'll talk about Nevada's push for solar energy over coal and fossil fuel, and then look at one grassroots group's efforts to help provide homeless women with feminine hygiene products.

Trump's new budget blueprint for the upcoming year includes a $9 billion reduction in the federal education budget. We'll look at how the cuts will affect after-school programming and teacher training. Afterwards, we'll look at what's on the agenda at today's meeting between the world's finance leaders, and then discuss the difficulties happening for rural hospitals across the country.

Janet Yellen and co. raised interest rates by a quarter percent — but there's much more to the story than that. DS Economics' Diane Swonk joined us to discuss what this says about the Fed's views toward inflation. Afterwards, we'll look at what Trump's budget proposal means for U.S. cities, and then explore the challenges that exist for luxury brands that go public.

With the Fed expected to hike interest rates today, will take a look at what the move could mean for your loans. Afterwards, we'll discuss how layoffs at the Alcoa aluminum plant in Wenatchee, Washington have led former employees to figure out their passions.

David Kelly, chief global strategist at JPMorgan Funds, joins us to discuss the economic impact of the GOP's new health care proposal and how seasonal changes can affect the government's monthly jobs report. Next, we'll look at a new survey that finds 40 percent of colleges and universities have seen a drop in international applicants, and then explore the economic factors driving the upcoming Dutch election.

With the next Fed meeting coming up soon, market strategist Karyn Cavanaugh stops by to explain what we can expect from Janet Yellen and co., and whether we should be worried about the possibility of constant rate hikes. Next, we'll report on the start of the debt ceiling countdown clock, and then talk with laid-off aluminum workers from Wenatchee, Washington about memories from their line of work.

February employment numbers are out, revealing that the U.S. added 235,000 jobs last month. FTN Financial's Chris Low joins us to explain what these numbers say about the economy. Next, we'll explore rise of co-worker spaces designed specifically for women. Plus: news that bottled water has overtaken soda as the no. 1 drink of choice for Americans.

U.S. infrastructure has just received a report from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The overall grade? D+. Diane Swonk from DS Economics stops by to explain the benefits of investing in infrastructure. Next, we'll look at how a February shooting in Kansas against two men from India is causing fear among international workers. And finally, we'll discuss whether U.S. stocks can continue with their winning streak.

Strong employment numbers are moving the market this morning. Private companies grew payrolls by 298,000 jobs — way ahead of expectations. Susan Schmidt from Westwood Holdings Group explains what these figures say about confidence in the business community. Next, we'll look at how the Raisin Capital of the World is coping with falling prices and foreign competition.

House Republicans have unveiled a plan to replace Obamacare. JPMorgan Funds' David Kelly stopped by to discuss how the new proposal will affect businesses. Next, we'll chat with scholar Daniel J. Levitin about how we can become better critical thinkers amid a sea of fake news. And finally, we'll look at Jackie Chan's push for a more open movie market in China.