NPR News: 03-17-2026 7AM EDT

0:00Live from NPR News in Washington, an encore of a Coleman, Israel's Defense Minister says the Israeli military has killed two senior Iranian officials. They're the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and the commander of Iran's paramilitary besiege forces. And Piers Daniel Estren has more from Tel Aviv. Iran did not immediately confirm the killings, but these would be the highest profile assassinations in Iran since Israel killed Iran's supreme leader and other top leadership on the first day of the war. This minister, Israel Katz, says Israel killed Alilah Rijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council and public policy advisor to the Supreme Leader. An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters the military believes LaRijani was killed but is awaiting confirmation. The Israeli official described LaRijani as Iran's de facto leader directing Iran's attacks throughout the region. Israel's military is confirming the death of Gholam Rizaz Soleimani, commander of the besiege forces, which were responsible for violently suppressing street protests against

1:03the Iranian government earlier this year. Daniel Estren, NPR News, Tel Aviv. President Trump continues to demand that European allies help police the state of Hormuz. Iran effectively closed it at the start of the war, and that's cut off vital oil supplies to much of the world. Terry Shultz reports European countries are declining to send ships there. No one here was campaigning to save former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei. But it's Russian President Vladimir Putin, they really see as an enemy. And Ukraine as the territory they need to protect. Here's how Finnish foreign minister Elina Valtin and explained her country's consideration of Trump's call for help. We unfortunately have a hot war waging in Europe too, and that is certainly our first priority. So we'll just have to see if President Trump rams up the pressure enough to make European leaders change their priorities. Terry Shultz reporting. The Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down. Transportation Security Administration officers continue to work without pay, and airline

2:03security checkpoints. Remember station WABE, Marlon Hyde reports that's meant longer wait times for passengers. Exhausted faces and tired legs wait for hours with hopes of making their flights. Staff shortages mixed with the storm have created a recipe for disaster at the world's busiest airport, Hartfield Jackson, Atlanta International Airport. Aaron Barker, president of AFGE Local 554, representing Georgia TSA workers says officers have now missed their second paycheck. There has been an uptick in officers trying to find the ways to make their ants meet. Whether it's Uber, Instacard, Lyft or whatever that may be. Barker says workers are struggling to afford necessities like groceries and medical bills. The White House said on Friday that 300 TSA workers have recently resigned. Friend PR News, Marlon Hyde, and Atlanta. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Today is primary election day in Illinois. From member station WBEEZ, Mariah Wulfold reports, one Senate and four House races are

3:09considered wide open. The retirements of longtime heavyweights, including Congressman Danny Davis and Senator Dick Durbin, have prompted an avalanche of candidates buying for open seats. Across four wide open House Democratic primaries, there are 46 candidates on the ballots. Jake Lewis is a Democratic strategist working in the ninth congressional district race. And the level of political activity in and around the Chicagoland area is unlike anything that we've seen in a long time. The Democratic primary for Durbin's seat has been the highest profile with three front runners. Representatives Roger Krishnamorthy and Robin Kelly and Illinois lieutenant governor Juliana Stratton. In the blue state of Illinois, the winner of the Democratic primary often soars to victory in November's general election. For NPR News, I'm Mariah Wulfold in Chicago. There are also a handful of state House elections today in Virginia and Pennsylvania. A federal judge is blocked important parts of the Trump administration's changes to vaccine

4:10policy recommendations. Distance from a lawsuit filed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups. The Trump administration, led by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. had decided to slash the number of recommended vaccines for children. The judge's ruling puts that decision on hold. The Department of Health and Human Services says that it plans to appeal the judge's ruling. I'm Corva Coleman, NPR News in Washington. With this year's Oscars, one battle after another took home the award for best picture, Michael B. Jordan won for lead actor, and the telecast had plenty of jokes at Timothy Shalamay's expense. Listen to a recap on pop culture happy hour via the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.