NPR News: 03-18-2026 6PM EDT

0:00Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Cuvone, U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf are taking material hits in the war on Iran and warning about intensified repercussions. In the latest action in the region, Iran says Israel attacked its large southern gas field, and Tehran vowed retaliation against energy sites across the Gulf. NPR's Aya Betrawi has the latest from Dubai. Immediately after Israel's attack on Iran's south-parse gas field, the Gulf Air Estates of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates issued statements calling it a dangerous escalation. Qatar said Israel's attack targeted the Iranian side of the underwater gas field the two countries share. It said the attack is a threat to global energy security and the environment. The UAE meanwhile said the attack exposes civilians, vital facilities, and the environment to direct risks. Soon after, though, Qatar Energy said its Rosla Fenton industrial city was hit by missiles, resulting in fires and extensive damage. Qatar, one of the world's biggest producers of liquefied natural gas, has already suspended

1:00production due to Iranian counter-attacks in the war. And Saudi Arabia says its forces destroyed drones approaching a gas plant in the east on Wednesday, as well as drones aimed at Riyadh's diplomatic quarter, where the U.S. Embassy has already been hit. Aya Betrawi and Pair News, Dubai. Senator Mark Wayne Mullin faced tough questions at his confirmation hearing to lead Homeland Security. He's been tapped to replace Christy Nome as head of the department that has come under fire for its tactics, including the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis and PR's Hemena Bastillo reports. He was asked about his initial response to the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretty. He was a U.S. citizen killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Mullin at the time called him, quote, deranged. Those words probably should have been retracted. I shouldn't have said that, and the secretary I wouldn't. The investigation is ongoing. And like I said, there's sometimes going to make a mistake and I own it. Nome also faced pushback about how she characterized Pretty, and she was slower to admit mistakes like that.

2:00It'll be up to Mullin to prove that he would be able to strike a new tone when leading the agency. And PR's Hemena Bastillo, primary contest in Illinois last night, revealed rifts among Democrats over Israel, and PR's Domenico Montenoro has more. This year for the first time, Gallup found Americans saying they have more sympathy with the plight of Palestinians than with Israelis. Court among Democrats has been dropping for the past decade, but since Israel's overwhelming response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks, the reversal has been rapid. Before October 7, more Democrats sided with Israelis, now two-thirds choose Palestinians. A majority of those younger than 35 also side more with Palestinians, a flip from a decade ago. While these changes have been most acute with Democrats and young voters, a plurality of independence also side more with Palestinians. Republicans continue to side overwhelmingly with Israelis, Domenico Montenoro and PR News, Washington. The Dow Down 768, this is NPR.

3:01The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady today the policy makers opted to keep rates unchanged between 3.5 percent and 3.3 quarters percent would only one member, Stephen Marin, a former White House economic adviser under President Trump, dissenting because he would have preferred a quarter-percentage point cut. Many members also signaled that on average, they expect only one rate cut this year. A new report finds older Americans own a bigger share of real estate wealth than ever before, and PR's Jennifer Lutton reports the shift comes as younger people struggle in the housing market. Homeowner's age 70 and above now own just over a quarter of real estate wealth about the same as middle-aged people who share has declined. According to a new analysis by the real estate brokerage, Redfinn, those in between the two groups ages 55 to 69 own the most real estate wealth. Redfinn finds the older baby boomers are the only group that's seen steady housing gains for nearly four decades.

4:03Younger generations have all seen their share of real estate wealth stagnate or shrink amid rising home prices and mortgage rates. That tough market has also made it hard to downsize, and that's left many older people reluctant to give up their homes. Jennifer Lutton and Peer News, Washington. The Women's National Basketball Association is on track to have its first million-dollar players and new WNBA collective bargaining agreement was reached in principle early today. The regular season starts May 8th, lawyers are working on final terms. I'm Louise Skivone, NPR News, Washington. Listen to this podcast sponsor-free on Amazon Music with a prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News Now Plus at plus.npr.org.