NPR News: 03-18-2026 9PM EDT

0:00Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Skivone. The GOP-led Senate has once again blocked Democrats' efforts to limit President Trump's war powers in Iran. NPR's Claudia Grisallis reports Democrats have vowed to keep forcing the votes until Trump officials appear before Congress. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is among the group of Democrats demanding the public hearing. They want to see Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Defense Secretary Pete Hegg said to testify before Congress. Me and my colleagues will bring up these resolutions again and again and again, as more and more Americans on both sides of the aisle see this war for what it is. Democrats argue the conflict has been too costly in terms of U.S. service members' lives and Americans' wallets with little explanation. However, Republicans say President Trump has authority as Commander-in-Chief to continue the conflict for several more weeks. Claudia Grisallis, NPR News, the Capitol.

1:00Hostilities in the Gulf region of populations on the move is rarely attacks, causing the people of South Lebanon to seek safety. U.S. and Israeli bombardments taking their toll on Iranians, many of whom have been fleeing the conflict, crossing into the Kurdistan region of Iraq. NPR's Arzo Rezvani has been speaking to people crossing into Iraq. I spoke with one woman in her 60s coming from a border city in Iran. She asked not to be named for fear of government reprisal, even though she was no longer in Iran. And when I asked her about the war, she was really, really vague. She spoke only about the core economy, and then she asked me to turn off my mic. She burst into tears and told me that she wished the airstripes on her city had killed her. NPR's Arzo Rezvani. Some technology data centers move into communities, citizens are not always thrilled and are often surprised.

2:00Now Microsoft is saying it will stop using non-disclosure agreements with local governments as it develops data centers. And PR's Wojinnan has more on today's announcement. Indies between tech companies and local governments keep data center development plans secret from the public. Their use has provoked strong backlash against the AI infrastructure boom in communities across the country. Residents worry about being hit by high utility bills and pollution without having a say. Some state and local governments have passed or are weighing rules for NDA usage. In its announcement, Microsoft says that it's terminating all NDAs for quote, straightening public trust and enabling better dialogue. The company is pouring tens of billions into development of AI data centers across the U.S. and around the world, including in Wisconsin and Texas. Wojinnan, NPR News. Wall Street, the Dow lost 768 points. This is NPR.

3:01In Georgia, travelers at Atlanta's Hartz Field Jackson International Airport are facing multiple disruptions amid the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. Dormi advance from Member Station W-A-B-E in Atlanta has more. Stars coming through the Atlanta Airport are seeing longer wait times, plus a growing number of delays in cancellations. Lanny Dalerie says her Tuesday flight back home to Los Angeles was delayed and ultimately canceled. She was back again Wednesday for another flight. I'm just sitting out here right now and I'm supposed to leave at, believe it's at nine, but like I said, they did already move it back again. So we'll see. Could it be canceled again? Hartz Field Jackson officials say they've seen over 30% of TSA employees call out, putting Atlanta among the most impacted airports as the DHS shutdown continues. As of now, the airport is encouraging travelers to arrive at least three hours early for all flights. For NPR News, I'm Dormi advance in Atlanta. UK public health officials are acting to provide medical intervention as a meningitis

4:03outbreak in Southeast England has led to two student deaths, at least 20 cases of the illness have been identified near Canterbury, antibiotics and vaccinations are being offered. The Women's National Basketball Association is on track to have its first million dollar players. A new WNBA collective bargaining agreement was reached in principle early today. The regular season begins May 8th, more than 80% of the league are free agents this year, as players had signed deals that were going to expire last year, lawyers are preparing the final papers. I'm Luis Givone and P.R. News. This message comes from Mint's mobile. If you're tired of spending hundreds on big wireless bills, bogus fees and free perks, Mint mobile is for you. Shop plans at MintMobile.com slash switch. Taxes and fees extra. See Mint mobile for details.