The Latest: 03/17/2026 11:59am ET

0:00This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human You know what I can really go for right now? Literally anything that comes in a McDonald's carton, wrapper, or bag, or a McDonald's cup. Yes, any of those items you do it. We've got your cravings covered. Now, stop in for the flaky filet of fish. The crispy snack wrap or a large fries for just $2.99. Limited time only, price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. This is your 24-7 News Update, the latest views this hour in just four minutes. The war against Iran is now in its 18th day, and we see's Garrett Hake reports President Trump is pushing other countries to help the US gain control of the Strait of Hormuz. No allies have signed on so far. Germany's Defense Minister, rebuffing the President's pressure campaign, saying, quote, this is not our war.

1:01We did not start it. Other allies, including the UK and France, remain non-committal. About a fifth of the world's oil normally passes through the strategic waterway. Meantime, no injuries have been reported after the US Embassy in Iraq was targeted with drones and rockets by an Iran-based militia group today. And Israel says it killed the top Iranian security official who was considered as one of the regime's most powerful figures. President Trump's top counterterrorism official is stepping down over the Iran War, in a post on X, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent said he cannot, in good conscience, support the ongoing war in Iran. He added, Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it's clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel. Severe weather is creating travel disruptions once again today. It comes as more than 90 million people remain under some type of weather alert across the eastern half of the country. At last check, flight aware puts the number of flights already canceled for today at over 975, with far more delays.

2:02Senator Republicans may kick off debate on the Save America Act today, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune still warns he doesn't have the votes to get the voter ID measure over the finish line. The Save America Act would require people to provide proof of citizenship in person to register to vote and would implement a national requirement for photo ID. The World Baseball Classic Final is set for tonight in Miami. Team USA will battle Venezuela in the championship game. Eduardo Rodriguez will start for Venezuela. Nolan McLean will be on the mound for the USA, which is the home team tonight. America is seeking its second ever title after winning the tournament in 2017. I'm Chris Garagio. Gold prices are on the rise, boosted by fears about disruption to oil shipments due to the ongoing war in Iran. Rebecca Bundden has more. Despite the Middle East conflict, and Gold being considered a safe haven asset, the precious metal hasn't been on an upward trend more broadly since the conflict. This is partly due to the US dollar strength, but Gold gained on Tuesday following comments by Iran's foreign minister

3:05the previous day that the Strait of Hormuz is not close to everyone. Analysts say the US Federal Reserve's rate decision this week could impact gold prices. While central banks of Britain, Arizona, Canada and Australia also meet this week. Rebecca Bundden, Mumbai. The incoming president of the Walt Disney company is announcing a leadership overhaul, Dana Walden. We'll take over as president and chief creative officer tomorrow. That's the same day that Bob Eiger will step aside as CEO and pass that title to Josh Demarro. Debril Connell will be promoted to chair of Disney Entertainment Television. She's currently president of the ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks. The changing weather that is dragging us down is really dragging us down. Retinus explains. The Mayo Clinic says fluctuating weather can increase the likelihood of you getting sick. The change does not directly cause illness, you need a virus or bacteria for that. But the shift in dry air and changing humidity can cause your immune system to stress out,

4:05which creates a better environment for cooties from the flu, colds, and COVID. Experts say stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and wash your hands. I'm Retinus. Today on St. Patrick's Day, we celebrate all things Irish and a lot of us wear green while doing so. There's a lot of lore regarding leprechauns, a mythical creature, said to go around pinching people not wearing green. There's also a belief that wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is rooted in the color having become a symbol of Irish identity and resistance against a British rule in the 1700s. I'm Chris Caragio.