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NPR News Now

NPR News: 03-18-2026 5PM EDT

18 Mar 2026

Transcription

Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.

Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

1.448 - 21.718

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone. The nation's top intelligence official, Tulsi Gabbard, told Congress today that although weakened, Iran's government still appears to be functioning. NPR's Greg Myrie has details. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard described Iran's government this way after nearly three weeks of airstrikes.

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Chapter 2: What recent developments in Iran's government were discussed?

21.8 - 43.251

The regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities. The testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee came a day after the head of the National Counterterrorism Center resigned to protest the Iran war. Joe Kent said he quit because Iran didn't pose an imminent threat to the U.S.

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At the Senate hearing, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said he disagreed. He said, I think Iran has been a constant threat to the United States for an extended period of time. Greg Myhre, NPR News, Washington. Israel's military says it is starting a broad operation targeting crossings in southern Lebanon.

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NPR's Hadil Al-Shalshi reports from Beirut the announcement came with new evacuation orders for people still in south Lebanon. While this isn't the first time the Israeli military targets bridges in south Lebanon... It now says it will widen attacks and strike many crossings on the Litani River. The Litani River is considered a buffer zone line in the conflict.

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In a statement posted on social media, the Israeli military said the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah uses the crossings to transfer weapons. The Israeli military began a ground incursion in south Lebanon this week and troops moved deeper into the country. The Israeli defense minister said those evacuated south of the Litani River will not be allowed to return to their homes

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until, quote, the safety of northern Israeli residents is guaranteed. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Beirut. A divided Federal Reserve today voted to keep interest rates steady. NPR's Scott Horsley reports the central bank is trying to keep a lid on both inflation and unemployment. Fed policymakers voted 11 to 1 to leave their benchmark interest rate unchanged.

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On average, members of the Fed's rate-setting committee expect to cut rates just once this year. The labor market has shown signs of weakness in recent months. Employers cut 92,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate inched up to 4.4%. At the same time, inflation has remained sticky, and the U.S.

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war with Iran could make that worse, triggering a sharp jump in prices for both gasoline and diesel fuel. A new report from the Labor Department shows even before the war began, wholesale prices were rising at the fastest pace in a year. Fed policymakers are now projecting somewhat higher inflation than they were three months ago. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

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Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 768 points to close at 46,225. The Nasdaq lost 327. This is NPR. At Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, President Trump today attended the return of the remains of six U.S. service members from the Middle East.

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The six died last week when the Air Force refueling aircraft crashed over Fendley territory in western Iraq as they were supporting military operations against Iran. Health officials with the Trump administration have backed away from an effort to more heavily regulate indoor tanning.

Chapter 3: How is Israel responding to threats in southern Lebanon?

298.273 - 304.088

I'm talking about stories that make you miss appointments. This American Life, wherever you get your podcasts.

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