NPR News: 03-18-2026 6PM EDT

Live 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

production 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Those words probably should have been retracted.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.

It'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.

The 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.

Younger 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.

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