March 19, 2026

Iran strikes Gulf refineries; drivers see gas prices jump

25 minutes

On today's episode:

Iran hits back at multiple Gulf refineries after Israeli strike on its offshore gas field.

Trump says the U.S. will retaliate if Iran attacks Qatar again.

State Department cut jobs with deep expertise in Middle East as Iran crisis escalates.

World Happiness Report highlights social media's negative impact, ranks Finland as happiest country.

Rhode Island high school hockey team rallies to championship after fatal ice rink shooting.

Democrats storm out of Justice Department leaders' briefing on the Epstein files.

Gabbard deflects when asked on Capitol Hill about intelligence she'd offered Trump before Iran war.

Mullin tells senators Homeland Security needs funding as he faces confirmation hearing.

FAA mandates radar separation for helicopters and planes after deadly DC midair collision.

US drivers see gas prices jump to their highest level since 2023 as the Iran war drags on.

US eases Venezuela oil sanctions as Trump seeks to boost world oil supply during Iran war.

US to demand bonds of up to $15,000 for visa applications from 12 more countries.

2,400 Kaiser mental health professionals strike in Northern California over AI concerns.

Florida hospital sues to evict a patient who won't leave room 5 months after discharge.

Military report says 'one in a million' live fire malfunction rained shrapnel on California highway.

Luigi Mangione's lawyers seek to delay his state and federal trials.

Labor rights leader Dolores Huerta says she was sexually abused by César Chavez.

Nation's largest retail group forecasts 4.4% gain in retail sales for this year despite volatility.

US stocks slump on worries about higher oil prices, inflation and interest rates.

Macy's posts strong sales from the holiday quarter and sees encouraging signs from revamped stores.

Miami of Ohio proves it belongs and Prairie View A&M nets a historic win in the First Four, Nebraska and Missouri State advance in the women’s March Madness bracket, two teammates earn AP All-America honors, baseball’s two-way star makes his spring pitching debut and a three-time NFL Pro Bowl QB is traded.

WNBA and players union have reached an agreement in principle on a transformational new CBA.

The Hockey Hall of Fame expects to keep the US Olympic gold medal-winning pucks.

Former reality TV star Jessie Holmes repeats as champion of the grueling Iditarod sled dog race.

EU leaders blast Viktor Orbán over a Ukraine loan veto, accusing him of playing election games.

In Lebanon, war and displacement mar run-up to Eid al-Fitr holiday for many.

Pakistan announces 'temporary pause' in strikes against Afghanistan at request of several countries.

Rwanda seeks $134 million from the UK in arbitration over scrapped refugee deal.

People attend funeral of Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani in Tehran.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

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The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX

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By Lee Enterprises

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