NPR News: 03-18-2026 4AM EDT

Israeli airstrikes killed three Lebanese soldiers, prompting the army to withdraw from some southern positions amid over 900 total deaths since the war's start. Lebanon's president is urging direct talks with Israel and international aid to strengthen the army against Hezbollah. Separately, joint US-Israeli strikes eliminated Iran's security chief Ali Larijani—a recent US nuclear negotiator—and Gholam Reza Soleimani, commander of a paramilitary force linked to thousands of civilian deaths in protests; Israel also targeted over 10 of the group's outposts.

Airline leaders, including former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, urged Congress in an open letter to fund the Department of Homeland Security for better TSA agent pay, calling current issues an "unnecessary hassle." Separately, weather caused over 1,100 US flight cancellations and 7,300 delays.

Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base, home to US Central Command, raised its terror threat to Charlie—the second-highest level—indicating likely risks to personnel or facilities.

UN data for 2024 shows 4.9 million under-five child deaths worldwide, nearly half in the first month of life and highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Mortality fell over 50% since 2000 but slowed sharply since 2016; WHO's Kate Strong stressed known prevention and treatment methods but cited needs for stronger local health systems and more global financing.