NPR News Now: March 17, 2026 – 10PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This brisk, five-minute NPR News Now update covers key national and international headlines, including developments in the Jeffrey Epstein probe, escalating Iran-Israel tensions, legal action against prediction markets, Illinois primary election results, and a new cannabis mental health study. The reporting is concise, objective, and intent on delivering the facts as they stand.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Probe: DOJ Under Scrutiny

[00:01]

• Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche are set to meet privately with the GOP-led House Oversight Committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
  • The meeting is ahead of Bondi's subpoenaed testimony, scheduled for April 17.
  • Bipartisan House members are demanding explanations from Bondi about the Justice Department's delay in releasing Epstein files under a newly passed law.
  • The committee is also reviewing the reported mismanagement of the Epstein probe and continuing questions about the circumstances of Epstein’s 2019 jailhouse suicide.
• Quote:
  • “Comer said they also want to talk to Bondi about questions still facing the report of Epstein's death by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019.” – Claudia Grizales [00:44]

2. Major Strikes Further Shake Iran’s Leadership

[00:59]

• Iranian state media confirmed Israeli airstrikes killed two top Iranian leaders overnight.
  • Ali Lurajani, believed to be overseeing Iran's war effort since the assassination of its supreme leader during the US-Israeli war, was among the dead.
  • The second, Golam Reza Soleimani, led the Basij paramilitary forces and the feared plainclothes police responsible for violent crackdowns on protests.
  • The Israeli strike targeted a makeshift tent headquarters, killing other commanders as well.
• Quotes:
  • “Golam Reza Soleimani...headed the feared plainclothes police. These are the forces that headed that violent crackdown on protests earlier this year that killed thousands of Iranians and that's according to U. S. based human rights groups.” – Carrie Khan [01:30]

3. Iran Retaliates Against Israel and Gulf States

[01:53]

• Iran responded to the killings with missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf states, signaling escalating regional hostilities.

4. Legal Battle Over Prediction Markets

[02:13]

• Arizona has filed criminal charges against Kalshi, a major betting and prediction market app.
  • The charges allege operation as an unlicensed gambling outfit, particularly related to wagering on sports and elections.
  • This legal action reflects broader state-level resistance to the prediction market industry, even as the Trump administration (with Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor) supports these platforms.
  • Kalshi dismisses the charges as “seriously flawed and meritless,” claiming federal jurisdiction.
• Quotes:
  • “It's the latest sign of a growing rift between states and the Trump administration which supports the prediction market industry.” – Bobby Allen [02:26]
  • “Donald Trump Jr. The president's son is an advisor to both Kalshee and Polymarket.” – Bobby Allen [02:31]

5. Illinois Primary Election Results

[02:52]

• Voters in Chicago participated in the Illinois primary, choosing nominees for an open U.S. Senate seat and four U.S. House seats.
  • Former Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (son of the late civil rights leader) failed in his comeback bid, losing to Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, according to the AP.

6. Study Questions Effectiveness of Cannabis for Mental Health

[03:47]

• A major review in The Lancet Psychiatry found little evidence supporting the effectiveness of cannabis for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and similar conditions.
  • The review (conducted by the University of Sydney) noted limited support for certain conditions like insomnia, autism, and Tourette syndrome.
  • Ziva Cooper, a UCLA cannabis researcher not involved with the paper, cautioned about interpreting these findings, mentioning the studies’ limitations and the exclusion of some evidence supporting cannabis for anxiety.
• Quotes:
  • “The researchers at the University of Sydney concluded there was no indication cannabis is effective for anxiety, depression, PTSD and other conditions. It found limited support for a few areas like insomnia, autism and Tourette syndrome.” – Will Stone [03:52]
  • “I would say that there are significant limitations with these types of studies.” – Ziva Cooper [04:13]
  • “The new review excluded other evidence that does show certain compounds in the plant can be beneficial for anxiety and other symptoms.” – Will Stone [04:19]

7. Market Update

[02:52 & 04:32]

• Wall Street closed higher, with the Dow up 46 points and the Nasdaq up 105.
• U.S. futures contracts also trading higher at the time of reporting.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They also want to talk to Bondi about questions still facing the report of Epstein's death by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019.” – Claudia Grizales [00:44]
• “These are the forces that headed that violent crackdown on protests earlier this year that killed thousands of Iranians...” – Carrie Khan [01:33]
• “Donald Trump Jr. The president's son is an advisor to both Kalshee and Polymarket.” – Bobby Allen [02:31]
• “I would say that there are significant limitations with these types of studies.” – Ziva Cooper [04:13]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:01] Epstein probe: DOJ briefing & House investigation
• [00:59] Israeli airstrikes: Iranian leaders killed
• [01:53] Iran retaliates: Missile and drone strikes
• [02:13] Arizona files charges against Kalshi prediction market
• [02:52] Illinois primary election results
• [03:47] Cannabis use for mental health questioned by new study
• [04:32] Market update: U.S. futures trading higher