NPR News: 07-15-2026 9PM EDT

Jeanine Herbst· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. The US and Iran are exchanging fire for the fifth day in a row, and neither side is showing signs of backing down. The Pentagon says the US attacked new Iranian military sites today, targeting Tehran's ability to threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian attacks on military operations, US military operations in the region. The US also reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Three confirmation hearings took place on Capitol Hill today. President Trump's nominee to be the director of the CDC, Dr. Erica Schwartz, struggled today to convince senators she'd stand up to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy questioned whether she'd be able to act independently from political appointees for the good of the people.

Bill Cassidy· Soundbite0:49

Will you have the ability and the firmness to stand up to that political meddling to say, "No, that's wrong and this is right"?

Erica Schwartz· Soundbite0:58

Chairman, you have my assurances that I will continue to lead by my integrity. I will never compro-compromise on the science. I will always, always have the public's health in mind.

Jeanine Herbst· Host1:11

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also confronted skeptical questions today over the creation of a fund to compensate allies of President Trump and the tax audit immunity deal for Trump and his family. And Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, the US Attorney for the Southern District of