NPR News Now - NPR News: 03-07-2026 5AM EST

Episode Date: March 7, 2026

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The war in Iran is entering its second week with no sign of an end to the conflict. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports President Trump is demanding Tehran's unconditional surrender as Israel launched new attacks on Iran and Lebanon overnight. Some are calling for de-escalation now. That includes the UN's top humanitarian official Tom Fletcher. He calls this a perilous moment. He says, about a billion dollars a day are being spent on this war, and he's worried about what he calls an increasingly deadly alliance of technology and killing. We're seeing a sustained attack against the systems and laws meant to restrain us from our worst instincts and from reckless warfare. So too many warning lights are flashing on the dashboard right now. And he's also worried this could have ripple effects on markets and supply chains, which would have a devastating impact on the world's poorest people.

That's NPR's Michelle Kellerman reporting. A major hotel in Iraq was hit by an air attack launched shortly after the U.S. State Department warned foreigners that hotels were a target. NPR's Janeiraaf reports Iran-back militias are claiming responsibility. You could hear the explosion across large parts of the city Friday night. The governor of Irbil Province told Redau News Agency a drone fell near the Rotana Arjan Hotel and an adjacent apartment complex. Iran-backed militias in Iraq said in a statement they had targeted a gathering of enemies in an Arabiol hotel. The hotel is part of a United Arab Emirates-based chain, and it's frequented by foreign oil companies. The U.S. Embassy shortly before the attack warned Americans that Iran-backed

militias might target hotels popular with foreigners in the Kurdish region and urge them to leave. Jane Arraf and Pira News, Erbil, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The Food and Drug Administration's top vaccine regulator is stepping down. NPR's Rob Stein reports the agency says the official will leave at the end of April. Dr. Vennai Prasad is out as one of the FDA's top regulators. FDA Commissioner Marty McCarrie thank Prasad in announcing a departure in a post on X. Prasad generated controversy at the FDA for a series of moves.

Those included questioning the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines, rejecting a new flu vaccine using MRNA technology, and derailing treatments for rare diseases, including a gene therapy for the devastating brain disorder, Huntington's disease. The move comes as the Trump administration has been reshuffling health officials ahead of the midterm elections. Rob Stein, NPR News.

You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Four people having killed in southern Michigan after powerful storms produced at least one tornado Friday. Authorities say three people died and a dozen were injured near Union City. About 50 miles away in Cass County, officials say one person was killed after another tornado touchdown. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has activated the state's emergency operation. Center to coordinate in all hands-on-deck response. A public memorial service was held for the late civil rights leader, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago yesterday.

NPR, Cheryl Corley reports it was a mix of joyful music and tributes. At moments, it was like a rousing church service. We in the home of the Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson Sr. We in the home of gospel music. Do y'all mind if we have a little church real quick? Come on, put your hands together. Religious leaders, activists, and politicians, Politicians offering tribute to Jackson included three former presidents, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama, who said Jesse Jackson, with all of his skills, could have led a much different and more lucrative life if he had wanted.

He instinctively understood that individual success meant nothing unless everybody was free. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke Jackson's private funeral will be held Saturday. Cheryl Corley, NPR News, Chicago. Gasoline prices in the U.S. jumped again Friday as the war with Iran continues to push oil prices higher. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular is now about $3.40. This is NPR News in Washington. This message comes from Wise, the app for international people using money around the globe. You can send, spend, and receive in up to 40 currencies with only a few simple taps.

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