NPR News Now: 02-28-2026 10PM EST

Date: March 1, 2026
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Episode Overview

This five-minute news roundup covers top global and national events, focusing on the fallout from US-Israeli strikes in Iran—including the reported death of Iran's supreme leader, global reactions from politicians and the public, updates on the Ukraine conflict, a major Hollywood business acquisition, entertainment news, and art preservation efforts at the Vatican.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Israeli Strikes in Iran: Death of Supreme Leader ([00:14]–[02:08])

• Background: Iranian state media report the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his daughter, and grandchild in US-Israeli strikes.
• US Response:
  • President Trump, on social media, calls Khamenei "one of the most evil people in history."
  • Trump urges Iranians to "take over your government," hoping security forces join civilians.
  • Vows that bombing "will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary" to achieve "peace throughout the Middle East and indeed the world."
• Casualties: The Iranian Red Crescent reports over 200 killed and more than 700 wounded so far.
• Quote:
  • Danielle Kurtzleben (NPR): "Trump...touted the U.S. intelligence and Technology that had led to Khamenei's death." ([00:35])
  • Trump (via social media): "The U.S. bombing campaign, quote, will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East and indeed the world." ([00:35])

2. Global and Community Reactions ([01:19]–[02:08])

• Celebration and Protests:
  • Rallies in cities with large Iranian communities, notably West Los Angeles ("Tarantulas"), with hundreds celebrating, waving pre-revolutionary flags, and dancing.
  • Smaller rallies at LA City Hall opposing the strikes.
• Memorable Moments:
  • Ryan Razavi, rally attendee:
    • "I'm 49 years old, so ever since I remember, I hate this regime." ([01:42])
    • "I was waiting for this moment the whole my entire my life. I feel like I'm dreaming." ([01:51])

3. Ukraine's Response ([02:08]–[03:08])

• Endorsement of Strikes:
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky supports the strikes, framing them as a chance for Iranians to oust an "oppressive regime."
• Connection to Russia:
  • Zelensky emphasizes Iran's alliance with Putin—particularly the supply of Shahed drones.
  • Russian strikes in Ukraine using Iranian-designed drones exceed 57,000 since the war began.
• Quote:
  • Joanna Kakissis (NPR): "The Iranian regime chose to be an accomplice to Putin and supplies him with shaheds. Zelensky said, not only with the drones, but with the technology to make them." ([02:20])

4. Entertainment & Business News ([03:08]–[04:06])

• Hollywood Developments:
  • Paramount Pictures' "hostile takeover" of Warner Bros announced as successful.
  • "Scream 7" opens to a record $60 million, nearly doubling the "Wuthering Heights" opening from two weeks earlier.
• Quote:
  • Ghostface (Scream): "I'm gonna make everyone you love suffer." ([03:40])
  • Bob Mondello (NPR): "Industry estimates have Scream 7 bringing in nearly $60 million by Sunday night. That easily tops the opening of every previous Scream movie." ([03:43])

5. Business & Art News ([04:06]–[04:54])

• Berkshire Hathaway:
  • New CEO Greg Abel issues his first shareholder letter following Warren Buffett’s step down to Chairman at the end of last year.
• Vatican Art Conservation:
  • Restoration underway of Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment," removing salt film caused by humidity and visitors.
  • Using Japanese rice paper dipped in distilled water as a gentle cleaning method.
• Context:
  • The restoration addresses damage from around 25,000 daily museum visitors.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• President Trump (via social media):

  • "[Khamenei is] one of the most evil people in history." ([00:35])
  • "The U.S. bombing campaign...will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East and indeed the world." ([00:35])

• Ryan Razavi (Los Angeles Resident):

  • "I'm 49 years old, so ever since I remember, I hate this regime." ([01:42])
  • "I was waiting for this moment the whole my entire my life. I feel like I'm dreaming." ([01:51])

• Zelensky (via NPR):

  • "The Iranian regime chose to be an accomplice to Putin and supplies him with shaheds...with the technology to make them." ([02:20])

• Bob Mondello (NPR):

  • "Industry estimates have Scream 7 bringing in nearly $60 million by Sunday night. That easily tops the opening of every previous Scream movie." ([03:43])

• Ghostface (Scream Charter):

  • "I'm gonna make everyone you love suffer." ([03:40])

Segment Timestamps

• Iran Strike & Political Fallout: [00:14]–[02:08]
• Ukrainian Reaction & Drone Warfare: [02:08]–[03:08]
• Box Office & Hollywood Business News: [03:08]–[04:06]
• Berkshire Hathaway & Vatican Art Restoration: [04:06]–[04:54]

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a fast, comprehensive overview of the news cycle, with the most crucial updates and memorable moments clearly contextualized.