NPR News Now – March 8, 2026, 10AM EDT

Host: Louise Schiavone
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise update on major national and international news stories as of March 8, 2026. Key topics include intensified attacks in Iraq and Kurdistan involving Iran, escalating rhetoric between President Trump and Britain’s Prime Minister, a legal decision regarding Voice of America, commemorations of Bloody Sunday in Selma, and the war’s impact on global and domestic energy prices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalating Conflict in Iraq and the Role of Iran

[00:16–01:22]

• Attacks by Iran and Proxies:
  • Rockets struck the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
  • Additional targets included a UN-used hotel in Suleimaniya, a Kurdish fighter brigade, and an Iranian opposition base.
  • Drone attacks at Erbil airport compound, resulting in the death of an internal security force member.
• Government Response:
  • Iraqi government pledging to arrest militia members responsible for the embassy attacks.
  • Security sources confirm at least one rocket hit the embassy's helicopter landing pad.
• Notable Quote:
  • “An Iranian armed opposition group said its base near Suleimaniya was hit by a missile Saturday, killing one of its fighters and wounding another.” — Jane Araf [00:51]

2. US-UK Tensions over Iran Conflict

[01:22–02:19]

• President Trump’s Remarks:
  • Criticized UK and Prime Minister Keir Starmer via social media.
  • Downplayed need for British aircraft carriers in the Gulf, accused Starmer of “trying to join wars we’ve already won.”
• British Political Response:
  • Starmer did not respond directly, but in the Sunday Mirror, noted the need for “seriousness, not political games.”
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Trump said the US doesn’t need any British aircraft carriers and accused Keir Starmer of, quote, ‘trying to join wars we've already won.’” — Vicki Barker [01:38]
  • “At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games.” — Keir Starmer via Vicki Barker [02:09]

3. Legal Ruling on Voice of America Leadership

[02:19–03:13]

• Federal Court Decision:
  • Judge ruled Carrie Lake did not have the authority to dismantle Voice of America, laying off over 1,000 journalists and trying to defund US international broadcasters.
• Lake’s Response:
  • Plans to appeal, calling the judge “an activist ... trying to stand in the way of Trump’s agenda.”
• NPR’s Investigation:
  • NPR highlighted the lack of evidence that Lake was properly appointed to the CEO role.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Lake sought to lay off more than 1,000 journalists from the US-owned Global Network...she tried to kill federal funding for Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.” — David Folkenflick [02:34]

4. Commemoration of Bloody Sunday and Tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson

[03:13–04:18]

• Anniversary Gatherings:
  • Thousands gather to mark 61 years since Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a crucial moment in civil rights history.
• Honoring Jesse Jackson:
  • Special service to honor the late Reverend Jackson, who was inspired to join the movement after Bloody Sunday.
  • Events highlight ongoing concerns about threats to voting rights.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Today’s bridge crossing will be one of the few that Jackson will not physically be present, but his contributions to the civil rights movement ... will be remembered.” — Kyle Gassett [03:40]
  • “Events to honor Jackson will be held before and after the bridge crossing reenactments as organizers attempt to draw attention to what they say are threats to voting rights.” — Kyle Gassett [04:10]

5. War in Iran and Impact on Energy Markets

[04:18–04:54]

• Strait of Hormuz Blocked:
  • War-induced stalling of ship traffic, affecting oil and gas supplies.
• Rising Prices:
  • National average gasoline price up to $3.41/gallon (+43 cents from last week).
  • Diesel and jet fuel prices also rising; overall energy market volatility.
• White House Stance:
  • President Trump downplays the need to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
• Notable Quote:
  • “AAA says the average cost of a gallon of gas nationwide is now $3.41, up around 43 cents from a week ago.” — Louise Schiavone [04:35]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games.” — Keir Starmer, cited by Vicki Barker [02:09]
• “Lake sought to lay off more than 1,000 journalists from the US-owned Global Network...” — David Folkenflick [02:34]
• “Events to honor Jackson will be held ... as organizers attempt to draw attention to what they say are threats to voting rights.” — Kyle Gassett [04:10]
• “The average price of gas has risen about $3 a gallon for the first time since early December.” — Louise Schiavone [04:29]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16] – Iraq & Kurdistan conflict update: Attacks by Iran and proxies
• [01:22] – Trump-UK dispute over engagement in Iran conflict
• [02:19] – Federal court ruling on Voice of America leadership
• [03:13] – Observance of Bloody Sunday & Jesse Jackson tribute
• [04:18] – Impact of the Iran war on global and US energy prices

This rapid-paced news episode succinctly encapsulates the weekend’s main developments across geopolitics, law, civil rights, and the economy, providing essential context and sharp soundbites for listeners wanting to stay informed.