NPR News: 09-15-2026 9AM EDT
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How much has the U.S. spent on the war with Iran and what damages are missing from the report?
Live from NPR News in Washington, on Korva Coleman, the Pentagon's inspector general says that the US spent at least thirty three billion dollars on the war with Iran through the month of June, but MPR's A Batrawi tells us the report does not include all US damage costs.
The report to Congress by the Pentagon's watchdog does not include estimated costs of damage to bases across the Gulf where US troops have been attacked by Iran. A public estimate has not been provided by the Pentagon under Secretary Pete Hexeth. But the Inspector General's report says US Central Command has reported Iranian strikes damaging and destroying hundreds of buildings and structures at US bases across eight countries, and that dozens of US aircraft were destroyed or damaged during the war. Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it attacked bases that US forces were using during the past seven months of conflict. The report also assessed $184 million in damages from Iran's attacks on US embassies and consulates in Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Officials in Lithuania say NATO jets shot down a drone today about 60 miles west of the Lithuanian capital. It's not yet clear who controlled the drone.
Who was behind the drone shot down over Lithuania and what are the implications?
Voting advocates are cheering a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling. NPR's Hanzi Le Wong reports it rejects President Trump's push for new restrictions on mail in voting ballots.
The U.S. Postal Service is expected to continue delivering ballots as usual for the midterm general election. That's because the Supreme Court is keeping a block on new ballot requirements that USPS tried to impose on states following executive order from President Trump. We should note USPS is a financial supportive NPR. Voting by mail has already started in some states, including Alabama, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
What did the Supreme Court decide about new mail‑in ballot restrictions for the midterms?
In a concurring opinion, Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that he voted to keep the USPS plan blocked because there was not enough time to carry it out for the midterms without violating federal law. But Kavanaugh noted he believes there is quote at least a fair prospect that USPS has the legal authority to implement this plan. The Trump administration is continuing to appeal a lower court ruling to defend the possibility of using the plan for future federal elections. Hanzi Lewong, NPR News.
The Board of Directors for the Kennedy Center says the Performing Arts Center is on the verge of bankruptcy. That's according to court documents. NPR has obtained a separate memo telling a federal judge the center could shut down today. And Pierce Anastasia Siulkas says the Kennedy Center's board is already being challenged in a lawsuit for putting President Trump's name on the memorial to President Kennedy.
Why is the Kennedy Center facing bankruptcy and what legal battles are it involved in?
The judge in the suit, Christopher Cooper, had already scheduled a status hearing for later this morning, which essentially is a meeting to set more deadlines and quart dates. But the board is also scheduled to meet early this afternoon, and late last night they told the judge that the sole item on their agenda today is quote the necessary closure of the center.
And Pierre's Anastasia Siolkas reporting. This is NPR. For the first time, the US has acknowledged it has deployed weapons in space. US Air Force Secretary Troy Mink disclosed this at a cyber conference in Maryland yesterday. He did not say what the weapons were or how they worked. In twenty twenty four, the Biden administration had said Russia was developing an anti satellite weapon.
What did the U.S. Air Force reveal about deploying weapons in space?
But officials said then it could not cause destruction on earth. There was a big winner during last night's Emmy Awards for the best in television. NPR's Mandalite Del Barco says the horror comedy Widow's Bay picked up fourteen trophies.
Matthew Reese was crowned Best Lead Actor in a Comedy for his role as the mayor of Widows Bay, a haunted New England island. It's filled with eccentric characters like his assistant Patricia, played by Kate O'Flynn, and A Grizzled Fisherman, played by Stephen Root. They both won supporting actor awards. When Reese picked up his Emmy, he joked about the show's creator.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
How much has the U.S. spent on the war with Iran and what damages are missing from the report?
0:00–1:14
2
Who was behind the drone shot down over Lithuania and what are the implications?
1:14–1:45
3
What did the Supreme Court decide about new mail‑in ballot restrictions for the midterms?
1:45–2:34
4
Why is the Kennedy Center facing bankruptcy and what legal battles are it involved in?
2:34–3:22
5
What did the U.S. Air Force reveal about deploying weapons in space?
3:22–4:03
6
Which shows and performers dominated the latest Emmy Awards and why are they notable?
4:03–5:03