The Latest: 03/01/2026 02:59pm ET

0:00This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human You know what I can really go for right now? Literally anything that comes in a McDonald's carton, wrapper, or bag, or a McDonald's cup. Yes, any of those items you do it. We've got your cravings covered. Now, stop in for the flaky filet of fish. The crispy snack wrap or a large fries for just $2.99. Limited time only, price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. This is your 24-7 News Update, the latest views this hour in just four minutes. The Pentagon is reporting the first known American casualties of Operation Epic Fury. An statement released this morning, US Central Command said three US service members have been killed and five others seriously injured as part of the joint US-Israeli combat operation against Iran. The identity of the three fallen service members

1:02are being withheld for 24 hours after their families have been notified. For the first time ever, the US Air Force is using an Israeli base to attack targets in the Middle East. Officials say at least a dozen F-22 stealth fighter jets are stationed at Israel's Oveda Air Force Base, a desert facility with hardened shelters and ample space for the US jets and refueling tankers. Although the Pentagon has not said how many missions have been flown from the Israeli Air Base, observers say it is well over 100. Across the United States today, people are taking to the streets and response to the military strikes on Iran. In New York, hundreds of protesters tied up traffic as they march from Times Square to Columbus Circle on the city's upper west side. In Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. places that have large Iranian-American populations gathered to express both opposition and support of the military action. In D.C., the Raka's group was made up of exiled Iranians, Jews, and others who showed their support for the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

2:03Celebrations were also held in New York and Los Angeles, where similar group showed solidarity for the strikes against the Islamic Republic. A former member of the US House of Representatives is praising recent military strikes in Iran. Former Minnesota Republican Representative Michelle Bachman says strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader could mean freedom for the people of that country. His death isn't the end of the story, but it's the beginning of the end for this murderous, demonic regime that has literally held the world hostage for 47 years. Bachman is a board member of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. I'm Lisa Carton. The National Fire and Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County is 0% contained in Florida at more than 25,000 acres burning south of Interstate 75, approximately 20 miles east of Naples. It comes as for the first time in more than a quarter century of records keeping the entire state of Florida is listed in moderate to extreme drought.

3:03Right air, pulse moisture out of grass, leaves, and brush. These organic materials can easily become fuel for fires. Now add wind to these conditions and even a small spark can quickly turn into a fast moving fire. While rain chances are on the rise, it's not enough to make a dent in their drought and wildfire risk. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Erica Bonitas recommends not driving cars or ATVs over dry, grassy areas, or throwing cigarettes out windows. She says always grill carefully and for everyone living near brush, clear away debris and water the perimeter of a home to create a moist barrier. California's snow pack is still below normal. The latest snow survey shows the statewide snow pack is at 66% of average and that's down from 85% at the same time last year. We are below average and not where we would like to be at this time of year. We've had some good March storms over the years, but there's no guarantees. We'll have to see if this March can give us that boost that we would need to come back to average.

4:03Andy Rising with the Department of Water Resources says warm rain this week melted some of the Sierra snow. The state's snow pack is slightly better than last month, but still far below it's needed, especially in Northern California, where more of the state's reservoirs are located. The snow pack provides about 30% of California's water supply as it melts. I never seen no demons. Sinners was the big winner at this year's NAACP Image Awards. Ryan Cogler's Vampire Movie 113 awards, including for Best Picture. I'm Lisa Carton.