The Latest: 03/02/2026 08:59am ET

0:00This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human No one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need. From storm warnings to pollen levels, write at your fingertips. Get the fastest local alerts and comprehensive 10-day forecasts wherever you are. It's hyper-local, real-time, customizable alerts. Make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free weather bug app from the app store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts 24-7. This is your 24-7 News Update, the latest views this hour in just 4 minutes. Conflict is spreading across the Middle East today after the U.S. and Israel struck Iran over the weekend, killing the country-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Hameini. Iran was quick to respond bomb-barting the region with retaliatory strikes. At the Pentagon, Secretary Pete Hegseth says Iran has been waging a one-sided war against the U.S. for decades.

1:05He provided an update this morning on Operation Epic Fury. War is hell and always will be. A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far and those injured. The absolute best of America. May we prosecute the remainder of this operation in a manner that honors them. And what apologies, no hesitation. Hegseth called it the most lethal, complex, and precise aerial operation in history. Hegseth responded to critics against the operation, saying this is not another endless war. There's also confirmation today that three U.S. Air Force jets have been down by friendly fire in Kuwait during combat operations. All of the crew members were able to safely eject. Gas prices are creeping up amid the U.S. conflict with Iran more from Rob Martyr. Nationwide, the average price of a gallon is currently $2.98.

2:05And the experts say it will go up a couple of cents as early as this week. It's not just because of uncertainty in the Middle East. Supply will also be low because refineries in the United States are in the process of switching to a more expensive summer blend fuel. Experts also warn that prices could spike if there are disruptions in shipping from the Persian Gulf. If that happens, petroleum forecasters say we could see a 10 to 25 cent increase in a matter of days. I'm Rob Martyr. Before the opening bell, doubt futures have dropped as much as 600 points this morning as oil prices spike following the U.S. attack on Iran. I'm Michael Casner. Security is being boosted across the country in response to the U.S. Israeli attack on Iran over the weekend. That includes the NYPD in New York, Scott Pringle. Extra security will be a key places in high traffic areas throughout New York City for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Iranian Americans took to the New York City streets over the weekend. Hopefully, that military action in Iran will be a good thing. People in Iran, they have no freedom.

3:07This war is not with the Iranian people. This war is with a regime up Iran. There are two opposite rallies planned for later on. One at 5 p.m., a Columbus circle against the war. Also, a rally called Freedom for Iran, starting at 6 o'clock in time square. The Democratic Party is divided over the U.S. response to the military action in Iran. It's exposing a rare split between prominent leaders and others in the party, more from Tammy Trehio. A group of high-profile Democrats, including Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer and Tim Cain, have raised concerns about the need for congressional approval. A smaller faction of Democrats is signaling support for the strikes. On the other side of the party, Pennsylvania Senator John Federman and a number of House Democrats have publicly defended the military action as being necessary to stabilize the region. Democratic representatives like North Carolina's Don Davis, Greg Landsman of Ohio and Florida's Debbie Wasserman Schultz have all voiced their support for the strikes. I'm Tammy Trehio. This year's first lunar eclipse may just achieve the impossible, more from Mark Mayfield.

4:10Tuesday's eclipse could see the rising of the sun and the eclipsed moon at the same time. Areas nearing around the Pacific Rim have the best shot of seeing these strange occurrence. In North America, those in the eastern time zone will get to see the moon set during the early light of dawn during the total phase of the eclipse. Places in the far west will be able to watch the eclipse from start to finish. And the mega-millions jackpot stands at $473 million ahead of tomorrow night's big drawing. I'm Michael Casner.