NPR News: 03-22-2026 1AM EDT

The NPR News Now broadcast covers a range of developments, from a U.S. military funeral and Cuba's recurring power outages to ongoing U.S. government shutdown effects, severe weather in Hawaii, attacks in Ukraine and Africa, and the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller.

U.S. Service Member Killed in Middle East

A funeral service took place Saturday for 35-year-old Captain Cody Cork of Winter Haven, Florida, one of six people killed in a drone strike on a command center in Kuwait. His stepmother, Stacey Cork, described his legacy as one of courage, heart, laughter, and a fully lived life, framing the farewell as a "thank you" rather than goodbye. Mass Sergeant Robert Bunch highlighted Cork's selfless service through courage, commitment, and sacrifice, noting that such dedication can never be fully repaid but should be honored. The incident underscores ongoing risks to U.S. personnel in the Middle East war, with the service emphasizing personal tributes amid broader military commitments.