NPR News: 04-04-2026 7AM EDT

US forces are conducting a search for a missing crew member after two American fighter jets were shot down over Iran on Friday, amid broader war impacts on the US economy. The NPR News Now update also covers a White House push to privatize airport security, rising overdoses from a sedative mixed with fentanyl, cultural highlights like the Pope's Good Friday observance, shifting museum attendance trends, and new shipping surcharges tied to oil prices.

Jets Downed Over Iran and War's Economic Toll

Iranian state media has broadcast calls for nomadic tribes and local villagers to target any foreign pilots in the area where the jets went down. NPR's D. Parvez reported that a US official confirmed to NPR a search and rescue operation is underway. The incident underscores the ongoing war in Iran, which is straining US attention and resources. NPR's Domenico Montanaro noted positive developments in a new jobs report and steady inflation, but highlighted how the war and Trump's tariffs have driven up prices, damaging the president's economic approval ratings. Without these factors, Montanaro suggested, the economy might look stronger, as the conflict consumes much of Trump's focus.