Primary Election Results, US Missile Stockpiles Running Low, New Flu Vaccine
Up First from NPR
Aug 5, 2026
The US military is grappling with significant shortages of precision missiles and defensive interceptors due to prolonged conflict, raising concerns about readiness for future global threats. Simultaneously, the FDA faces a high-stakes decision on the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, testing the intersection of scientific advancement and political skepticism.
Key insight: The US is using $4 million Patriot interceptors to shoot down Iranian-made drones that cost only $20,000 to $30,000 each, highlighting a massive economic and strategic imbalance.
