For more context and news coverage of the most important stories of our day, click here:
» Subscribe to NBC News:
» Subscribe to Here’s the Scoop podcast:
Every day, NBC News helps people understand what’s happening and why it matters — through fact-based reporting, meaningful conversations, and powerful stories. From its leading news broadcasts — TODAY, NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press, and Dateline — to NBC News NOW, the 24/7 streaming news channel, plus chart-topping podcasts, the NBC News app, and NBCNews.com, NBC News keeps audiences informed and connected to the stories shaping our world.
Connect with NBC News Online!
NBC News App:
Breaking News Alerts:
Visit NBCNews.Com:
Find NBC News on Facebook:
Follow NBC News on Twitter:
Follow NBC News on Instagram:
Trending
When an event occurs that warrants immediate news coverage, network affiliates are often notified and asked to pause their regular non-news programming (or, in the case of 24-hour cable news channels, their scheduled newscast). A countdown sequence begins, while an opening graphic and music cue are used to indicate the break. Then, a news anchor introduces the story. Depending on the urgency, lower thirds may be modified to convey a sense of immediacy. Breaking news is also referred to as Newsflash or Special report. Prior to the advent of 24-hour news networks, cut-ins during regularly scheduled programs were reserved for the most urgent events such as the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
Today on NPR:
March 18, 2026 * Unmanned drones are cheap to produce, hard to target and capable of traveling long distances — and they’re reshaping the balance of power in war zones around the world. NPR correspondents explain how this technology is transforming conflicts.
