U.S. Missile Stockpiles Near Depletion After Iran War; FDA Weighs mRNA Flu Shot Approval

By John Damon for Just The News Iowa

The U.S. Army has nearly exhausted its supply of long-range precision missiles during the war with Iran, raising serious concerns about America's ability to defend itself and its allies in future conflicts. At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration is considering approval of a new flu vaccine using mRNA technology, a move that faces skepticism from many Americans still wary of the COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Precision missile stockpiles critically low

NPR has confirmed that the U.S. has used most of its long-range attack missiles, including PrSMs and ATCAMs, in operations against Iran. These weapons can strike targets from hundreds of miles away, providing crucial protection for American servicemembers by reducing the need for pilots to approach enemy positions closely.

A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said these precision missiles are nearly depleted. While senior military officials insist the U.S. currently has enough offensive weapons to meet immediate needs, these missiles take years to replenish, leaving potential vulnerabilities in future conflicts.

The situation is even more dire for Patriot interceptor missiles, America's primary defense against drones and missiles in the Middle East. According to a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Patriot stockpile has shrunk by two-thirds since the war began. Each Patriot missile costs around $4 million and takes significant time to replace.

This shortage also leaves U.S. allies vulnerable. Ukraine, for example, faces an urgent need for fresh Patriot supplies to defend itself against Russian aggression.

FDA considers mRNA flu vaccine amid public skepticism

The FDA is deciding whether to approve Moderna's mFlusiva, the first flu vaccine to use mRNA technology. The vaccine works similarly to Moderna's COVID-19 shot by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against flu viruses.

Approval has been met with skepticism due to lingering anger over COVID-19 vaccine mandates and misinformation about mRNA safety. However, a trial of over 40,000 participants showed that mFlusiva is safe and offers stronger protection than traditional flu shots for adults 50 and older. Independent FDA advisers unanimously recommended approval in June.

Beyond stronger protection, the mRNA vaccine can be reformulated and produced more quickly than traditional options, allowing experts to adapt faster to new flu strains or pandemics.

Black lung disease rates spike among Appalachian miners

Central Appalachian coal miners are experiencing the highest rates of black lung disease in nearly 50 years, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Miners who have worked underground for at least 25 years in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia suffer the worst rates of this incurable and fatal disease.

The disease's prevalence hit a low point in 1999 after Congress imposed strict limits on coal mine dust exposure. But cases have reversed course, and experts blame toxic silica dust now more common in mines.

SNAP benefits see sharp decline under new work requirements

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is undergoing a funding model restructuring in October, but more than 4 million Americans, many of them children, have already lost access to food aid. The decline began after the Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law, tightening eligibility and imposing new work requirements.

Adults must now work or volunteer 80 hours each month to receive benefits, including veterans, homeless individuals, young adults aging out of foster care, parents of 14- to 17-year-olds, and those aged 55 to 64. As of April, 37 million Americans used food stamps each month, an 11% decline since last July.

Starting in October, states will be responsible for covering 75% of operational expenses, while the federal government contributes only 25%. Critics warn this could lead states to scale back or withdraw from the program entirely.

Iowa student leads push for AI safety in schools

In a mock Senate debate in Boston, 100 students from every state gathered to draft a national policy for AI use in K-12 schools. Among them was Dylan Dornack, a high schooler from Iowa, who argued that school chatbots should not respond to students in crisis but instead alert trusted adults.

“This could be life-saving,” Dornack said. “This is just one of those things that has to be taken to trusted adults.” His amendment passed overwhelmingly.

What does this mean for Iowans?

The depletion of U.S. missile stockpiles raises questions about national security and defense spending priorities. Iowa's congressional delegation should press for answers on how the Pentagon plans to replenish these critical systems.

Meanwhile, the FDA's decision on the mRNA flu vaccine could affect Iowans' health choices. Parents and seniors should stay informed as the agency weighs approval.

And with SNAP benefits declining, Iowa families relying on food assistance may face new challenges. State leaders should monitor the funding changes closely to ensure vulnerable Iowans don't fall through the cracks.