NPR News Now – March 4, 2026, 1PM EST

Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on key national and international stories. Coverage includes anticipated Senate action on military involvement in Iran, a heated House hearing with Secretary of Homeland Security Christi Noem, economic repercussions of the US War with Iran (particularly on oil prices), Elon Musk’s courtroom appearance in a Twitter shareholder lawsuit, new findings on rising sea levels, and a significant time policy change in British Columbia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Senate Vote on US Military Action in Iran

• [00:15–01:14]
  • The Senate is set to vote on a War Powers Resolution to retract US military operations in Iran.
  • Reporter: Sam Greenglass.
  • Context: President Trump ordered ongoing strikes in Iran without congressional authorization.
  • Likelihood: The resolution, sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine, is not expected to pass but may resurface.
  • Quote – Tim Kaine (00:42): “And the virtue of a war powers resolution, it's not a one and done.”
  • Notable Detail: GOP Senator Josh Hawley notes that, unlike Venezuela, “there are no troops on the ground and there haven’t been at any point.” (01:02)
  • A similar measure will be considered by the House on Thursday.

2. Homeland Security Secretary Christi Noem Testifies

• [01:14–02:00]
  • Secretary Noem faced intense questioning from Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin during House Judiciary testimony.
  • Controversy: Noem had labeled two US citizens killed by federal immigration agents in Minnesota as “domestic terrorists” before investigations were complete.
  • Exchange Excerpt
    • Jamie Raskin (01:33): “You didn't wait for the investigation, did you? You didn't wait for the evidence. You proclaimed that they were domestic terrorists at the time. Why did you do that?”
    • Christi Noem (01:40): “And you didn't wait to attack our law enforcement.”
    • Jamie Raskin (01:44): “Why did you call them domestic terrorists?”
    • Christi Noem (01:46): “Our ICE officers and our HCI officers that day risked their lives to protect that scene so evidence could be reclaimed so it could be used in the investigation. Because those violent rioters that.”
  • Noem’s Position: She refused to rescind her statements, citing an ongoing investigation.
  • Her testimony follows a contentious Senate hearing where even GOP members questioned her leadership.

3. Economic Fallout from US Conflict with Iran – Oil and Gas Prices

• [02:00–03:03]
  • Reporter: Scott Horsley.
  • Oil prices surged over 10% after US and Israeli strikes in Iran; Brent crude hovers above $80/barrel.
  • President Trump seeks to restore tanker traffic through the Strait of Fort Meuse with Navy escorts.
  • Gasoline prices up by 20 cents per gallon nationwide.
  • AAA: Diesel prices exceed $4/gallon, raising transport costs broadly.
  • Quote – Scott Horsley (02:54): “If that's sustained it [will increase] the cost of everything that travels by truck or train.”

4. Stock Market Rises Amid Ongoing Events

• [03:03–03:51]
  • Stock markets are trading higher:
    • Dow Jones up 326 points.
    • Nasdaq up 329 points.

5. Elon Musk Testifies in Shareholder Suit Over Twitter (X)

• [03:03–03:51]
  • Elon Musk appears in San Francisco federal court regarding a lawsuit tied to his $44 billion Twitter acquisition.
  • Allegations: Musk is accused of false/misleading statements that depressed Twitter’s share price before acquisition, potentially violating federal securities laws.

6. Climate Study: Global Sea Levels May Rise Faster Than Expected

• [03:51–04:26]
  • Reporter: Lauren Sommer.
  • As the climate warms, oceans rise from melting ice and expanding water.
  • New Study (Vahanink and University, Netherlands): Model assumptions may underestimate the starting sea level by ~10 inches.
  • With correction, computer models project up to 130 million more people potentially impacted by a 3-foot sea rise.
  • Quote – Lauren Sommer (03:57): “The researchers found the computer models scientists use start with a current sea level that's about 10 inches too low on average. If that's corrected, those same models would show as many as 130 million more people potentially affected on coastlines if sea level rises by three feet.”

7. British Columbia Switches to Permanent Daylight Saving Time

• [04:26–04:55]
  • B.C. will adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time starting November 1st.
  • The Canadian province will be one hour ahead of adjacent US states (Washington, Oregon).
  • Officials state the change is for residents’ well-being, anticipating possible US alignment.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Kaine (00:42): “And the virtue of a war powers resolution, it's not a one and done.”
• Josh Hawley (01:02): “There are no troops on the ground and there haven't been at any point. So that's significant, which is a difference from what happened in Venezuela.”
• Jamie Raskin (01:33): “You didn't wait for the investigation, did you? ... Why did you do that?”
• Christi Noem (01:46): “Our ICE officers and our HCI officers that day risked their lives to protect that scene so evidence could be reclaimed ...”
• Scott Horsley (02:54): “If that's sustained it [will increase] the cost of everything that travels by truck or train.”
• Lauren Sommer (03:57): “The researchers found the computer models scientists use start with a current sea level that's about 10 inches too low on average. … as many as 130 million more people potentially affected on coastlines if sea level rises by three feet.”

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Senate Military Powers Resolution on Iran: 00:15–01:14
• Secretary Noem House Testimony: 01:14–02:00
• Oil Price Rise and Economic Impact: 02:00–03:03
• Stock Market Update: 03:03–03:51
• Elon Musk Twitter Lawsuit: 03:03–03:51
• Climate Study/Sea Level Rise: 03:51–04:26
• British Columbia Permanent DST: 04:26–04:55

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