NPR News Now – 3PM EST, March 5, 2026

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode Theme:
A concise recap of the day’s top national and international news, including major shakeups in the Trump administration, developments in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, a significant government program transfer, and troubling federal workforce trends.

Main Stories & Key Discussion Points

1. President Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

• [00:16–01:50]

• Overview:
  President Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, announcing her replacement will be Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin. The announcement follows criticism of Noem’s handling of immigration enforcement, especially after a recent incident in Minnesota where federal agents killed two US citizens.

• Key Facts:

  • Trump made the announcement on Truth Social.
  • Senator Mullin stated he was surprised by Trump’s call and the appointment.
  • Noem became the first cabinet secretary to leave during Trump’s second term.
  • Noem was scrutinized by Congress over her immigration enforcement tactics and spending.
  • Mullin’s appointment is pending Senate confirmation.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "I haven't had time to call Kristi yet or Secretary Noem, and our families are friends. She was tasked to do a very difficult job, and I think she has performed the best she can do underneath the circumstances."
    — President Donald Trump, [00:47]
  • "Noem has been at the forefront of President Trump's efforts to carry out mass deportations... Noem faced bipartisan criticism over her leadership of the immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, where she deployed thousands of federal agents and two U.S. citizens were killed."
    — Jimena Bustia, NPR News Reporter, [01:10–01:30]

2. Israeli Activities Resume as Iran Tensions Ease

• [01:50–02:45]

• Overview:
  Israel begins to ease restrictions amid deescalating missile threats from Iran. Limited normal activities are allowed, though major religious sites and most businesses remain closed.

• Key Facts:

  • Israeli military lowers restrictions; gatherings up to 50 people allowed.
  • Tel Aviv airport resumes partial flight operations.
  • Israeli and US Air Forces “operating in Iranian skies, almost freely.”
  • Al Aqsa mosque remains closed for Ramadan.
  • Six days have passed since the US and Israel war with Iran began.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "A military spokesman says the Israeli and US Air forces are now operating in Iranian skies, quote, almost freely and expect missile launches to continue decreasing."
    — Carrie Khan, NPR News, [02:25]

3. Congress Weighs In on US Attacks Against Iran

• [02:45–03:18]

• Overview:
  The US House prepares to vote on a war powers resolution limiting further attacks on Iran without Congressional approval, after Senate rejection of a similar measure.

• Key Facts:

  • Senate votes down resolution mostly on party lines.
  • Financial markets react with the Dow dropping over 1,000 points (more than 2%).

4. Energy Star Program Moves to Department of Energy

• [03:18–04:01]

• Overview:
  The well-known Energy Star efficiency program will transition from the EPA to the Department of Energy, despite past bipartisan support to keep it at the EPA.

• Key Facts:

  • Energy Star recognized for certifying efficient appliances and buildings.
  • The Trump administration previously tried to end or privatize the program.
  • U.S. Green Building Council expresses concern over the abrupt change.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "The U.S. Green Building Council says EPA has been very successful in creating and managing Energy Star and is concerned about the administration abruptly moving the program after Congress showed bipartisan support for it."
    — Jeff Brady, NPR News, [03:47]

5. Sharp Losses in Federal Workforce

• [04:01–04:51]

• Overview:
  Since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, there has been a significant net loss in the federal workforce.

• Key Facts:

  • Nearly 390,000 federal workers departed since January 20, 2025.
  • Net loss is about 11.5% of the total federal workforce.
  • Treasury Department saw most departures; VA, Defense, and Homeland Security saw most hires.
  • Data collected via a new Office of Personnel Management tool.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "According to the latest update, since January 20, 2025, there have been close to 387,000 departures of federal employees and 123,000 additions. That represents a net loss of about 11 and a half percent of the federal workforce."
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR News, [04:19]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• President Trump’s candid reaction to Noem’s firing and the assertion that she did her best under difficult circumstances. ([00:47])
• The Israeli military’s assertion of dominance over Iranian airspace: “operating... almost freely.” ([02:25])
• Congressional debate and tension over war powers as conflict with Iran intensifies. ([02:45–03:18])
• EPA/DOE shakeup stirring nonpartisan concern over federal program stability. ([03:47])
• The scale of federal workforce attrition illustrated with new real-time data. ([04:19])

Key Timestamps

• 00:16 – Trump fires Noem as DHS Secretary
• 00:47 – President Trump statement
• 01:08 – Noem under scrutiny, Mullin appointed
• 01:53 – Updates on Israel, Iran, and US operations
• 02:25 – Israel and US “almost freely” in Iranian skies
• 03:18 – Energy Star’s transfer to Department of Energy
• 04:12 – Data on federal workforce departures

This NPR News Now episode delivers a succinct yet detailed update, marked by significant federal government changes, geopolitical shifts, and policies that touch both domestic and international affairs.