NPR News Now | March 16, 2026 – 4PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of key national and global stories: Middle East tensions, volatile energy markets, severe U.S. weather, bear encounters fueled by climate, a Trump executive order, media tensions over war coverage, and updates from the Supreme Court.

1. Rising Tensions in the Middle East

Timestamps: 00:01 – 01:01

• Iran’s Warning:
  • Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps threatens imminent strikes on ‘U.S.-affiliated’ industries across the region.
  • Workers are urged to “evacuate and civilians to avoid areas near production facilities.”
  • List of U.S. companies (Amazon, Microsoft, Palantir) reportedly targeted, previously published by Tasnim News Agency.
• Diplomatic Pressure:
  • Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Ararchi calls on regional countries to clarify stances, accusing others of “encouraging this slaughter.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “…in the coming hours it will strike industries across the region that are associated with the U.S. The group is urging workers to evacuate and civilians to avoid areas near production facilities.” — Arzu Rizvani (00:14)
• Location Anchor:
  • Update reported from Erbil, Kurdistan region of Iraq.

2. Oil Market Volatility Amid Conflict

Timestamps: 01:01 – 01:16

• Market Reaction:
  • Brent crude oil “hovering around $100 a barrel.”
• U.S. Pressure on Allies:
  • President Trump urges allies to keep oil shipments moving through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
  • “We strongly encourage other nations whose economies depend on the Strait far more than ours.” — President Trump (01:09)
• European Reluctance:
  • Allies hesitate to send warships, uncertain about the conflict’s duration.

3. U.S. Extreme Weather Updates

Timestamps: 01:16 – 02:16

Midwest Blizzard & Ice Crisis

• Severe Conditions:
  • Near record snowfall in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; up to three feet reported.
  • 60 mph winds along Lake Superior closed highways; blizzard warnings extend through Tuesday morning.
• Infrastructure Impact:
  • 100,000 people in northern Lower Peninsula are without power.
  • Ongoing recovery from last year’s major ice storm.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “So if the plows aren’t out and about, it’s a good sign that the rest of us should stay home if we possibly can.” — Dan Weingarten, Michigan Department of Transportation (01:56)

Heat and Bear Encounters in California

• Western Heat:
  • Record-setting highs projected in the Southwest.
• Bear Intrusion:
  • Claremont, California resident Andrew Kapoor finds a bear in her kitchen, possibly due to heat driving wildlife into neighborhoods.
  • “It was just more interesting than scary.” — Andrew Kapoor (02:29)
• Wildlife Note:
  • Officials say bears are leaving hibernation and searching for food.

4. Politics & Policy: Trump Administration's Actions

Timestamps: 02:33 – 03:03

• Anti-Fraud Initiative:
  • President Trump launches a task force on fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance.
• Market Update:
  • Dow Jones closes up over 400 points.

5. Media Criticism and Regulatory Threats

Timestamps: 03:03 – 04:03

• Tensions Over War Coverage:
  • Trump administration harshly criticizes major news outlets (NY Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN) over coverage of U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran.
  • The FCC chief threatens to revoke local TV licenses—a move described as “something of an empty threat” since those outlets largely lack such licenses.
• Political Posturing:
  • Trump, FCC Chair Brendan Carr, and others target media ownership (e.g., Murdochs with Fox, Ellisons with CBS) in their rhetoric.
• Memorable Analysis:
  • “On paper, that’s a whole lot of posturing…all part of an effort to quell unwelcome questions about the war from journalists and from their corporate owners.” — David Folkenflick (03:50)

6. Supreme Court Update: Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Timestamps: 04:03 – 04:48

• Upcoming Cases:
  • Supreme Court to hear expedited, consolidated challenges to ending TPS for Syrians and Haitians.
• Background:
  • Syrians have held TPS since 2012; DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced revocation last year.
• Next Steps:
  • Arguments set for April 2026.

Key Quotes

• “In the coming hours [Iran] will strike industries across the region that are associated with the U.S.” — Arzu Rizvani (00:14)
• “We strongly encourage other nations whose economies depend on the Strait far more than ours.” — President Trump (01:09)
• “So if the plows aren’t out and about, it’s a good sign that the rest of us should stay home if we possibly can.” — Dan Weingarten (01:56)
• “It was just more interesting than scary.” — Andrew Kapoor (02:29)
• “On paper, that’s a whole lot of posturing…all part of an effort to quell unwelcome questions about the war…” — David Folkenflick (03:50)

For Listeners

This episode delivers a snapshot of high-stakes international developments, volatile markets, climate-driven natural disasters, political maneuvering, and judicial news—all distilled into five minutes with hallmark NPR clarity and balance.