NPR News Now – March 17, 2026, 2PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Podcast: NPR News Now
Duration: 5 minutes
Date: March 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode presents concise coverage of the latest major news stories from Washington and around the world. Key updates include President Trump’s confrontation with NATO over the US war against Iran, unrest and power issues in Cuba, congressional debate over Title 10 reproductive health clinic funding, legal action regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and a personal attack by President Trump on California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US War Against Iran: Trump vs. NATO

• Trump’s Criticism: President Trump harshly criticizes NATO leaders for refusing to join US military efforts against Iran, particularly in efforts to protect oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Quote (Trump, 00:40):
    “I've long said that, you know, I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us. So this is a, this was a great test because we don't need them, but they should have been there.”
• Allies’ Reluctance: European, Western, and Asian leaders—including Germany, Italy, and Japan—decline participation, despite the US referencing prior support to European causes such as the war in Ukraine.
• Global Stakes: The strait in question accounts for 20% of the world’s oil supply.

2. US Sanctions and Power Crisis in Cuba

• Political Tensions: President Trump labels Cuba “a weakened nation” and hints at the capacity to take it over. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocates for a change in Cuban leadership.
• Oil Embargo Impact: The ongoing US oil embargo has left Cuba with power shortages, causing a countrywide blackout lasting months.
  • Quote (Diaz Canel, 01:32):
    “Cruelly squeezing energy resources... has made the situation in Cuba worse because the country depends on imported oil to run its thermal power plants.”
• Cuban Response: Cuban leader Diaz Canel blames the US for the crisis, pointing to the embargo as the root cause.

3. Funding Crisis for US Reproductive Health Clinics

• Title 10 Concerns: Nearly 130 Democratic members of Congress push for federal intervention to prevent a funding shortfall for reproductive health clinics.
• Abrupt Application Window: This year, clinics received only one week, instead of several months, to re-apply for Title 10 funds.
  • Insight (Selena Simmons Duffin, 02:07):
    Title 10 supports essential services like free birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing for uninsured people.
  • Stakeholder Comment (Claire Coleman): Fears of service cutbacks, layoffs, or reduced hours if there’s a funding delay.
  • Quote (Coleman via Simmons Duffin, 02:39):
    “That's all going to be on the table on the 1st of April if these awards don't come out on time.”
• Government Non-response: The Department of Health and Human Services didn’t comment on NPR’s inquiry.

4. Epstein Probe: Attorney General Subpoenaed

• Congressional Oversight: US Attorney General Pam Bondi is subpoenaed over possible mismanagement in the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The request comes from House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, aiming to clarify the DOJ’s probe into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
• Accountability Issue: Allegations arise that the DOJ hasn’t provided all legally required documentation related to Epstein’s and Maxwell’s crimes.

5. Trump Criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom’s Disability

• Personal Attack: President Trump publicly mocks California Governor Gavin Newsom’s learning disabilities, specifically dyslexia, and claims this should disqualify him from the presidency.
  • Quote (Trump, 03:54):
    “The president of the United States, Gavin Newscomb, admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia. Everything about him is dumb.”
• Newsom’s Response: Newsom’s team responds with humor, sharing Trump’s misstatement and affirming commitment to fair elections.
  • Quote (Newsom, via his team, 04:22):
    “No, thank you. We believe in free elections.”

6. Market Update

• Wall Street Check: The Dow is up 144 points at the last check. (02:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump’s skepticism of NATO support:
  “I've long said that... I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us. So this is a, this was a great test because we don't need them, but they should have been there.”
  — President Trump (00:40)
• Impact of US embargo on Cuba:
  “Cruelly squeezing energy resources... has made the situation in Cuba worse.”
  — Diaz Canel (01:32)
• Concerns about reproductive health care disruption:
  “That's all going to be on the table on the 1st of April if these awards don't come out on time.”
  — Claire Coleman (02:39)
• Trump mocks Newsom’s disabilities:
  “The president of the United States, Gavin Newscomb, admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia. Everything about him is dumb.”
  — President Trump (03:54)
• Newsom’s comeback:
  “No, thank you. We believe in free elections.”
  — Newsom response via team (04:22)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NATO/US-Iran war dispute: 00:01–01:06
• Cuba blackout and US embargo: 01:06–01:49
• Title 10 reproductive health funding crisis: 01:49–02:44
• Wall Street update: 02:52
• Epstein investigation subpoena: 02:52–03:51
• Trump attacks Newsom over dyslexia: 03:51–04:36

Tone & Language

The reporting is factual, neutral, and concise—with direct quotes highlighting the personal tone of political statements, especially from President Trump and Gavin Newsom’s response. NPR maintains its signature impartial news delivery style, capturing the urgency and stakes of each story without editorializing.