NPR News Now: 03-21-2026 8PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst (NPR)
Date: March 22, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now brings listeners up to speed on several major developments, including a failed Iranian missile strike, ongoing political gridlock over the US government shutdown and its impact on airport security, historic flooding in Hawaii, new research on human-animal acoustic preferences, and a high-profile lawsuit by the NCAA against a sports betting company.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Iran’s Failed Missile Attack on Diego Garcia

[00:29 – 01:14]

• Incident summary:
  Iran attempted a missile strike on the strategically critical US-British military base at Diego Garcia, Chagos Islands, Indian Ocean, but failed to hit its target.
• Context:
  Diego Garcia has been vital for US operations since the Vietnam War and is used today to defend shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
• British Government Statement:
  Accused Iran of “lashing out across the region”; the proximity of missiles to the base remains unclear.
• Notable Quote:
  “Located on the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, some 2,500 miles away from Iran, the base has long been strategically important for the US which has used it in military operations from the Vietnam War to the invasion of Iraq and in other more recent conflicts.” — Ruth Sherlock ([00:40])

2. US Senate Debates: Voter Laws & Partial Government Shutdown

[01:14 – 02:25]

• Legislative focus:
  The Senate holds a rare weekend session on the Republican "Save America Act,” which introduces stricter voter ID laws. Democrats argue such measures are unnecessary since federal law already bars noncitizen voting.
• Shutdown Stalemate:
  Deadlock over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and calls to pay TSA workers, who are working without pay.
• Impact:
  Long security lines at major US airports (Houston, Atlanta, New York) due to staff shortages.
• Travel Expert Advice:
  • **Check airport security wait times before leaving.
  • Allow extra time for security and have airline customer service numbers handy.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “A shortage of TSA screening staff who are working without pay means long wait times at airports in cities like Houston, Atlanta and New York.” — Shannon Bond ([01:46])
  • “Knowledge is power. You should know what's going on at your local airport.” — Clint Henderson ([02:08])

3. Hawaii's Devastating Flash Floods

[02:25 – 03:23]

• Scale of damage:
  Hawaii faces its worst flash flooding in over 20 years; homes pushed off foundations, cars submerged.
• Ongoing risks:
  Over 230 rescues reported; a 120-year-old dam on Oahu is threatened but receding water offers some hope if more rain doesn’t fall.
• Economic toll:
  Governor Josh Green estimates damages could reach $1 billion.
• Notable Quote:
  “This is the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years, the largest flood since the flood in Manoa, back when we had the enormous rains back in the early 2000s.” — Governor Josh Green ([02:46])

4. New Study: Shared Acoustic Preferences Among Humans and Animals

[03:23 – 04:11]

• Research findings:
  Humans and animals have similar preferences for certain species’ mating calls.
• Study details:
  Over 4,000 human volunteers listened to calls from 16 species, consistently agreeing with animals' own preferences.
• Significance:
  Suggests a shared “sense of beauty” with the natural world.
• Notable Quote:
  “They found that overall, humans agreed with the animals' preferences, suggesting we share a sense of beauty with the natural world.” — Nate Rott ([03:23])

5. NCAA Sues DraftKings Over March Madness Trademarks

[04:11 – 04:55]

• Legal action:
  NCAA seeks an emergency restraining order to stop DraftKings from using trademarks like “March Madness,” “Final Four,” and “Sweet 16.”
• Motivation:
  NCAA wants to avoid any appearance of association with gambling.
• DraftKings response:
  Claims use is protected under the First Amendment, not a trademark violation.
• Background:
  The NCAA has consistently opposed ties to sports betting, prohibiting sportsbook sponsorships and certain betting activities among athletes and staff.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On airport travel tips amid the shutdown:
  “You should budget some extra time at the airport and write down your airline's customer service number in case you need to rebook.” — Shannon Bond ([02:12])
• On shared acoustic preferences:
  “Scientists had more than 4,000 volunteers listen to pairs of calls from 16 different species and pick which ones they preferred... overall, humans agreed with the animals preferences.” — Nate Rott ([03:23])

Key Timestamps

• Iran’s missile strike on Diego Garcia: 00:29 – 01:14
• Senate gridlock & TSA staffing at airports: 01:14 – 02:25
• Hawaii’s flooding crisis: 02:25 – 03:23
• Human-animal acoustic study: 03:23 – 04:11
• NCAA vs. DraftKings lawsuit: 04:11 – 04:55