NPR News Now – March 24, 2026, 4 PM EDT

Main Theme:
This episode delivers concise updates on major national and international events, focusing on U.S.-Iran relations, shifts in domestic policy amid war, the LaGuardia air disaster investigation, changes in NASA's lunar priorities, and evolving immigration policy at the Supreme Court.

Key News Highlights

1. Tensions and “Peace Talks” with Iran

• President Donald Trump asserts that Iran "wants to make a deal," despite Iran’s denial, calling U.S. claims of peace talks “fake news.”
• Trump mentioned Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are in communication with Iranian leaders—citing these talks as his reason for pausing military strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
• Quote:
  • President Trump (paraphrased by NPR):

    "Ongoing talks are why he's held off bombing Iranian power plants."
    (00:16)

• Trump gave these remarks during Mark Wayne Mullen’s swearing-in as the new Secretary of Homeland Security.
• Notable Moment:
  • Trump mentioned their intention to strike:

    “We were going to have the privilege of shooting down a very big electric generation plant... one shot to the right location ends the plant.” (Dave O'Brien relays Trump's message, 00:38)

2. Mark Wayne Mullen Sworn In as Secretary of Homeland Security

• Mark Wayne Mullen is officially sworn in, replacing Kristi Noem, who was dismissed over allegations of mismanagement (which she denies).
• Quote:
  • Mark Wayne Mullen:

    “I do solemnly swear... that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” (01:02)

• U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi administers the oath.

3. War-Induced Stress on U.S. Farmers

• The Iran conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven up nitrogen fertilizer and fuel prices.
• Labor shortages due to deportations and tariffs further strain U.S. agriculture.
• Quote:
  • Dave O’Brien, Illinois Farmer:

    "It bothers me, these statements about, well, there's going to be a little hurt to be spread around, but that'll all get better. That's almost an insult." (01:57)

• Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins promises the administration is exploring ways to lower fertilizer costs.

4. LaGuardia Plane Crash Investigation

• The NTSB finds the vehicle involved in Sunday’s crash with a landing plane at LaGuardia lacked a location transponder, so air traffic controllers couldn’t track it.
• Two pilots perished; dozens injured.
• Quote:
  • NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy:

    “That vehicle did not have a transponder.” (02:49)

• It is unclear if the controllers were in proper communication with both the plane and the vehicle.
• Investigation continues.

5. Further U.S. Troop Deployment to the Middle East

• NPR confirms, via a U.S. official, that the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division and some staff will likely deploy; the Pentagon is considering sending more troops.

6. Supreme Court Hears Asylum Policy Arguments

• Small demonstrations were held in support of asylum seekers as the Supreme Court heard a case regarding the presidential authority to limit asylum processing (“metering”).
• The administration wants to allow agents to turn away asylum seekers when border crossings are deemed overburdened.

7. NASA Pauses Lunar Gateway for Moon Base Push

• New NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman halts the Gateway lunar space station to focus all resources on building a permanent moon base.
• Quote:
  • Jared Isaacman:

    “The moon base will not appear overnight. We will invest approximately $20 billion over the next seven years and build it through dozens of missions.” (04:25)

• NASA prepares to launch four astronauts to circle the moon—the first such mission since the 1970s—with an anticipated lunar landing in 2028.

8. Market Update

• The Dow Jones closed down 84 points.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• President Trump on Iran:
  "Ongoing talks are why he's held off bombing Iranian power plants." (00:16)
• Farmer Dave O’Brien’s Frustration:
  "That’s almost an insult. But we're supposed to take it in the ribs, but I guarantee you'll get it better." (01:57)
• Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair:
  "That vehicle did not have a transponder." (02:49)
• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman:
  "The moon base will not appear overnight. We will invest approximately $20 billion over the next seven years..." (04:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:16 – President Trump’s comments on Iran and rationale for pausing attacks
• 01:02 – Mark Wayne Mullen swearing-in as DHS Secretary
• 01:38 – U.S. farmer concerns over policy and war fallout
• 02:17 – LaGuardia crash investigation and NTSB briefing
• 03:11 – Deployment of 82nd Airborne Division commander
• 03:30 – Supreme Court arguments on asylum
• 04:04 – NASA halts Gateway, shifts to moon base
• 04:49 – Market close update

Episode Takeaway

In just five minutes, this edition of NPR News Now covers a series of critical developments: escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and their ripple effects across domestic politics and agriculture, administrative shake-ups, a tragic air disaster with regulatory implications, major redirection in America’s lunar ambitions, and continued debates over immigration policy at the highest judicial level.