NPR News Now – April 1, 2026, 2PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode gives listeners a concise update on major current events, including the Supreme Court's consideration of birthright citizenship, developments in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, new FDA approval of an obesity drug, progress on the Artemis 2 lunar mission, and a return to classic Reese's recipes. The reporting remains focused, factual, and timely, with analysis and background from NPR correspondents across key segments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Weighs Birthright Citizenship Cases

Segment: [00:01 – 01:09]

• The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether to limit or revoke birthright citizenship for children born to those in the country illegally or temporarily.
• President Trump ordered the executive branch to end such citizenship via executive order on his first day in office.
• Over 250,000 U.S.-born babies annually could be affected if the Supreme Court sides with the administration.
• Attorney Cecilia Wong, challenging Trump’s order, argued that changing this would "radically rewrite the constitution and upend more than 150 years of settled law."
• The justices, including Trump nominees, are reported as skeptical, but the outcome is still uncertain.
• Decision is expected at the end of the current Supreme Court term.

Quote:
“To agree with the president would radically rewrite the Constitution and upend more than 150 years of settled law.”
— Cecilia Wong, attorney for the challengers ([00:56])

2. U.S.-Iran War Update & Trump's Address

Segment: [01:09 – 01:59]

• President Trump plans a national address regarding the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict (scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern).
• The war is now in its fifth week, with thousands of U.S. troops stationed in the region.
• Trump claims that Iran’s new leader has requested a ceasefire—conditioned on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—but Iran’s foreign ministry categorically denies making such a request.
• Trump suggests the war could end within "two to three weeks," but this is disputed by Iranian sources.

Quote:
“Trump said Iran’s new leader asked the US for a ceasefire. The president said he would consider it if the Strait of Hormuz...was opened.”
— Deepa Shivaram, White House reporter ([01:31])

3. FDA Approves New Obesity Pill from Eli Lilly

Segment: [01:59 – 02:56]

• FDA approved a new oral obesity drug from Eli Lilly called Fundeo.
• Fundeo’s active ingredient, forglipron, is different from the injectable Zepbound, though both are developed by Eli Lilly.
• The drug can be taken more easily than current GLP-1 medications, which often require injections or restrictive oral regimens.
• Pricing: For those with commercial insurance, Fundeo could cost as little as $25/month; lowest cash price is $149/month.

Quote:
“Make something as simple as possible. That means we had to rely on more complicated science.”
— Daniel Skavronsky, Eli Lilly Chief Scientific & Medical Officer ([02:34])

4. Artemis 2 Prepares for Historic Lunar Mission

Segment: [02:56 – 04:02]

• Artemis 2 astronauts are heading to the launch pad for the first lunar mission in 54 years.
• The crew includes the first Black man and woman ever to participate in a lunar mission, but NASA has downplayed this milestone since President Trump returned to office and enacted policies rolling back diversity initiatives.
• The removal of diversity-celebrating language from NASA’s website is noted by advocacy groups.

Quote:
“I think it’s really important to explicitly highlight the inclusion of not just black folks, but other marginalized folks that have been left out of the industry and to back away from that—or to erase that—I think is wrong.”
— AJ Link, Black and Astro ([03:46])

5. Hershey Returns Reese’s to Classic Recipes

Segment: [04:08 – 04:40]

• Hershey will revert Reese’s products to traditional recipes after criticism from Brad Reese, grandson of the Reese’s inventor, following recent changes to cut costs with cheaper ingredients.
• Hershey’s public announcement came after a widely circulated open letter on Valentine’s Day.
• Classic recipes will return for all Reese’s products beginning next year.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Law & Constitutional Change: “To agree with the president would radically rewrite the Constitution and upend more than 150 years of settled law.” — Cecilia Wong ([00:56])
• On Diversity in Space Exploration: “...to back away from that or to erase that, I think is wrong.” — AJ Link, Black and Astro ([03:46])
• On Pharmaceutical Innovation: “Make something as simple as possible. That means we had to rely on more complicated science.” — Daniel Skavronsky, Eli Lilly ([02:34])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Supreme Court & Birthright Citizenship – [00:01 – 01:09]
• U.S.-Iran War & Presidential Address – [01:09 – 01:59]
• FDA Approval of Obesity Pill – [01:59 – 02:56]
• Artemis 2 Launch & NASA Diversity – [02:56 – 04:02]
• Hershey & Reese’s Recipe Announcement – [04:08 – 04:40]

This succinct, fact-rich edition keeps listeners informed of the day’s most significant headlines, highlighting critical moments and the real-world impacts of legal, scientific, and social developments.