NPR News Now: April 1, 2026, 3AM EDT
Host: Giles Snyder | Length: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This succinct episode of NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines as of April 1, 2026. The key stories include updates on the ongoing Iran war and its global ripple effects, energy and fuel crises from Cuba to the U.S., NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, diplomatic moves between the UK and the U.S., and high-profile legal proceedings involving Prince Harry and British tabloids.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. President Trump to Address Nation on Iran War
- [00:17] Giles Snyder announces that President Trump will speak to the nation tonight, providing an update on the Iran war.
- The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains mostly closed, pushing energy prices significantly higher.
2. Gas Prices Surge Across the U.S.
- [00:37] Stephen Saha reports on rising gas prices:
- National average for regular gas now exceeds $4 per gallon—a dollar more than before the Iran conflict.
- Compares the psychological impact to the spike seen during Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Notable Quote:
“Think about that big sign in front of gas stations, the one that you pass every day with that big four at the front. Plus, it really has been a while since gas was north of $4 a gallon.”
— Stephen Saha [00:43]
3. Russian Oil Tanker Breaks Cuba’s Blockade
- [01:12] Giles Snyder shifts to the energy crisis in Cuba:
- Russian tanker delivers 730,000 barrels of oil—the first such delivery since a U.S. fuel blockade began in January.
- [01:36] Katie Silver reports from Mexico City:
- Cubans and officials celebrate the shipment, which brings temporary relief amid ongoing blackouts and shortages.
- President Trump allowed the delivery, reportedly remarking:
“No problem and that they have to survive.” [01:53]
- Analysts estimate shipment will cover Cuba’s energy needs for 9–10 days; the longer-term future remains uncertain.
4. NASA Prepares Artemis 2 Mission—But Diversity Efforts Quieted
- [02:16] NASA’s Artemis 2 moon mission is about to launch, with a historic, diverse crew.
- [02:29] Katie Riddle details how NASA previously celebrated “the first woman and black man” on a lunar mission, but has recently downplayed this:
- This shift follows President Trump’s executive actions curbing federal diversity initiatives.
- AJ Link (Black and Astro) laments the erasure of explicit celebration:
- Notable 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 [02:52]
- Notable Quote:
5. American Journalist Kidnapped in Iraq
- [03:14] Officials identify freelance journalist Shelley Kittelson as the victim, reportedly abducted by an Iran-backed Iraqi militia.
6. King Charles to Visit U.S. Amid Controversy
- [03:14] Giles Snyder reports:
- Buckingham Palace confirms King Charles’s state visit to the U.S. in late April, hosted by President Trump.
- [03:43] Fatima Al Kassab offers details:
- Visit designed to “celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship.”
- President Trump highlights a “beautiful banquet dinner” and congressional address.
- UK opposition protests the timing due to Trump’s stance on the Iran war and ongoing controversy over Prince Andrew.
- U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna urges King Charles to meet Epstein survivors.
7. Prince Harry’s Privacy Lawsuit in Judge’s Hands
- [04:31] Final testimony concludes in a high-profile privacy suit against the Daily Mail’s publisher, brought by Prince Harry, Elton John, and others.
- The ruling is still pending; publisher denies any wrongdoing.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- On Gas Prices:
“Think about that big sign in front of gas stations, the one that you pass every day with that big four at the front.”
— Stephen Saha [00:43] - On Cuban Oil Relief:
“Trump said the delivery was, quote, no problem and that they have to survive.”
— Katie Silver [01:53] - On NASA's Diversity Reversal:
“To back away from that or to erase that, I think is wrong.”
— AJ Link [02:52]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:17 – Start of news; President Trump's planned address
- 00:37 – U.S. gas prices rise; psychological impact
- 01:12 – Russian oil tanker arrives in Cuba
- 02:16 – NASA Artemis 2 and federal DEI policy changes
- 03:14 – Reporter kidnapped in Iraq; King Charles U.S. trip confirmed
- 04:31 – Prince Harry’s lawsuit wraps up
This concise yet comprehensive newscast delivers crucial updates on war, energy, politics, and major legal news, capturing the urgency and complexity of today's rapidly changing headlines.