NPR News Now — April 1, 2026, 8AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced rundown of the top global, national, political, economic, and science news, with a special focus on President Trump’s evolving approach to the Iran war, escalating Middle East conflicts, a pivotal Supreme Court citizenship case, and the economic ripple effects of global crises on American communities.

1. Top Story: President Trump & the Iran War

Timestamps: 00:00–00:48

• President’s Address Tonight: President Trump is slated to address the nation regarding the ongoing war in Iran, after reversing his earlier demands.
• Policy Shift:
  • Originally, Trump insisted Iran surrender unconditionally and cede total control of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening bombing raids on water and electricity infrastructure.
  • Now, Trump claims, “the US could end the war in two to three weeks.”
• Importance of the Strait of Hormuz:
  • Mara Liasson (00:33): “The strait is really important. About one fifth of the world’s oil passes through it.”
  • Iran’s hold on the strait is directly impacting global oil prices.
  • Liasson rebuffs Trump’s assertion that high US gas prices aren’t connected to the conflict: “Oil prices are set globally.”

2. Israel–Hezbollah Escalation in Lebanon

Timestamps: 00:48–01:52

• Israeli Strikes:
  • Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon (specifically Janah, near Beirut Airport) have killed at least seven.
  • Israel reports killing a top Hezbollah commander; another Hezbollah official’s funeral prayers announced.
• Human Impact:
  • Lauren Frayer (01:06): “Social media video shows flames shooting up from a residential area... one of several strikes on the capital’s outskirts.”
  • Lebanese army withdrawing from southern areas after Israel announces plans to “dest villages” for a buffer zone.
  • Residents, particularly in Christian villages, feel abandoned.
• International Response:
  • European foreign ministers urge Israel to “avoid widening the conflict,” stressing Lebanon’s territorial integrity.
• Notable Quote:
  • Lauren Frayer (01:48): “The territorial integrity of Lebanon should be respected, they said.”

3. Supreme Court Case: Birthright Citizenship

Timestamps: 01:52–02:19

• Case Overview:
  • The Supreme Court hears a pivotal case on whether children born in the US should automatically be citizens—a challenge to long-standing policy.
  • President Trump to attend the arguments personally.

4. Judge Blocks Funding Ban for Public Broadcasters

Timestamps: 02:19–02:54

• Ruling Details:
  • Federal Judge Randolph Moss halts Trump’s order that would have cut federal funding to NPR and PBS.
  • Judge Moss calls the order “an unlawful use of government power, including the power of the purse to, quote, punish or suppress disfavored expression.” (02:19)
• Official Reactions:
  • White House Spokesperson Abigail Jackson calls it a “ridiculous ruling by an activist judge attempting to undermine the law.”
  • NPR hails the decision as “a win for NPR, our network of stations and our tens of millions of listeners nationwide.”

5. Economic Impact: Fuel Prices & Wisconsin Politics

Timestamps: 02:54–03:59

• Fuel Price Surge:
  • Dairy farmers in Wisconsin are hit hard by a 25% jump in diesel prices, driven by the Iran conflict.
• Political Stakes:
  • Democrats target GOP Rep. Derek Van Orden’s seat, spotlighting farmers’ struggles.
  • Brad Goplin, dairy producer (03:41): “I think it’s time that people kind of know how it does affect and it doesn’t only affect the farmers, but I mean, it goes down the food chain.”
  • Van Orden’s spokesperson (03:49) says he’s supporting several bills aimed at helping dairy farmers.

6. Artemis 2 Moon Mission Countdown

Timestamps: 03:59–04:17

• NASA Launch:
  • Artemis 2, a crewed mission to fly around the moon, is on track to launch tonight from Florida, lasting 10 days.

7. Passover Begins Amid Rising Antisemitism

Timestamps: 04:17–04:37

• Holiday Observance:
  • Passover, commemorating the exodus of Israelites from Egypt, begins tonight.
  • NPR notes growing safety concerns for Jews worldwide as anti-Semitic attacks increase.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Mara Liasson (00:33): “The strait is really important. About one fifth of the world’s oil passes through it. Iran does have a stranglehold on global markets now.”
• Lauren Frayer (01:06): “Social media video shows flames shooting up from a residential area in Janah, just north of Beirut Airport.”
• Judge Randolph Moss (Scott Newman reporting 02:19): Trump’s funding ban sought to “punish or suppress disfavored expression.”
• Brad Goplin (03:41): “It doesn’t only affect the farmers, but…I mean, it goes down the food chain.”

Segment Timestamps

• White House & Iran War: 00:00–00:48
• Israel–Lebanon–Hezbollah Update: 00:48–01:52
• Supreme Court on Citizenship: 01:52–02:19
• Judge Blocks NPR/PBS Funding Ban: 02:19–02:54
• Wisconsin Dairy & Fuel Politics: 02:54–03:59
• Artemis 2 Moon Launch: 03:59–04:17
• Passover & Antisemitism: 04:17–04:37

Summary prepared from NPR News Now, 04-01-2026, 8AM EDT.