NPR News Now: April 2, 2026, 10 PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: April 3, 2026
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of major national and international news affecting politics, labor, global security, public health, and the economy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Justice Department Shakeup

Timestamps: [00:13]–[01:13]

• Attorney General Resigns: Pam Bondi steps down after 14 months as Attorney General.
• Presidential Response: President Trump praises Bondi as a “great American patriot and loyal friend,” citing her “massive crackdown on crime.”
• Controversies:
  • Bondi faced bipartisan criticism for her handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • She was pushed by Trump to investigate and prosecute his political critics, but these cases stalled before grand juries.
• Succession: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche—previously Trump’s personal lawyer—will serve as Acting Attorney General.
• Quote:

  “Bondi had come under bipartisan criticism for a handling of the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.”
  —Ryan Lucas [00:48]

2. Escalating Tensions in the Gulf

Timestamps: [01:13]–[02:19]

• Iran Missile Strikes: Iran launches new attacks targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states amid U.S. claims of neutralizing the threat.
• Energy Disruption: Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz affects global energy supply.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Britain convenes a meeting with nearly three dozen countries—excluding the U.S.—about reopening the strait post-conflict.
• Trump Family Business Expansion:
  • President Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr. join drone company PowerUS, which is seeking contracts in the Gulf for its drone interceptors.
  • The Trump family’s business pursuits have broadened into new sectors since Trump’s return to office.
• Quote:

  “The Trumps have expanded their business interests rapidly beyond hotels and golf courses in a little over a year since their father took office again.”
  —Ryland Barton [01:58]

3. Labor & Amazon Unionization

Timestamps: [02:19]–[03:04]

• Teamsters Win at Amazon:
  • NLRB orders Amazon to recognize the union at its Staten Island warehouse and begin contract talks.
  • This follows Amazon’s years-long refusal to accept the results of a successful 2022 union election.
  • In 2024, the Amazon Labor Union allied with the Teamsters to strengthen its position.
• Challenge and Path Forward:
  • NLRB, with Trump-appointed members, rules that Amazon broke the law by refusing to negotiate.
  • NLRB lacks enforcement power—if Amazon refuses, further court action will be necessary.
• Quote:

  “The National Labor Relations Board, with its two new Trump appointees, has found that Amazon violated federal law by refusing to recognize and bargain with the union.”
  —Andrea Hsu [02:49]

4. Market & Economic Updates

Timestamps: [03:04]–[03:24]

• Market Close: Mixed results—S&P 500 slightly up, Dow down 0.1%.
• Holiday Note: Stock market to close for Good Friday.

5. Brazil’s New Anti-Deforestation Measures

Timestamps: [03:24]–[03:35]

• Policy Update: Brazilian banks must now check government satellite data to ensure properties applying for credit are not linked to illegal deforestation.
• Farmer Options: Landowners can dispute claims with legal paperwork or plans for ecological restoration.
• Minister’s Statement: Rule integrates rural lending with environmental conservation policies.

6. CDC Drug Warning: Metatomidine

Timestamps: [03:35]–[04:19]

• Drug Threat: The CDC warns about the spread of metatomidine—a strong sedative found with fentanyl, causing complex overdoses and severe withdrawal.
• Clinical Observations:
  • Naloxone can reverse fentanyl’s effects but not metatomidine’s sedation.
  • Patients remain unconscious and exhibit atypical symptoms.
  • There’s a tenfold increase in those needing ICU care for withdrawal.
• Regional Prevalence: Mostly reported in the Northeast, increasingly appearing in the Midwest and South.
• Quotes:

  “So people would start breathing again, but they wouldn’t wake up, even after people got naloxone or Narcan.”
  —Dr. Michael Lynch [04:01]
  “Patients also came in delirious, agitated with very high heart rates and not responding to typical medications.”
  —Dr. Michael Lynch [04:07]

7. U.S. Egg Prices Drop Sharply

Timestamps: [04:28]–[04:41]

• Market Shift: Egg prices fell 60% from 2025 record highs—$2.50/dozen in February 2026, versus $6.23/dozen last March.
• Reason: Poultry farmers have recovered from bird flu losses, increasing flock numbers.
• Impact: Lower prices ease costs for consumers ahead of Easter and Passover.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “Bondi had come under bipartisan criticism for a handling of the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.”
  —Ryan Lucas [00:48]

• “So people would start breathing again, but they wouldn’t wake up, even after people got naloxone or Narcan.”
  —Dr. Michael Lynch [04:01]

• “The Trumps have expanded their business interests rapidly beyond hotels and golf courses in a little over a year since their father took office again.”
  —Ryland Barton [01:58]

Important Timestamps

• [00:13] Attorney General Bondi out, Trump’s response & new acting AG
• [01:13] Iran attacks, drone business expansion by Trump family
• [02:19] Teamsters-Amazon union ruling
• [03:04] Stock market figures, Good Friday closure
• [03:24] Brazil’s deforestation credit checks
• [03:35] CDC warning on metatomidine/fentanyl overdoses
• [04:28] U.S. egg prices plummet after bird flu recovery

This episode provides listeners with a rapid-fire update on critical developments across government, labor, economics, global conflict, climate policy, public health, and daily-life consumer news.