NPR News Now – 04-03-2026 5AM EDT

Host: Dave Mattingly
Date: April 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This five-minute news segment from NPR News Now provides succinct updates on several major domestic and international developments. Featured topics include a shakeup at the U.S. Department of Justice, escalating U.S.-Iran tensions following airstrikes, significant changes in Iran's policy over the Strait of Hormuz, humanitarian developments in Cuba, U.S. economic indicators, new details on California's only nuclear power plant, and NCAA basketball tournament updates.

Key Discussion Points

1. U.S. Attorney General Shakeup

Timestamp: 00:01–00:58

• News: Attorney General Pam Bondi is out after 14 months. The president announced her departure on social media.
• Criticism: Bondi faced bipartisan criticism for her handling of Jeffrey Epstein case files, and external pressure to prosecute Trump’s political enemies.
• Leadership Change: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch, former Trump personal lawyer, appointed as acting Attorney General.
• Quote (Ryan Lucas, NPR):

  "Bondi had come under bipartisan criticism for for a handling of the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She's also been pressed by Trump to aggressively go after the president's perceived political enemies. And under Bondi's leadership, the Justice Department has investigated and even prosecuted some of Trump's critics. But those cases have foundered in court or before grand juries." (00:15)

2. U.S.-Iran Tensions & Operation Epic Fury

Timestamp: 00:58–02:00

• Military Strike: President Trump says U.S. forces destroyed one of Iran's largest bridges amid ongoing Operation Epic Fury.
• Impact: The B1 bridge near Tehran was attacked while under construction, killing eight people, according to Iran's IRGC.
• Escalation: IRGC threatens to retaliate against major regional bridges. Multiple Iranian cities hit by airstrikes overnight.
• Civilian Infrastructure: Trump threatens more attacks, including on power plants, if Iran doesn’t open the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iranian Opposition: Criticism from Iranians opposed to their government, including notable opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.
• Quote (Emily Feng, NPR):

  "Trump has threatened the US Will hit more civilian infrastructure, including power plants in Iran, by next week if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz, a threat that's been criticized by many Iranians who oppose Iran's current regime, including opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former shah." (01:34)

3. Iran's New Strait of Hormuz Tariff

Timestamp: 02:00–02:25

• Policy: Iran will begin charging ships up to $2 million to pass through the key maritime route, increasing its assertion of sovereignty.
• Global Impact: Will affect the movement and cost of oil and gas worldwide.

4. Cuba’s Prisoner Release

Timestamp: 02:25–02:50

• Context: Cuba to pardon and release over 2,000 prisoners during Holy Week.
• Political Angle: The move is described as a "humanitarian gesture," with Cuban authorities denying political pressure from the U.S. and claims of holding political prisoners.

5. U.S. Economic Updates

Timestamp: 02:50–03:21

• Jobs Report: Unemployment rate expected to remain at 4.4%. March saw an estimated addition of 60,000 jobs.
• Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac reports fifth consecutive week of rising 30-year fixed mortgage rates, now at 6.46%.

6. Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant Extension

Timestamp: 03:21–04:08

• News: California’s sole nuclear plant, Diablo Canyon, receives federal approval for twenty more years of operation, possibly until 2045.
• Debate: Ongoing legislative debates about extending its life further.
• Significance: The plant produces nearly 10% of California’s electricity.
• Concern: Without Diablo Canyon, meeting California’s clean energy targets could be at risk, potentially leading to blackouts.
• Quote (Congressman Carbajal):

  "We could have more blackouts. We could be in a challenging predicament not having the energy reliance that we need here in the state of California." (03:35)

7. NCAA Basketball Tournament Updates

Timestamp: 04:08–04:40

• Women’s Final Four (Phoenix): South Carolina vs. UConn, Texas vs. UCLA; winners play for championship Sunday.
• Men’s Final Four (Indianapolis): Illinois vs. UConn, Michigan vs. Arizona; championship game Monday.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ryan Lucas on Bondi's DOJ tenure:
  "But those cases have foundered in court or before grand juries. Now Bondi is out, and Trump says Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch, a former personal lawyer for Trump, will take over leading the department for now on an acting basis." (00:48)
• Emily Feng on American threats against Iran:
  "Trump has threatened the US Will hit more civilian infrastructure, including power plants in Iran, by next week if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz..." (01:34)
• Congressman Carbajal on Diablo Canyon:
  "We could have more blackouts. We could be in a challenging predicament not having the energy reliance that we need here in the state of California." (03:35)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:01 — DOJ shakeup and Bondi’s ouster
• 00:58 — U.S. airstrikes on Iran; Operation Epic Fury
• 02:00 — Iran’s new Strait of Hormuz shipping fees
• 02:25 — Cuba’s Good Friday prisoner release
• 02:50 — U.S. jobs & mortgage news
• 03:21 — Diablo Canyon plant extension
• 04:08 — NCAA basketball tournament updates

This concise bulletin captures fast-evolving events across politics, international relations, economics, and sports, providing a snap shot of global headlines as of April 3, 2026, 5AM EDT.