NPR News Now: 04-05-2026, 8AM EDT

Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: April 5, 2026

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers headline news from around the world, covering escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, current U.S. tax refund trends, a significant milestone for NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, a peace plea from Pope Leo at the Vatican, and latest NCAA basketball tournament updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Middle East: Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon

• [00:31–01:48]

  • Israel launched airstrikes across southern Lebanon and suburbs of Beirut, aiming at Iran-backed Hezbollah after cross-border rocket attacks.
  • The Lebanese government reported at least 54 fatalities from these attacks.
  • In Dibil, a Christian village, civilians report living under siege as homes are destroyed and shelling continues.
  • United Nations peacekeepers formally protested after Israeli soldiers destroyed security cameras outside a UN base; previously, three UN peacekeepers were killed and several injured.
  • Hezbollah claimed it struck an Israeli warship, but the Israeli military hasn’t confirmed the incident.
  • Orders for evacuation extend beyond Lebanon’s south to include the country’s primary border crossing with Syria, which Israel also warns may be targeted.

  Notable Quote:

  • "Easter services are mixed with funerals as Israel bombs Lebanon south and demolishes homes there."
    — Lauren Frayer, [01:00]

2. U.S. News: Bigger Tax Refunds in 2026

• [01:48–02:46]

  • Tax Day is April 15; early filers are seeing average refunds up by about 11% compared to last year.
  • The increase is credited to last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” which provided deductions for tips, overtime, enhanced child tax credits, and a higher standard deduction.
  • Many recipients are channeling refunds into discretionary spending—travel, restaurants, and holidays.

  Notable Quote:

  • “People do treat themselves or book the holiday now they know they can afford it.”
    — David Tinsley, Bank of America Institute [02:33]

3. Space: Artemis 2 Mission Update

• [02:46–03:28]

  • The Artemis 2 crew has surpassed the halfway mark to the moon, targeting a lunar flyby before returning to Earth. Arrival at the moon’s proximity expected on Monday.
  • Crew will witness a total solar eclipse from lunar orbit—a rare cosmic vantage point.

  Notable Quote:

  • “The sun will pass behind the moon from their perspective, creating a solar eclipse from a perspective that is very, very unique to this mission.”
    — Kelsey Young, NASA [03:03]

  • The journey isn’t without issues: a malfunctioning toilet onboard forced mission control to instruct the crew to use backup urine collection bags.

  Memorable Moment:

  • “It’s a little bit of camping in space already, but then it makes the camping a little bit tougher when you don’t have the full capability of the toilet.”
    — John Honeycutt, NASA Manager [03:19]

4. Global: Pope Leo’s Easter Peace Appeal

• [03:28–04:32]

  • During Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo emphasized the need to resist normalizing violence and becoming apathetic toward ongoing conflicts.
  • He warned against indifference and urged “true peace” on Christianity’s most sacred celebration.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Humans are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it and becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people and, quote, repercussions of hatred.”
    — Pope Leo (as translated by Ruth Sherlock) [04:14]

5. Sports: NCAA Basketball Tournament Results

• [04:32–05:15]
  • Men’s: UConn beats Illinois 71–62, advancing to face Michigan in the finals, aiming for their seventh title since 1999.
  • Women’s: South Carolina ends UConn’s 54-game winning streak by winning 62–48; they will face UCLA, who beat Texas 51–44, in the championship.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon: [00:31–01:48]
• Tax Refunds and Consumer Spending: [01:48–02:46]
• Artemis 2 Moon Mission Updates: [02:46–03:28]
• Pope Leo’s Easter Appeal: [03:28–04:32]
• NCAA Basketball Results: [04:32–05:15]

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “Easter services are mixed with funerals as Israel bombs Lebanon south and demolishes homes there.” — Lauren Frayer [01:00]
• “People do treat themselves or book the holiday now they know they can afford it.” — David Tinsley [02:33]
• “The sun will pass behind the moon from their perspective, creating a solar eclipse from a perspective that is very, very unique to this mission.” — Kelsey Young [03:03]
• “It’s a little bit of camping in space already, but then it makes the camping a little bit tougher when you don’t have the full capability of the toilet.” — John Honeycutt [03:19]
• “Humans are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it and becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people and, quote, repercussions of hatred.” — Pope Leo (translated by Ruth Sherlock) [04:14]

This concise episode brings you top global stories and relevant insights, providing a snapshot of world events, science achievements, and sports headlines, as reported and analyzed by NPR’s trusted correspondents.