NPR News Now – April 11, 2026, 10PM EDT

Brief Overview

This episode delivers rapid updates on key international and domestic developments, including tense US-Iran talks in Pakistan, military maneuvers in the Middle East, a new agreement on counter-drone lasers between US agencies, NASA’s Artemis II milestone, the preservation of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and a Picasso raffle in France.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Iran Talks in Pakistan Fail to Reach Agreement

[00:01–00:44]

• Host Jeanine Herbst reports that high-stakes talks between US and Iranian officials ended in Islamabad without an agreement to end the ongoing war.
• Vice President Vance emphasizes the intensity and length of negotiations:
  • Quote: "We've had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That's the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America." (B, 00:16)
  • Vance underscores US "red lines," affirming what the US will and won’t accept, claiming the US position was made "as clear as we possibly could."
• The talks came after a temporary and fragile ceasefire was announced.

2. President Trump Downplays the Summit Outcome

[00:44–01:04]

• President Trump comments prior to conclusion of the talks:
  • Quote: "I'm getting a lot of reports. They've been meeting for many hours, as you probably have noticed. We'll see what happens. Regardless, we win. Regardless what happens, we win." (C, 00:53)
• Trump spoke from the White House before departing for Florida, projecting an air of confidence regardless of diplomatic results.

3. Military Developments in the Middle East

[01:04–01:50]

• US Navy:
  • Two Navy warships sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling continued US presence.
• Lebanon:
  • US-brokered talks are planned amid ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
  • Despite presidential pressure, Israel continues its airstrikes; “hundreds have been killed,” according to official sources.
  • A historic diplomatic contact occurred between the Lebanese ambassador in Washington and his Israeli counterpart—the first since 1983.

4. FAA and Pentagon Resolve Counter-Drone Laser Dispute

[01:50–02:30]

• Reporter Joel Rose explains a new agreement:
  • The FAA and Pentagon finished a safety assessment of the high-energy counter-drone laser system, declaring it “does not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft.”
  • Quote: “The FAA was not sure about that back in February, the agency briefly shut down the airspace around El Paso after The Pentagon permitted U.S. customs and Border Protection to use a counter drone laser system before the FAA had completed its safety review.” (D, 01:50)
  • Coordination has improved following confused shutdowns earlier in the year.

5. Artemis II Crew Celebrated in Houston

[02:30–02:55]

• Artemis II astronauts received a celebratory welcome at NASA Johnson Space Center.
• Vanessa Weisch, Center Director, highlights a milestone:
  • Quote: “For the very first time, Orion's life support systems were tested with astronauts on board. An essential mission milestone for deep space when we go there further and further ahead.” (E, 02:41)
• The successful life support test signifies progress for upcoming lunar missions.

6. Institute of Museum and Library Services Protected

[02:55–03:54]

• A legal settlement secures continued operations for the Institute of Museum and Library Services after efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle it. (F, 03:25)
• Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association, stresses the importance:
  • Quote: “We now can continue to focus on funding our libraries, showing up for our libraries and promoting literacy and lifelong learning, which is what we're all about.” (G, 03:45)
• The settlement ensures ongoing grants, protects jobs, and ends targeted attempts to dismantle the agency.

7. Raffle for a Picasso Raises Funds for Alzheimer’s

[04:00–04:40]

• A French raffle offers the chance to win Picasso’s Tête de Femme (1941).
• Tickets: €100 each, capped at 120,000, with the draw at Christie’s Paris.
• Proceeds support Alzheimer’s research; past raffles raised over €10 million for cultural and humanitarian causes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Vice President Vance on the failed Iran talks:
  "The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. ... We've made very clear what our red lines are, ... and they have chosen not to accept our terms." (B, 00:16)
• President Trump on the diplomatic standoff:
  "Regardless what happens, we win." (C, 00:53)
• FAA-Pentagon coordination resolved:
  "The FAA and the Pentagon say they've completed that safety review after watching demonstrations of the system last month." (D, 01:50)
• Vanessa Weisch, NASA:
  "Orion's life support systems were tested with astronauts on board. An essential mission milestone for deep space..." (E, 02:41)
• Sam Helmick, ALA:
  "We now can continue to focus on funding our libraries, ... and promoting literacy and lifelong learning, which is what we're all about." (G, 03:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – US-Iran talks end without agreement
• 00:44 – President Trump’s remarks
• 01:04 – US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz; Lebanon conflict update
• 01:50 – FAA & Pentagon finalize counter-drone laser systems assessment
• 02:30 – Artemis II crew welcomed in Houston
• 02:55 – Library agency saved through settlement
• 04:00 – France's Picasso raffle for Alzheimer's research

Summary

This packed episode underscores a week of diplomatic frustrations, military posturing, scientific milestones, and civic wins. The US government’s stance with Iran remains hardline, while Middle East conflicts persist despite international appeals. Agency cooperation in drone defense improves, lunar exploration advances with NASA, a key federal cultural agency is preserved, and art history meets philanthropy with a unique Picasso raffle.