NPR News: 04-12-2026 3AM EDT

Summary

---

NPR News Now – April 12, 2026, 3AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Producer: NPR
Episode Theme: A concise 5-minute roundup of key global and national news, including Middle Eastern tensions, space exploration milestones, ongoing investigations into police shootings, U.S. politics, American Jewish views on Israel, and college basketball highlights.

---

Main Highlights & Key Segments

1. U.S.–Iran Negotiations and Strait of Hormuz Tensions

• [00:27–01:43]
  • Stalemate in Talks: Diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, held in Pakistan, ended without agreement.
    • Quote: “No agreement was reached. He says a major roadblock was Iran not agreeing to end their nuclear weapons program in the Middle East.” – Dale Willman ([00:37])
  • Strait of Hormuz Update: Two U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers passed through the heavily contested Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the Iran war began six weeks prior.
    • Actions Taken: U.S. Central Command is now working on clearing Iranian sea mines blocking this major crude oil supply route.
    • Economic Impact: The blockage has led to global energy concerns and caused spikes in oil and natural gas prices.
    • Quote: “The Defense Department says two Navy guided missile destroyers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as the critical water passageway has become a key landmark in the ongoing conflict.” – Ilana Wise ([01:04])
    • More Forces Coming: Additional U.S. forces will assist in mine-clearance in the coming days.

---

2. Artemis II Crew Returns – NASA’s Lunar Milestone

• [01:43–02:13]
  • Artemis II’s Emotional Homecoming: The four crew members safely returned to Houston; it was NASA’s first lunar flyby in over 50 years.
  • Personal Impact: Commander Reid Wiseman reflected on the unique and profound nature of the mission.
    • Quote: “Victor, Christina and Jeremy, we are bonded forever, and no one down here is ever going to know what the four of us just went through. And it was the most special thing that will ever happen in my life.” – Reid Wiseman ([01:57])

---

3. ICE Shootings Investigation Dispute in Minneapolis

• [02:13–03:25]
  • Information Withheld: Months after federal immigration agents killed two people and wounded a third during an ICE operation, federal officials have released little information.
  • State vs. Federal Tensions: Minnesota sued the Trump administration, accusing it of withholding evidence; there will not be a joint state–federal probe as was expected.
  • Victims:
    • Renee Good – Killed by an ICE officer; DHS says the case is still being investigated.
    • Julio Sosa Solis – Survived; internal investigation underway.
    • Alex Preddy – Killed by Border Patrol; DOJ is leading the probe.
  • Quote: “Anytime law enforcement takes the life of a community member, it's really important that there be a thorough and complete investigation.” – Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney ([02:48])

---

4. California Politics: Eric Swalwell Accusations

• [03:25–04:05]
  • Support Withheld: Key supporters of Representative Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid are distancing themselves following sexual assault allegations.
  • Allegations: Reported twice, including once involving a former staffer. The reports have not been independently confirmed by NPR.
  • Response: Swalwell, a Democrat, denies all allegations and says his campaign will continue.
  • Political Impact: The Democratic primary remains scheduled for June 2.

---

5. American Jews: Israel and Political Attitudes

• [04:05–04:44]
  • Poll Results:
    • 86% of American Jews are “generally pro-Israel.”
    • Less than a quarter are both pro-Israel and supportive of current Israeli government policies.
    • Nearly two-thirds are pro-Israel but critical of government policies.
    • Few are closely following pro-Israel groups’ involvement in U.S. elections.
    • Quote: “Nearly two thirds identify as pro Israel and critical of at least some of the Israeli government's policies.” – Jason DeRose ([04:18])
  • Methodology: Surveyed 800 respondents in mid-March.

---

6. NCAA Basketball: University of Michigan’s Triumph

• [04:44–05:08]
  • Celebration: University of Michigan’s basketball team received recognition for beating UConn (69–63) in the recent NCAA title game.
  • Coach Dusty May: Rewarded with a new contract in his second year; team showed dramatic improvement (from an 8–24 to a 37–3 record).
  • Quote: “The school's athletic director says coach Dusty May has received a new contract following the win... The Wolverines were 37 and 3.” – Dale Willman ([04:53])

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Victor, Christina and Jeremy, we are bonded forever, and no one down here is ever going to know what the four of us just went through.” – Reid Wiseman ([01:57])
• “Anytime law enforcement takes the life of a community member, it's really important that there be a thorough and complete investigation.” – Mary Moriarty ([02:48])
• “Nearly two thirds identify as pro Israel and critical of at least some of the Israeli government's policies.” – Jason DeRose ([04:18])

---

Listen to this episode for a brisk yet thorough rundown of some of the most pressing domestic and international stories as the week begins.

Transcript

[DSW Announcer]

This message comes from Designer Shoe Warehouse. You know that feeling when you find shoes you love at a great price and want to tell everyone about it? Find something to brag about at Designer Shoe Warehouse, like the latest styles from brands you love, the trends everyone's obsessing over, and shoes that make you feel like you. Head to a DSW store or dsw.com today for shoes that get you at prices that get your budget. Dsw.

[Dale Willman]

Let us surprise you live from NPR News. I'm Dale Willman. Negotiations between the US And Iran have ended in Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance led the US Delegation and says no agreement was reached. He says a major roadblock was Iran not agreeing to end their nuclear weapons program in the Middle East. The US Says two warships have passed through the hotly contested Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a major conduit for crude oil supplies leaving the Middle east and and traffic has been blocked for weeks. As NPR's Ilana Wise reports, it's the first transit of American warships since the start of the Iran war six weeks ago.

[Ilana Wise]

The Defense Department says two Navy guided missile destroyers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as the critical water passageway has become a key landmark in the ongoing conflict. US Central Command said that the US Forces had begun setting conditions to clear Iranian sea mines planted throughout the waterway. The blockage of the strait has led to global energy concerns and spikes in the prices of oil and natural gas. Central Command said additional American forces would join in helping to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines in the coming days. Ilana Wise, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

The crew from Artemis II is now back in Houston, where they received a big welcome Saturday from their NASA support team. It was an emotional return for the four crew members. U.S. team Commander Reid Wiseman struggled to say just what the truth to the moon meant for him.

[Reid Wiseman]

Victor, Christina and Jeremy, we are bonded forever, and no one down here is ever going to know what the four of us just went through. And it was the most special thing that will ever happen in my life.

[Dale Willman]

The trip was NASA's first lunar flyby in more than 50 years, months after federal immigration agents killed two people and wounded a third during the ice surge in Minneapolis. Federal officials have released very little information about investigations into the shootings. Minnesota officials expected a joint probe with the federal government, but as NPR's Meg Anderson reports, that's not what's happening.

[Meg Anderson]

Minnesota sued the Trump administration in March, accusing it of withholding evidence in the shootings. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

[Mary Moriarty]

Anytime law enforcement takes the life of a community member, it's really important that there be a thorough and complete investigation.

[Meg Anderson]

In the case of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE officer, the Department of Homeland Security told npr, quote, the matter remains under investigation for Julio Sosa Solis, who was shot and survived. DHS said an internal investigation is underway for Alex Preddy, killed by Border Patrol agents. DHS said the Justice Department is leading the probe. NPR reached out to the DOJ but did not hear back. Meg Anderson, NPR News.

[Dale Willman]

And you're listening to NPR News. Major supporters of California Representative Eric Swalwell's bid for governor are now withholding that support. The move comes following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including once when she worked for him. Those allegations were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle but have not been independently confirmed by npr. Swallow While a Democrat has denied the allegations and says his campaign will continue, the primary election will take place on June 2. A large majority of American Jews are both pro Israel and critical of Israeli government policies. NPR's Jason DeRose reports on a new poll of American Jews.

[Jason DeRose]

The Jewish Electorate Institute found an overwhelming 86% of American Jews describe themselves as generally pro Israel. However, fewer than one quarter say they are both pro Israel and supportive of Israeli policies. Nearly two thirds identify as pro Israel and critical of at least some of the Israeli government's policies. Despite extensive media coverage of the involvement of pro Israel groups in recent US Primaries, few American Jews say they've been following the involvement closely. Fewer than four in 10 say they have at least heard about these efforts. The survey involved 800American Jews in mid March. Jason DeRose, NPR News, ANN Arbor.

[Dale Willman]

Celebrated the Michigan University basketball team on Saturday. The Wolverines beat UConn 6963 in the NCAA title match earlier this month. The school's athletic director says coach Dusty May has received a new contract following the win. May is in his second year with Michigan. He had inherited a team that went 8 and 24 this year. The Wolverines were 37 and 3. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.

[CFP Sponsor Announcer]

This message comes from NPR sponsor CFP certified financial planner professionals committed to acting in their clients best interests. Learn [e-mail].