NPR News Now: April 14, 2026, 4 AM EDT

Host: Giles Snyder (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode covers major global and national stories in five minutes. Highlights include President Trump’s ongoing feud with Pope Leo over the Iran war, the economic ripple effects of conflict in the Middle East on U.S. farmers, a significant LGBTQ+ rights development at the Stonewall National Monument, political shifts in Canada, notable updates from the WNBA draft, and the passing of a legendary children’s TV creator.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump Clashes with Pope Leo over Iran (00:13–01:30)

• Trump’s Remarks on Pope Leo:

  • President Trump refuses to apologize for criticizing Pope Leo’s stance against the Iran war, stating:

    “You cannot have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result. You have hundreds of millions of people dead and it’s not going to happen. ... So I can’t, I think he’s very weak on crime and other things.”
    (President Trump, 00:29)

• Context:

  • The feud escalated after both social media and public comments from Trump.
  • Pope Leo responded publicly, asserting he does not fear the Trump administration.

• Controversial Image:

  • President Trump also addressed a now-deleted social media post depicting him as a Jesus-like figure, claiming:

    “…thought it showed him as a doctor.”
    (paraphrased, NPR News Anchor, 00:47)

• Iranian Blockade:

  • The U.S. has enacted a blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after failed talks in Islamabad.

2. Hudson Valley Farmers Feel the Pinch of Iran Conflict (01:30–02:23)

• Rising Agriculture Costs:

  • Fertilizer prices in New York have risen from $400 to $580 per ton due to disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a third of global fertilizer shipments.

• Diesel Prices:

  • Fuel costs up by about $2 per gallon since last year.

• Food Price Outlook:

  • Amanda Powers, New York Farm Bureau:

    “All of this means people will have to pay more for groceries.”
    (Amanda Powers via Elias Guerrera, 01:30)

  • NPR Anchor adds:

    “If you have fewer crops being planted. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that the prices are going to be higher in the grocery store.”
    (NPR News Anchor, 02:05)

• Impact:

  • New York, a major dairy producer, is particularly affected.

3. Pride Flag to Fly Permanently at Stonewall National Monument (02:23–03:12)

• Federal Court Settlement:

  • Trump administration allows the Pride flag to be flown permanently at the Stonewall National Monument.

• Local Reaction:

  • Steady visitors at Stonewall to photograph the flag.

  • Rose Barter (visitor from Homer Glen, IL):

    “I have actually been dreaming of coming here for over 20 years, I guess since about 2000.”
    (Rose Barter, 02:48)

  • Matthew McMorrow (adviser to plaintiffs):

    “It should have never come down.”
    (Matthew McMorrow, 02:52) “We fought back and we won. And I think that’s an important message to everyone who’s under attack by this administration.”
    (Matthew McMorrow, 02:59)

• Significance:

  • The Pride flag will remain a symbol at the birthplace of the gay rights movement.

4. Political Update: Mark Carney Wins Majority in Canada (03:12–03:56)

• Canadian Politics:

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party achieves a decisive majority after two special election wins.
  • Liberals now hold 173 out of 343 seats.

• Implications:

  • Carney claims this majority will strengthen his position in dealings affected by President Trump.

5. WNBA Draft Highlights (03:56–04:40)

• First Pick:

  • The Dallas Wing selects UConn star guard Azzi Fudd first overall, making her the seventh UConn player to receive this honor.

• Other Top Picks:

  • Minnesota Lynx pick Olivia Miles of TCU.
  • Three UCLA seniors—Lauren Betts (Mystics), Gabriela Jaquez (Sky), Kiki Rice (Toronto Tempo)—selected consecutively.

• Expansion:

  • Two new franchises: the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire join the league.

6. Children’s TV Icon Sid Croft Passes Away (04:40–04:56)

• Obituary:
  • Sid Croft, co-creator of the iconic 1960s show “H.R. Pufnstuf,” has died at 96.
  • His passing was announced by friend/business partner Kelly Killian on Instagram.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on the Pope’s Criticism:

  “You cannot have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result. You have hundreds of millions of people dead and it’s not going to happen.”
  (President Trump, 00:29)

• Amanda Powers on Food Prices:

  “All of this means people will have to pay more for groceries.”
  (Amanda Powers, 01:30)

• Matthew McMorrow on Legal Victory:

  “It should have never come down. ... We fought back and we won. And I think that’s an important message to everyone who’s under attack by this administration.”
  (Matthew McMorrow, 02:52—02:59)

• Rose Barter on Visiting Stonewall:

  “I have actually been dreaming of coming here for over 20 years, I guess since about 2000.”
  (Rose Barter, 02:48)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump–Pope Leo Feud and Iran Update — 00:13–01:30
• Hudson Valley Farmers & Economic Impact — 01:30–02:23
• Stonewall National Monument, LGBTQ+ Rights — 02:23–03:12
• Canada Politics: Carney's Win — 03:12–03:56
• WNBA Draft Highlights — 03:56–04:40
• Sid Croft Obituary — 04:40–04:56

This episode provides a concise yet comprehensive look at major political, economic, cultural, and sports developments both in the U.S. and internationally, with strong local color and direct voices from those affected by the news.