NPR News Now: April 18, 2026, 12PM EDT — Episode Summary

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise, five-minute update on major national and global news stories as of April 18, 2026. The broadcast, hosted by Nora Ram, covers escalating military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, key U.S. policy shifts regarding Russian oil sanctions, new executive action on psychedelic drugs for mental health, ongoing conflicts and migration updates in Africa, and labor developments in New York City.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz

[00:29–01:34]

• Main Developments:

  • At least three commercial vessels flagged from India and the UK came under fire following Iran's new military restrictions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on an oil tanker (no casualties or fires reported).
  • Iran's National Security Council asserted their determination to control Hormuz "until the war is definitively ended and lasting peace is achieved."
  • Regional and U.S. officials (including President Trump) seek to extend a fragile ceasefire with Iran.

• Memorable Quote:

  • C (Dewey Biskarin):
    "Iran is determined to exercise supervision and control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the war is definitively ended and lasting peace is achieved." [01:05]

2. U.S. Extends Pause on Russian Oil Sanctions

[01:34–02:34]

• Main Developments:

  • The Biden administration reverses an earlier decision, now extending a pause on sanctions for Russian oil for an additional month, aiming to stabilize global energy prices during ongoing hostilities with Iran.
  • The policy continues to allow countries to purchase previously sanctioned Russian oil.
  • Russian officials frame the decision as acknowledgment of Russia's crucial role in global energy markets, suggesting a significant boost in Russian oil exports.
  • Critics warn that this provides financial benefit to Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

• Notable Quote:

  • D (Charles Maynes, paraphrasing Kirill Dmitriev):
    "The move amounted to an acknowledgment of the crucial role of Russian energy in maintaining the stability of the global economy." [02:05]

3. Executive Order Eases Access to Psychedelic Drugs for Mental Health

[02:34–03:24]

• Main Developments:

  • President Trump signs an executive order urging the FDA to fast-track the review of psychedelics like psilocybin and ibogaine for mental health treatments, especially targeting veteran and military populations.
  • The drugs, currently Schedule 1, could be more rapidly rescheduled if approved by the FDA.
  • Recent medical studies highlighted psychedelics’ effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety.

• Notable Quote:

  • E (Danielle Kurtzleben):
    "Trump said the order directs the FDA to expedite the review of certain drugs like psilocybin and ibogaine... [and] would expedite the rescheduling of those drugs if they are FDA approved." [02:52]

4. U.S. Sanctions Related to Sudan & Migration Update

[03:24–04:43]

• Main Developments:

  • U.S. imposes sanctions on three individuals and two companies accused of recruiting Colombian mercenaries for the Sudanese paramilitary group RSF.
  • The UN characterizes the Sudan conflict as a major humanitarian crisis.
  • The first group of migrants recently expelled from the U.S. under a bilateral pact has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their stay will be temporary, and much about the deal remains undisclosed.
  • The U.S.—Congo partnership comes as Washington seeks to mediate peace in Eastern Congo, following previous economic agreements.

• Notable Quotes:

  • F (Emmett Livingstone):
    "The Congolese government said 15 people had arrived so far and that their stay will be temporary. The US government will foot the bill otherwise." [04:12]
    "The deal has come under fierce criticism in Congo, where millions of people have been displaced by conflict." [04:34]

5. New York City Doorman Strike Averted

[04:43–05:08]

• Main Developments:

  • A major strike involving New York City’s doormen, porters, and superintendents is averted as the union reaches a tentative agreement with building owners.
  • This would have been the first strike since 1991, with disputes centered on wages and healthcare. Specifics of the agreement remain confidential.

• Notable Quote:

  • B (Nora Ram):
    "Members had threatened to walk off the job Tuesday over wages and health care in the first strike since 1991. Terms of the agreement have not been made public." [04:56]

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Dewey Biskarin [01:05]:
  "Iran is determined to exercise supervision and control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the war is definitively ended and lasting peace is achieved."

• Charles Maynes relaying Kirill Dmitriev [02:05]:
  "The move amounted to an acknowledgment of the crucial role of Russian energy in maintaining the stability of the global economy."

• Danielle Kurtzleben [02:52]:
  "Trump said the order directs the FDA to expedite the review of certain drugs like psilocybin and ibogaine... [and] would expedite the rescheduling of those drugs if they are FDA approved."

• Emmett Livingstone [04:34]:
  "The deal has come under fierce criticism in Congo, where millions of people have been displaced by conflict."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Military Tensions in Strait of Hormuz: 00:29–01:34
• Russian Oil Sanctions Pause Extended: 01:34–02:34
• Executive Action on Psychedelic Drugs: 02:34–03:24
• Sudan Conflict/Migration Update: 03:24–04:43
• NYC Doorman Strike Averted: 04:43–05:08

In Summary

This compact newscast offers crucial updates on global security, shifting U.S. foreign and domestic policies, innovations in mental health treatment regulations, and labor negotiations in New York City. Each news story highlights rapidly evolving developments with global implications, providing listeners a snapshot of current events and policy decisions shaping the world today.