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NPR Transcripts

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Trump and Iran Talks, Iran Reacts to Ship Seized, Tariff Refunds

Published on April 20, 2026

The U.S. fired on and seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to break through the naval blockade. Iran calls it piracy and vows to retaliate with the ceasefire set to expire Wednesday. Iran is back to blocking the Strait of Hormuz as both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire and a new round of talks in Pakistan have yet to be confirmed by Tehran. And businesses can finally start applying today for refunds on $166 billion in tariffs the Supreme Court ruled were collected illegally, in what could be a scramble for hundreds of thousands of importers.Correction: A previous version of the story "Iran reacts to ship seized" incorrectly said the death toll in Lebanon was more than 1,000. It is more than 2,000.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Ruth Sherlock, Rafael Nam, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Lindsay Totty.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Trump and Iran Talks(05:34) Iran Reacts to Ship Seized(09:30) Tariff Refunds

Morning Edition

Got wearable data? Your doctor can help you connect the dots

Published on April 20, 2026

The American Academy of Neurology issued guidance on using wearable data devices, like smartwatches or an Oura Ring, to track key health metrics that can help flag serious conditions.

Morning Edition

'The Long Run' chronicles the rise of running

Published on April 20, 2026

NPR's A Martinez talks to running coach Martin Dugard about his new book, "The Long Run," which details the growth of major marathon races and the cultural shifts that made running popular.

Morning Edition

Businesses that paid Trump's tariffs can now apply for refunds

Published on April 20, 2026

Importers who paid tariffs that were later struck down by the Supreme Court can start applying for refunds Monday. The government has been ordered to return $160B that were unlawfully collected.

Make the most of a high-deductible health plan

Published on April 20, 2026

Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your deductible)? Or that you might be able to invest the money in your HSA? This episode, KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér shares tips on getting the most out of your HDHP.Have a question about navigating the health care system? Contact us here and you might be part of an upcoming episode of Health Care Helpline.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

Is anyone gonna do anything about these Iran War trades?

Published on April 20, 2026

Traders have made millions betting on the Iran War. They are also suspiciously timed. No public information, then boom: a Truth Social post from President Trump. Cue fat windfalls for the traders. It’s starting to look a lot like insider trading. On today’s show, suspicious bets on the Iran War. And are federal regulators or prosecutors looking into these trades … is anyone?Come see Planet Money live on stage! 12 cities. Details and tix here: planetmoneybook.com/#tourRelated episodes: Did Trump enable insider trading?Do traders who place big bets make big money?How much is the Iran war costing us?For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.

In Southeast Asia, these voicemails save lives

Published on April 20, 2026

For residents of Prek Touch, Cambodia — right on the banks of the Mekong River — flooding is a regular part of life. But as those floods worsen due to climate change, it’s getting harder to adapt. Along with other flood-prone regions throughout Southeast Asia, government officials are facing an issue: how to deliver widespread weather warnings in a timely, effective way. One solution that’s working for Prek Touch? Voicemails. Today on the show, NPR climate correspondent Rebecca Hersher explains how a simple phone alert can prompt preparation, increase evacuation, and save lives.Interested in more stories about natural disaster preparedness? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

All Things Considered

Will the DHS shutdown affect security for the World Cup?

Published on April 19, 2026

The FIFA World Cup is a little over 50 days away. NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to former Department of Homeland Security official Juliette Kayyem about the security concerns people have about hosting the tournament in America in this moment.

The DHS shutdown and U.S. immigration policies could hinder the World Cup

Published on April 19, 2026

The FIFA 2026 World Cup kicks off in June and 11 American host cities are getting ready for an influx of fans. Juliette Kayyem, a national security expert and former DHS official, examines how the partial government shutdown has impacted preparedness for the mega event.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Henry Larson and Jeffrey Pierre. It was edited by Sarah Robbins. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

All Things Considered

8 children killed in a shooting in Louisiana, police say

Published on April 19, 2026

The suspect was the father of seven of the children killed, police said. The victims ranged in age from 1 to about 14 years old, according to police in Shreveport, La. A total of 10 people were shot.

Weekend Edition Sunday

Sunday Puzzle: For Mimi

Published on April 19, 2026

NPR's Elissa Nadworny plays the puzzle with WMEH listener Chee Sing Lee and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.

Weekend Edition Sunday

Julia Langbein discusses her comic novel 'Dear Monica Lewinsky'

Published on April 19, 2026

A woman tries to make sense of her inappropriate college affair with the help of an unusual saint. NPR's Elissa Nadworny talks with Julia Langbein about her comic novel, "Dear Monica Lewinsky."

Sunday Puzzle: For Mimi

Published on April 19, 2026

NPR's Elissa Nadworny plays the puzzle with WMEH listener Chee Sing Lee and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.

Weekend Edition Sunday

Businesses race to apply for tariff refunds

Published on April 19, 2026

Exactly two months after the Supreme Court struck down most of President Trump's tariffs, businesses that paid those levies began requesting refunds Monday.

In one Iowa city, public schools compete in the free market. Are students better off?

Published on April 19, 2026

Public education used to enjoy strong bipartisan support, but across the country, there’s a growing push to offer students alternatives to traditional public schools. The idea behind “school choice” is that competition improves education. President Trump and Republicans have attacked public education for failing students and for being too “woke,” while Democrats who strongly oppose school choice often dismiss valid criticism of public schools.Today on The Sunday Story, NPR education correspondent Cory Turner travels to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to understand how school choice can change a city's education landscape. Are students better served when schools compete in a free market?You can find more of Cory's reporting from Cedar Rapids here.

Covering the affordability crisis

Published on April 18, 2026

President Trump has called the affordability crisis a hoax, but the data shows the burden of rising costs really matters to Americans. NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks about covering affordability issues and meeting people who struggle to find secure housing - or enough food to eat. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Henry Larson. It was edited by Sarah Robbins. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

All Things Considered

What Viktor Orbán's loss means for the future of global populism

Published on April 18, 2026

NPR's Rob Schmitz speaks with Anne Applebaum of The Atlantic about what Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's electoral loss means for the future of right-wing populist movements around the world.

Hormuz Latest, Trump Rallies Amid Sinking Approval, Tariff Refunds

Published on April 18, 2026

Iran says it is clamping back down on the Strait of Hormuz, putting the ceasefire at risk. President Trump appeared at a rally at an Arizona megachurch. Businesses are preparing for Monday's launch of an online portal for tariff refunds.