NPR News: 03-23-2026 2AM EDT

This NPR News Now update covers a range of developments, from escalating U.S.-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz to domestic challenges like airport staffing shortages amid a government shutdown and severe flooding in Hawaii. Other reports touch on violence in the Middle East, a new world happiness ranking, and a skier's career finale.

Airport Collision and Staffing Shifts

An Air Canada flight collided late evening with a Port Authority vehicle at New York's LaGuardia Airport, marking the top story at the hour with no further details released. Separately, the Department of Homeland Security plans to deploy hundreds of ICE agents to U.S. airports starting Monday. This follows President Trump's order amid weekend slowdowns caused by TSA agents absent without paychecks due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. Congress allocated billions for ICE under GOP control, enabling it to pay agents and maintain operations, while the broader DHS—including TSA—faces funding gaps. Trump is reallocating personnel within DHS to address immediate staffing shortages and delays. However, the TSA workers' union president criticized the plan, noting ICE agents lack training for airport screening duties.