NPR News: 03-25-2026 12AM EDT

Senate Republicans are proposing a way to resolve the ongoing Homeland Security Department shutdown, but President Trump and Democrats have rejected it. The episode also covers US military deployments amid war with Iran, related spikes in fertilizer and fuel costs straining agriculture, the shutdown of a popular AI video generator amid deepfake concerns, a large penalty against Meta over child safety risks, NASA's shift away from a lunar orbiting station toward a permanent moon base, and a drop in crude oil prices.

DHS Shutdown Negotiations Stall

Top Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune, are circulating a plan to end the month-plus shutdown of the Homeland Security Department by funding most operations except the ICE unit handling removal operations. Thune suggested deferring ICE funding to a later party-line reconciliation bill, potentially alongside parts of Trump's desired voting law overhaul. However, Trump dismissed the idea, stating he was "pretty much not happy" with any deal they might make. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also declined support, emphasizing the need for reforms. Negotiations continue with exchanges between Democrats and the White House, but the whiplash has left the shutdown unresolved.