NPR News: 04-04-2026 3AM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast from early April 4, 2026, delivers a snapshot of developments dominated by the five-week-old US-Iran war, including aircraft losses and related fuel price hikes, alongside federal budget proposals, a NASA milestone, housing affordability challenges for seniors, and college basketball tournament previews.

Escalations in US-Iran Conflict

Iran downed two US aircraft in separate incidents on Friday, marking the first losses of American planes in the ongoing war. The first was an A-10 Thunderbolt II, known as the Warthog, with its pilot successfully rescued. The second, an F-15E Strike Eagle carrying two pilots, saw one rescued while the other remains missing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US retains control of Iranian airspace, enabling the deployment of B-52 bombers for strikes. This follows a prior incident last month where an F-35 was hit—likely by a missile—sustaining heavy damage but managing to return safely with its pilot intact. These events highlight vulnerabilities in close air support and fighter operations despite US air superiority claims, potentially complicating ground efforts and pilot recovery logistics.