NPR News: 04-05-2026 12AM EDT

In the midst of the ongoing war with Iran, this NPR News Now broadcast reports on a missing American pilot, disruptions to airport security from staffing shortages, updates from the Artemis II astronauts nearing the moon, Senegal's response to surging oil prices, and President Trump's proposed budget changes for airport screening.

Missing US Pilot After Plane Shoot-Downs in Iran

An F-15E fighter jet was shot down Friday in Iran's mountainous southwestern region, marking the first US aircraft losses in the conflict. One pilot was rescued, but the other remains missing, prompting search efforts by both the US and Iran—Iran has urged residents to report sightings and offered a reward. Separately, an A-10 Warthog went down the same day with its pilot rescued, though it's unclear if it crashed, was shot down, or involved Iran. NPR's Lauren Frayer notes the incident's context in the Strait of Hormuz waterway, through which much global oil passes; fighting there has spiked energy prices, and these losses could signal a turning point in the war.