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NPR News: 04-18-2026 5PM EDT

April 18, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The Iranian military reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz today, firing on at least two commercial vessels flying Indian and UK flags. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center reported that an oil tanker was approached by two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, which opened fire. Iran’s National Security Council issued a statement through state media declaring the country is “determined to exercise supervision and control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz until the war is definitively ended and lasting peace is achieved in the region.” Regional countries continue pushing for the US and Iran to extend a shaky ceasefire to allow time for renewed peace negotiations. President Trump told reporters that “very good conversations were going on between the US and Iran” but added that “they got a little cute.”

Wisconsin storms and flooding

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:04) **Iran Fires on Commercial Vessels in Strait of Hormuz** - Iran's military reimposes restrictions on the strait, firing on oil tankers flying Indian and UK flags.
  • 2 (01:06) **Wisconsin Reels from Severe Storms and Flooding** - Heavy rains and overflowing rivers in Milwaukee County leave people stranded in cars, with memories of last year's record flooding still fresh.
  • 3 (02:10) **Trump Signs Order to Reschedule Psychedelic Drugs** - The administration moves to expedite rescheduling of psilocybin and ibogaine, framing the drugs as a response to a national mental health crisis.
  • 4 (03:00) **British PM Starmer Faces Political Crisis Over Ambassador Firing** - Keir Starmer will defend his job in Parliament Monday after firing ambassador Peter Mandelson, with a key civil servant set to testify.
  • 5 (03:55) **David Geffen Galleries Open at LACMA** - The $724 million, 110,000-square-foot building designed by architect Peter Zumthor opens tomorrow with a ribbon cutting.
  • 6 Standout Quotes
  • 7 "Very good conversations were going on between the US and Iran, and they got a little cute." - President Trump, on negotiations with Iran.

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Show Notes

NPR News: 04-18-2026 5PM EDT

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