Ryland Barton

You're listening to NPR News from Washington.

The Trump administration is seeking an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for expanded oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, citing national security as it wages war on Iran.

Environmental groups argue the government hasn't followed proper procedure.

and they're seeking to block the move before the Endangered Species Committee meets next week.

New research finds AI chatbots tend to flatter users and validate their viewpoints or feelings.

As Ari Daniel reports, that can have problematic outcomes.

The only person left out of millions who entered men's and women's NCAA tournament brackets in ESPN's competition is an eighth grader from suburban Pittsburgh.

The 14-year-old is 48-0 through the first weekend of the women's tournament.

The record for ESPN's competition is 57-0.

The odds of a perfect bracket are around 1 in 28 billion.

This is NPR News.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton.

President Trump says he is extending his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to April 6th or face the destruction of its energy plants.

Iran and the U.S.

appear to be at an impasse, with each side hardening their positions and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war.

Still, President Trump says 26 days into the conflict, the U.S.

is meeting its objectives and ahead of schedule.

Thousands more U.S.

troops are nearing the region.

Heavy strikes were reported in Iran's capital and other cities.