NPR News Now – February 7, 2026, 5AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR News Anchor)
Episode Theme:
A concise, five-minute update on major national news stories, covering recent political controversies, infrastructure funding battles, military actions abroad, environmental policy shifts, a significant public health crisis, and industry news.

Main Topics Covered

1. President Trump Faces Bipartisan Backlash for Racist Video Post

• Overview:

  • President Trump posted a video on Truth Social depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as primates.
  • The video attracted strong criticism across party lines.

• Key Voices & Reactions:

  • Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA):
    • Expressed lack of surprise, directly calling Trump a racist.

      "This is who he is. We know who he is, and he's a racist. He's been one from way back when he worked with his father when they excluded people of color from being able to lease their apartments."
      (00:40)

  • Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC):
    • Only Black Republican in the Senate, called the video "the most racist thing that he’s seen out of this White House."
  • Trump’s Response:
    • Refused to apologize, claimed he didn't see the entire video, administration deleted the post after initial defense.

2. Federal Judge Orders Release of Funds for Gateway Tunnel Project

• Story Summary:
  • Work halted on this major Amtrak infrastructure project after funding was cut.
  • Judge Jeanette Vargas ordered the White House to release funds following arguments of irreparable harm for New Jersey.
• Key Details:
  • Sen. Cory Booker argued the president lacked authority to withhold funds.
  • NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill accused Pres. Trump of "moving the goalposts."
  • Speculation about Trump’s motives:
    • Unnamed commentator referenced rumors:

      "I've heard it's because he once stole his airport named after him. I've heard it's because he wants Penn Station named after him."
      (01:58)

  • White House Response: Funds withheld to ensure they are not used for DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives.

3. U.S. Southern Command Strike on Suspected Drug Smugglers

• Incident:
  • U.S. Southern Command struck a boat in the eastern Pacific, suspected of carrying drugs; two people were killed.
  • Video from the strike was posted on social media, cargo blacked out.
• Broader Context:
  • At least 128 suspected smugglers killed by U.S. military in the Pacific/Caribbean since September, including some left to drown after shipwreck.
  • Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Claim: Drug cartels have ceased all narcotics operations due to these tactics—NPR notes no evidence supports this.
  • NPR’s Reporting: Cocaine seizures at US-Mexico border up 34% over the previous year.
  • Quote (Quill Lawrence):

    "The US military has now killed at least 128 people suspected of smuggling drugs in the Pacific and Caribbean since September, including shipwrecked survivors who were killed or left to drown."
    (02:28)

4. President Reopens Atlantic Ocean to Commercial Fishing

• Policy Change:
  • Trump issued order reopening nearly 5,000 square miles of protected Atlantic sea for commercial fishing—originally protected under Obama, later restored by Biden after Trump’s previous rollback.

5. South Carolina Measles Outbreak Surpasses 900 Cases

• Public Health Crisis:
  • Largest U.S. measles outbreak in decades, over 900 reported cases as of this airing.
  • Recent increase (44 new cases since Tuesday), 277 quarantined.
• Response:
  • Officials cite increased vaccinations, particularly in Spartanburg County (outbreak epicenter).
  • Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist:

    "I'm hoping that what we can attribute that to is a wider recognition of the threat of this disease circulating in our communities and the desire for people to be protected against the complications."
    (04:22)

  • 19 hospitalizations with serious complications (brain swelling, pneumonia).

6. Pizza Hut to Close 250 U.S. Restaurants

• Business Story:
  • Pizza Hut’s parent, Yum Brands, will close 250 underperforming US locations in the first half of 2026.
  • Company is considering selling the Pizza Hut chain.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Rep. Maxine Waters (00:40): "This is who he is. We know who he is, and he's a racist."
• Unnamed Commentator (01:58): "I've heard it's because he once stole his airport named after him. I've heard it's because he wants Penn Station named after him."
• Quill Lawrence/NPR (02:28): "The US military has now killed at least 128 people suspected of smuggling drugs in the Pacific and Caribbean since September, including shipwrecked survivors who were killed or left to drown."
• Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist (04:22): "I'm hoping that what we can attribute that to is a wider recognition of the threat of this disease circulating in our communities and the desire for people to be protected against the complications..."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17 - 01:31: Trump video controversy & bipartisan backlash
• 01:32 - 02:16: Gateway Tunnel project funding dispute
• 02:16 - 03:11: Military strike on suspected drug boat; cartel claims
• 03:11 - 03:55: Atlantic Ocean reopened for commercial fishing; environmental policy
• 03:55 - 04:40: South Carolina measles outbreak and vaccination efforts
• 04:40 - 04:57: Pizza Hut’s planned restaurant closures

Episode Tone

The reporting is direct, factual, and brisk, with news highlights delivered in a neutral, informative tone typical of NPR’s straight news bulletins. The urgency and seriousness of the topics are underscored by the pacing and selection of focus areas, particularly public health and government controversies.