NPR News Now — 02-23-2026, 1 PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh (with reporting from Jeremy Siegel, Kerry Conn, Domenico Montanaro, and Rebecca Hersher)
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest news headlines, focusing on high-profile arrests related to the Epstein investigation, severe winter weather in the northeastern US, cartel violence and security efforts in Mexico, turbulent markets ahead of the State of the Union, deep political divides in public opinion, and a new dinosaur discovery.

Key Stories and Insights

1. Fresh Arrest in the Epstein Investigation

[00:19]

• Former British ambassador to the US, Peter Mendelsohn, has been arrested in London connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
• Lakshmi Singh:

  “Authorities detained him today on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation into connections to the late convicted sex offender and financier.”

• The arrest used the same legal language as that of King Charles' brother, former Prince Andrew, arrested four days earlier.
• Mandelson has not been accused of sexual misconduct; he did not respond to NPR’s inquiries.

2. Northeast Blizzard and Crisis Response

[01:17]

• Tens of millions in the Northeast are under blizzard warnings; travel is heavily disrupted.
• Jeremy Siegel (Boston):

  “The message from city officials has been stay home if you can, but for essential workers at Boston Medical center, like surgery resident Colton Yahn, that’s not an option.”

• (On working through the storm)
  • Colton Yahn:

    “Cold and wet, I guess.” [01:36]

  • Lakshmi Singh:

    “Part of the deal.” [01:40]
    “We love what we do.” [01:42]

• Airports from Boston to D.C. have canceled nearly all flights; roads remain dangerous.

3. Cartel Violence Erupts, Order Restored in Mexico

[02:09]

• President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, states most roads are cleared after a crackdown that killed cartel leader El Mencho.
• Kerry Conn:

  “President Claudia Shane Bum says practically all activities are back up and running following yesterday’s military action that killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, Nemesio Ciguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho.”

• The operation was led solely by Mexican forces, although intelligence was shared with the U.S.
• US travelers in Mexico were warned to shelter as shops and cars burned and police clashed with cartels.

4. Turbulent Markets Ahead of State of the Union

[02:57]

• U.S. stock markets are sharply down on the eve of President Trump’s State of the Union address.
• Lakshmi Singh:

  “The Dow Jones Industrial Average now down 750 points, or 1.5%, at 48,875. The S&P has fallen 74 points, more than 1%. The Nasdaq down 1.2%.”

5. Deep Divides in Public Opinion on the State of the Union

[03:33]

• NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals sharp divides in how Americans assess national strength.
• Domenico Montanaro:

  “Of those with college degrees, 69% say that the state of the Union is not strong. Those without degrees, though, are split 50–50. Women, 63% say that the state of the Union is not strong—that’s 12 points higher than men.”

• Political polarization by education and gender remains significant in the Trump era.

6. Political Responses to State of the Union

[03:58]

• President Trump to deliver the State of the Union tomorrow night.
• Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, first woman in her role, will give the Democratic response.

7. New Dinosaur Discovery

[04:13]

• Scientists have discovered a new Spinosaurus species in the Sahara.
• Rebecca Hersher:

  “The new species is different from its cousins because it has a large horn-like crest sticking up from its skull. The authors speculate that the animal used that crest to attract others of its species.”

• Discovery published in Science; led by a University of Chicago team.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Cold and wet, I guess.” — Colton Yahn [01:36], on trudging through blizzard conditions after a hospital shift.
• “Part of the deal.… We love what we do.” — Lakshmi Singh [01:40–01:42], reflecting on essential public service work.
• “Of those with college degrees, 69% say that the state of the Union is not strong. Those without degrees, though, are split 50–50.” — Domenico Montanaro [03:33], highlighting polarization.

Timestamps: Highlights

• Epstein Investigation & Peter Mendelsohn Arrest — [00:19]
• Northeast Blizzard Report/Essential Workers — [01:17–01:43]
• Mexican Cartel Violence & Security Response — [02:09]
• Market Declines Before State of the Union — [02:57]
• Poll: State of the Union Perceptions — [03:33]
• Democratic Response & Political Leadership News — [03:58]
• New Spinosaurus Species Discovery — [04:13]

End of Summary