NPR News Now: 02-25-2026 10AM EST

Date: February 25, 2026
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This tightly packed NPR News Now update delivers significant headlines in U.S. politics, business, public health, and international culture. Key stories include reactions to President Trump’s State of the Union address, the contentious hearing for his Surgeon General nominee, legal challenges over changes to childhood vaccine policy, financial market movements, and notable international and domestic news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s State of the Union & Political Climate

[00:16 – 01:14]

• Main Focus: President Trump’s State of the Union speech, with an emphasis on the economy and strong attacks on Democrats.

• Democratic Response: Covered by Domenico Montanaro, who highlights a spirited, direct response from prominent Democratic lawmakers.

  “The Democratic response spans from Abigail Spanberger to the Al Greens and Ilhan Omars … Al Green holding up signs, Ilhan Omar shouting at the president at different times.”
  — Domenico Montanaro [00:37]

• Evolving Political Context: Montanaro suggests the immediate fervor might fade, but contentious partisan dynamics are likely to influence the 2028 primary races.

2. Surgeon General Nominee Hearing

[01:14 – 02:09]

• Nominee: Dr. Casey Means, an entrepreneur, wellness influencer, and former medical student; she never completed clinical training.

• Background: Means is known for her book on diet/metabolic health and her role promoting blood sugar monitoring devices. She has business ties to the supplement industry.

• Concerns: Critics cite her limited clinical and leadership experience, and controversial positions, especially regarding childhood vaccines.

  “Her confirmation hearing was supposed to take place back in October, but … Means was pregnant and went into labor.”
  — Will Stone [01:33]

• Relevance: Nomination came after Trump’s initial pick withdrew.

3. Business & Markets Update

[02:09 – 03:01]

• Stock Market: Major indices are up, notably driven by news on potential Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros.

  “Paramount’s now offering $31 a share for Warner Bros., up from its earlier bid of $30. Rival bidder Netflix may have to raise its own offer.”
  — Scott Horsley [02:20]

• Tech Sector: Anticipation is high for Nvidia’s earnings—central for the AI chip boom.

• Gas Prices: President Trump claims gas prices are low, but the report notes a modest uptick—average price now nearing $3/gallon, up 11 cents in a month, yet still cheaper than the previous year.

• Indices Update:

  • Dow: +106 points
  • Nasdaq: +259 (+1.1%)
  • S&P 500: +37

4. States Sue Over CDC’s Revised Vaccine Schedule

[03:01 – 04:13]

• Move by CDC: Last month, seven childhood vaccines (including hepatitis B, flu, COVID-19, RSV) were removed from the universally recommended list.

• Legal Action: Fifteen Democratic-led states are suing, arguing this puts children at risk and flouts scientific evidence.

  “Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser accuses the CDC … of disregarding federal law, ignoring scientific evidence and putting children in danger.”
  — John Daly [03:27]

• Federal Response: CDC defends the guideline update, suggesting it aligns with international norms while maintaining protection from serious diseases.

5. Other Headlines

[04:13 – 04:55]

• Louvre Museum Leadership: Christophe Leribeau, a respected French museum administrator, is named to lead the Louvre after a leadership crisis following a high-profile jewel heist and concerns over the museum’s deteriorating state.
• Mortgage Rates:
  • Rates for 30-year fixed loans have dropped to 6.09% (lowest in nearly 4 years).
  • This has spurred a 4% rise in refinance applications in the past week.

Notable Quotes

• Domenico Montanaro [00:37]:
  “Al Green holding up signs, Ilhan Omar shouting at the president at different times. And that's maybe not something Democrats are gonna have to worry about in 2026 because it's still Trump's world, for better or worse…”

• Will Stone [01:33]:
  “Means gained popularity after publishing a book on diet and metabolic health. She graduated from Stanford Medical School but never completed her medical training…”

• Scott Horsley [02:20]:
  “Paramount's now offering $31 a share for Warner Bros., up from its earlier bid of $30. Rival bidder Netflix may have to raise its own offer if it still wants to acquire the storied Warner Brothers and streaming service.”

• John Daly [03:27]:
  “Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser accuses the CDC and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ... of disregarding federal law, ignoring scientific evidence and putting children in danger.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• State of the Union & Democratic Response: 00:16 – 01:14
• Surgeon General Nominee Hearing: 01:14 – 02:09
• Markets and Business News: 02:09 – 03:01
• State Lawsuit Over Vaccines: 03:01 – 04:13
• Louvre Museum & U.S. Mortgage Rates: 04:13 – 04:55

This concise update encapsulates the principal domestic and international news stories, providing listeners with a snapshot of the shifting political, economic, and public health landscape as of February 25, 2026.