NPR News Now: February 25, 2026, 12PM EST

Episode Overview:

This episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Lakshmi Singh, provides a brisk five-minute update on major news stories from the morning of February 25, 2026. Key topics include highlights from President Trump’s State of the Union address, the resignation of a prominent neuroscientist at Columbia University, new government reports on obesity rates, and the latest Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations.

1. President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Main Points:

• President Trump delivered his first official State of the Union speech of his second term, characterizing the country as thriving and strong.
• The address featured familiar themes: economic recovery, immigration, and crime—delivered with Trump’s characteristic showmanship.
• Notable guests included the gold medal-winning Olympic men’s hockey team and decorated military veterans.

Analysis & Reporter Insight:

• NPR's Domenico Montanaro observed that while Trump celebrated economic progress, he largely glossed over current economic challenges that matter most to voters—a point that could affect the Republican Party in a contentious midterm election year.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump (00:24):
  “Our nation is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.”
• Domenico Montanaro (01:05):
  “Trump largely ignored the warts in the economy, the very issue most voters are saying is their top concern. ... President Trump may have missed an opportunity to show he feels voters' pain.”

Retirement Plan Proposal (01:34):

• Trump proposed a new retirement plan targeting Americans without access to employer-matched savings.
  • He promised that his administration would offer a plan analogous to that for federal employees, matching contributions up to $1,000 per year.
• Scott Horsley notes implementation would need Congressional approval and funding sources remain unspecified.

Quote:

• President Trump (01:45):
  “I’m announcing that next year my administration will give these often-forgotten American workers access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker. We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year.”

2. Columbia University Scientist Resigns After Epstein Ties Revealed

Details (02:06–03:07):

• Richard Axel, Nobel laureate and co-director of Columbia's Neuroscience Institute, steps down after his social association with Jeffrey Epstein was disclosed.
• Axel is not accused of legal wrongdoing, but acknowledged in a public statement that his friendship was a “serious error in judgment” and apologized for compromising trust.

Quote:

• Richard Axel (via statement, 02:25):
  “I apologize for compromising the trust of my friends, students and colleagues.”
• Katie Riddle reports that Axel will resign from additional positions but will remain a professor at Columbia.

3. Declining Obesity Rates Among Young Adults, Continuing Rise in Children

CDC Report Highlights (03:10–04:13):

• Data from 2021-2023 show progress in some adult groups:
  • Obesity rates fell among men under 40 from 40.3% to 34.3%.
  • Rates for women under 40 dropped from 39.7% to 36.8%.
• Obesity is rising in other groups, most notably in children.
• The report is based on regular household surveys and health exams by the CDC.

Quote:

• Yuki Noguchi (03:29):
  “Obesity among adult men, for example, is falling. In particular among those under age 40. ... But it increased in most other groups of women as well as for children.”

4. 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominations

Nominees Announced (04:13–04:43):

• This year’s list: Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Shakira, Wu-Tang Clan.
• Phil Collins is already an inductee with Genesis.
• Eligibility: First commercial recording must be at least 25 years old.
• Inductees to be revealed in April.

5. Market Update

Quick Market Summary (03:07, 04:43):

• The Dow is up by 238–246 points (approx. 0.5%).
• S&P has risen by 47 points; Nasdaq up by 248 points (over 1%).

Memorable Moments:

• President Trump’s high-energy claim about America being “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before” (00:24).
• The straightforward acknowledgment by Richard Axel of his judgment error and public apology (02:25).
• Notable progress, but continued concern, in the CDC’s obesity rates report, especially the mixed news for adults vs. children (03:29).

Timestamps for Quick Reference

• 00:18 – 02:06: President Trump’s State of the Union & Retirement Plan Proposal
• 02:06 – 03:07: Columbia University Neuroscientist Resignation
• 03:10 – 04:13: U.S. Obesity Rate Trends
• 04:13 – 04:43: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominations
• 03:07, 04:43: Market Summaries

Tone:
The report is concise and factual, maintaining NPR’s impartial and measured style, with a focus on developments across politics, science, health, culture, and the economy.