NPR News Now – 02-25-2026 1AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder (NPR)
Date: February 25, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a succinct yet comprehensive roundup of the latest top stories, including President Trump’s State of the Union address—emphasizing tariffs, the economy, and immigration—Democratic reactions, a major media industry merger battle, and aviation safety legislation developments. The tone remains fact-driven and concise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s State of the Union Address

[00:18–02:44]

• Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling

  • President Trump defended his tariff plan, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that he “lacks the emergency power to impose many of the import taxes.”
  • Trump asserts tariffs could replace income tax, shifting the financial burden:

    "As time goes by, I believe the tariffs paid for by foreign countries will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern day system of income tax, taking a great financial burden off the people that I love."
    —President Trump [00:35]

  • Supreme Court recently ruled Trump exceeded authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for tariffs. Trump responded by quickly imposing a new set of import taxes at 15%, but notes Congress must extend them after five months. Still, Trump suggests congressional approval may not be necessary.

• Focus on the Economy

  • Trump addressed jobs, manufacturing, and touted a strong economy:

    "He decided to say that everything's fine, that it's basically all great, the stock market's doing great, jobs are doing well..."
    —Domenico Montanaro, NPR Political Correspondent [01:19]

  • Trump critiqued the Supreme Court as “unfortunate”—more polite than his online reactions—but stands by his authority and policies.

• Midterm Implications

  • Trump’s continued push on tariffs is controversial, as many link them to high prices.
  • NPR points out this stance may not assist his party ahead of midterms, with public perception blaming his policies for economic issues.

• Audience & Congressional Reaction

  • Democratic lawmakers “stayed seated without clapping” during much of the speech, noted as the longest-ever State of the Union (1 hour, 48 minutes).

• Immigration Clash

  • Trump highlighted ongoing immigration crackdowns, and clashed with Democrats amid heckling.

2. Democratic Response

[02:14–02:58]

• Delivered by Virginia Governor Abigail Spamberger (from Colonial Williamsburg)
  • Focused largely on the economic burden (high prices) and criticized congressional Republicans:

    "Republicans in Congress... remain unwilling to assert their constitutional authority to stop him. They're making your life harder. They're making your life more expensive. They're even making it more difficult to see a doctor."
    —Abigail Spamberger [02:44]

  • Framed these points as a preview of the central campaign message for Democrats ahead of November midterms.

3. Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Battle

[03:13–04:17]

• Paramount has raised its offer for Warner Bros. after being initially rejected in favor of a rival Netflix bid ($83 billion).
• The latest Paramount offer: $31 per share (up from $30). This includes previous debt for a valuation around $108 billion, with further concessions.
• If Warner prefers Paramount’s bid, Netflix will have a 4-day window to counter.
• Shareholder vote scheduled for March.
  • “Warner owns HBO Max, Warner Bros. Studios, the DC Comics franchises, and cable channels, including CNN and Discovery.”
    —David Folkenflick, NPR Media Correspondent [03:33]

4. Aircraft Locator System Legislation Fails

[04:17–04:56]

• House rejected Senate-passed bill requiring all aircraft to be equipped with locator systems for receiving location data from other planes.
• Failed to reach the two-thirds support needed under the fast-track process.
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) emphasizes the need for the system, pointing out it could have prevented the deadly 2025 Washington, D.C. collision (67 fatalities).

Memorable Quotes

• Trump on Tariffs vs. Income Tax:

  "...tariffs paid for by foreign countries will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern day system of income tax, taking a great financial burden off the people that I love."
  [00:35]

• Democratic Response on GOP Inaction:

  "Republicans in Congress... remain unwilling to assert their constitutional authority to stop him. They're making your life harder. They're making your life more expensive. They're even making it more difficult to see a doctor."
  [02:44]

• Media Analyst on Merger Mania:

  “Netflix won over Warner with a bid for the TV and movie studios, the streaming platforms and intellectual property, but not the cable channels, in a deal worth $83 billion.”
  —David Folkenflick [03:33]

Important Timestamps

• 00:18–02:44 – Presidential address, Supreme Court tariffs decision, NPR analysis, Democratic response.
• 03:13–04:17 – Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix merger bidding battle.
• 04:17–04:56 – House rejects aircraft locator system legislation; NTSB reaction.

Final Notes

This episode provides a rapid yet informative sweep of U.S. political developments, high-stakes corporate merger news, and ongoing safety debates in transportation. The news is presented with measured analysis and essential context, spotlighting policy divisions and their potential impacts.