NPR News Now: 02-25-2026 1PM EST

Date: February 25, 2026
Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major national and international news, including political developments following President Trump's State of the Union address, Democratic responses, updates on U.S. policy regarding Israeli settlements, discussions on vaccine skepticism amid a key nomination hearing, changing U.S. tariffs, and local policy shifts in Miami Beach ahead of spring break. The episode balances national, international, and local stories, offering listeners a clear snapshot of the day’s top headlines.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s State of the Union Address

[00:17–01:36]

• President Trump is traveling to Texas following a record-long and wide-ranging State of the Union speech.

• Key Texas figures involved:

  • Senator John Cornyn
  • Primary rival Ken Paxton
  • Rep. Al Green (recently ejected from the event after displaying a protest sign relating to a racist Trump social media post).

• Notable moments from the speech:

  • Trump criticized Democratic lawmakers for not applauding alongside Republicans.

  • Received bipartisan applause for advocating a bill banning congressional insider trading.

  • Announced new retirement contributions policy:

    • Workers whose employers don’t match retirement contributions could receive up to $1,000.

    “My administration will give these often forgotten American workers—great people, the people that built our country—access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker.”
    —President Trump [01:12–01:23]

• Speech turned divisive over immigration and border security; Trump accused Democrats of “destroying the country.”

2. Democratic Rebuttal: Immigration Policy Critique

[01:36–01:57]

• Speaker: Virginia Governor Abigail Spamberger

• Strong criticism of Trump's immigration enforcement tactics, focusing on civil liberties and due process.

  “Our president has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans, and they have done it without a warrant.”
  —Gov. Abigail Spamberger [01:42–01:57]

3. Senate Confirmation Hearing: Dr. Casey Means

[01:57–02:07]

• Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, is being vetted for U.S. Surgeon General.
• Vaccine skepticism is a major concern at the hearing.

4. U.S. Policy Shift: Consular Services in Israeli Settlements

[02:07–03:07]

• Reporter: Daniel Estrin (Tel Aviv)
• For the first time, the U.S. embassy will operate consular services in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.
• Israel hails the move as “historic,” signaling stronger U.S. support for Israeli control.
• Controversy arises due to recent settler violence and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s statements likening West Bank settlement areas to Israel.
• The move sparks anger among 14 Arab countries.

5. U.S. Economic Policy: New Tariffs

[03:07–04:05]

• U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer announces that certain countries (not China) will face higher tariffs—up to 15% or more.
• This follows a Supreme Court decision that global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional.
• The administration is adopting temporary levies as an alternative.
• President Trump is scheduled for a trip to China soon.

6. Local Policy: Miami Beach Relaxes Spring Break Restrictions

[04:05–04:49]

• Reporter: Joshua Ceballos (WLRN)

• Miami Beach is easing some restrictions that were put in place after deadly spring break shootings, responding to business complaints.

  “Our police and enforcement presence remains unchanged, and we are still very much broken up with spring break with no interest in ever getting back together.”
  —Eric Carpenter, Miami Beach City Manager [04:22–04:33]

• Despite the softer stance, parking and towing fees are increased as a deterrent, and police checkpoints will control access to the beach.

7. Markets Update

[03:07, 04:49]

• Dow Jones up nearly/over 300 points; Nasdaq up 268 points (over 1%).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump [01:12–01:23]:
  “My administration will give these often forgotten American workers… access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker.”

• Gov. Abigail Spamberger [01:42–01:57]:
  “Our president has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities… and they have done it without a warrant.”

• Eric Carpenter, Miami Beach City Manager [04:22–04:33]:
  “We are still very much broken up with spring break with no interest in ever getting back together.”

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Topic | |----------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | President Trump’s trip to Texas and SOTU | | 00:51 | Details on SOTU, insider trading bill, retirement | | 01:23 | Divisive rhetoric on immigration | | 01:36 | Democratic rebuttal by Gov. Spamberger | | 01:57 | Dr. Casey Means’ hearing & vaccine skepticism| | 02:21 | U.S. consular presence in West Bank settlements | | 03:07 | Dow/Nasdaq updates; new U.S. tariffs | | 04:05 | Miami Beach relaxes spring break restrictions| | 04:22 | Quote from Eric Carpenter | | 04:49 | Market update |

Episode Tone

The reporting is clear, concise, and neutral—characteristic of NPR’s straight-news style. Direct quotes from public officials are provided for context and to capture the tone of the political debates.

This summary encapsulates all major news topics covered in the episode, highlighting the national political scene, shifting U.S. foreign policy, regulatory changes, and notable local developments. It is ideal for readers who want an informed roundup of February 25, 2026’s top stories.