NPR News Now — February 25, 2026, 3PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major U.S. and international news stories as of February 25, 2026. Highlights include President Trump’s shift on immigration, fallout from a racially charged protest at the State of the Union, a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, U.S. involvement in Venezuela, new U.K. travel requirements, progress on a large solar farm in California, and a financial markets update.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Tactical Retreat on Immigration

[00:16–00:57]

• In a midterm election year, President Trump is backing off aggressive immigration policies, such as military deployments in American cities and sweeping raids, after severe criticism and legal challenges.

• National Guard troops have been withdrawn, signaling a move to refocus on traditional border security measures and deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

  Notable Quote:

  “Maybe he won’t have any more videos of American citizens being shot... He has made a tactical retreat, and that might help him return to the parts of his immigration agenda that are a secure border and deporting criminals who are undocumented immigrants.”
  — NPR Correspondent (Mara Liasson?), [00:37]

2. Congressman Al Green Protest at State of the Union

[00:57–01:40]

• Texas Congressman Al Green was ejected from the State of the Union after holding a sign reading, “Black People are not apes.”
• The protest was against a video from President Trump’s account depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as primates—a video Trump blamed on a staffer.
• Al Green placed the responsibility on the president, highlighting ongoing racial tensions in political discourse.

3. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs: Limited Impact on Prices

[01:40–02:19]

• The Supreme Court ruled that tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are not permissible.

• President Trump immediately pivoted, imposing tariffs under alternate laws such as Section 122 and national security provisions.

• Economists predict consumers will see little change in prices due to the administration’s flexibility in maintaining tariffs.

  Notable Quotes:

  “For a consumer, it doesn’t really matter... what authority the president calls on to impose the tariff.”
  — Prof. Carol Labinder, University of Texas at Austin, [02:04]

  “The tariffs could be challenged again in court. But in the meantime, economists say don’t expect any big price cuts.”
  — James Dubek, [02:09]

4. Venezuela After Maduro: U.S. Policy and International Response

[02:19–03:12]

• Secretary Marco Rubio claims Venezuela is improved after U.S. military intervention to remove Nicolás Maduro, but acknowledges challenges ahead.

• At a CARICOM meeting in St. Kitts, Rubio stressed support for democratic elections in Venezuela and cooperation with Caribbean nations on narcotics and weapons trafficking.

• Rubio’s push on Cuba faces resistance from some Caribbean leaders.

  Notable Quote:

  “He’s committed to making things work in Venezuela and believes that country will need to hold free and fair democratic elections to get to the next stage.”
  — Michelle Kellerman, [02:32]

5. New U.K. Online Travel Authorization Requirement

[03:12–03:48]

• Starting today, most visitors from the U.S. and 80+ countries must register online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the U.K.

• Biometric passport holders, British and Irish citizens, and those with U.K. work/residency visas are exempt.

• The cost ($20) is about half that required for entry permits into the U.S.

  Notable Segment:

  “Tourists and business travelers who hold passports from the US and more than 80 other countries won’t be allowed to enter the UK without one.”
  — Lauren Frere, [03:27]

6. Largest Planned U.S. Solar Farm in California’s Central Valley

[03:48–04:43]

• Plans are moving ahead for a solar farm covering 200 square miles west of Fresno.

• The project repurposes fallow farmland, either due to water shortages or soil issues, to generate solar power for millions of homes.

• Environmental approval has been secured, but grid connection is pending regulatory approval.

  Notable Quote:

  “If it’s built, the entire project would generate up to 20 of electricity, enough to power millions of homes.”
  — Dan Charles, [04:05]

7. Financial Markets Update

[04:43–04:54]

• The Dow Jones is up 311 points to 49,400—a gain of more than 0.5%.

Memorable Moments

• Unprecedented Congressional Protest: Congressman Al Green’s ejection underscored serious racial issues at the nation's highest political forum. [00:57–01:40]
• Immediate Executive Response on Tariffs: Despite the Supreme Court ruling, President Trump’s swift shift to another legal basis for tariffs highlights adaptability—and ongoing trade tensions. [01:40–02:19]
• Massive Solar Ambitions: The Central Valley solar project marks a significant move in renewable energy strategy, leveraging otherwise unproductive farmland for clean power. [03:48–04:43]

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• "Maybe he won't have any more videos of American citizens being shot. You know, he has made a tactical retreat..."
  — NPR Correspondent, [00:37]

• "For a consumer, it doesn't really matter ... what authority the president calls on to impose the tariff."
  — Prof. Carol Labinder, [02:04]

• "Tourists and business travelers who hold passports from the US and more than 80 other countries won't be allowed to enter the UK without one."
  — Lauren Frere, [03:27]

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This rapid-fire newscast covers pivotal developments in U.S. immigration, trade, and foreign policy, alongside a major energy transition project and key changes for international travelers to the U.K. The reporting presents clear facts and expert commentary in NPR’s signature concise and accessible style, offering essential updates for informed citizens.