NPR News Now – February 25, 2026, 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of major national and international news, anchored around reactions to President Trump's State of the Union address, economic updates, legislative developments, diplomatic efforts in the Caribbean, and cultural news from France.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump's State of the Union Address

[00:16–01:14]

• Trump’s Message:
  • President Trump addressed the U.S. economy and the impact of his policies, declaring “the State of the Union to be strong.”
  • He emphasized Americans are “paying less,” attributing this to his administration’s actions.
  • Quote:
    • President Trump:

      “Thanks to his actions, our country is winning again. In fact, we're winning so much that we really don't know what to do about it.” (00:41)

  • Trump expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court striking down his tariff plans.
  • He hosted the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team, recent gold medalists against Canada, and announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their goalie.

2. Inflation and Economic Opposition

[01:14–01:47]

• Economic Update:
  • Inflation eased to 2.4% in January, down from 3% when Trump took office, but remains above the Fed’s 2% target.
• Democratic Response:
  • Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger criticized Trump's economic and immigration policies.
  • Senator Alex Padilla gave the Spanish-language response, sharing personal experiences with immigration enforcement.
    • Quote:
      • Alex Padilla:

        “If you fall seven times, get up eight.” (01:47)

      • Padilla criticized the “weaponization of immigration law enforcement agents, higher health care and housing costs, and efforts to interfere in November’s midterm elections.”

3. Airline Safety Legislation Fails to Pass

[02:28–03:08]

• A bill aimed at preventing midair collisions and requiring new locator systems for planes around busy U.S. airports fell just short in the House, despite unanimous Senate approval.
• Prompted by last year’s deadly Washington, D.C. collision (67 killed), but opposed by the Pentagon over defense concerns.

4. U.S. Foreign Policy & Caribbean Diplomacy

[03:08–04:07]

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to a Caribbean summit, weeks after the U.S. military captured Venezuela’s ex-president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who now face trial in New York.
• President Trump hailed the Maduro operation as a victory for U.S. national security.
• The Pentagon is actively pursuing drug shipments and sanction-violating oil tankers in the region.

5. Louvre Museum Leadership Changes after Jewel Heist

[04:07–04:46]

• Louvre director Laurence Descartes resigned following a $100 million jewel heist, which spotlighted security lapses.
• President Macron called the resignation an “act of responsibility.”
• Some arrests have been made, though the jewels remain missing.
• Planned modernization efforts highlighted, including a new room for the Mona Lisa.

6. Market Update

[04:46–04:54]

• Wall Street futures are trending higher, with Dow futures up 68 points.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump:

  “Thanks to his actions, our country is winning again. In fact, we're winning so much that we really don't know what to do about it.” (00:41)

• Alex Padilla:

  “If you fall seven times, get up eight.” (01:47)

• Eleanor Beardsley (on Louvre resignation):

  “President Emmanuel Macron accepted Laurence Descartes resignation and called it an act of responsibility at a time when the world's largest museum needs calm.” (04:11)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• State of the Union & Trump’s Address: 00:16–01:14
• Economic Update & Democratic Responses: 01:14–01:47
• Airline Safety Legislation: 02:28–03:08
• U.S.–Caribbean–Venezuela Diplomacy: 03:08–04:07
• Louvre Museum Resignation: 04:07–04:46
• Market Update: 04:46–04:54

This episode delivers a crisp, fact-heavy update on the morning’s leading stories, featuring direct quotes from top officials, legislative highlights, and succinct global coverage—the signature NPR style.