NPR News Now – February 26, 2026, 3 PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced edition of NPR News Now delivers updates on several major stories, including the ongoing House probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s associations, record-breaking hurricane data, an insider trading scandal involving a YouTube personality, memorials for civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, a major court ruling in Brazil, and Walmart’s multimillion-dollar government settlement. Each segment offers concise, authoritative reporting with notable quotes and developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Hearing: Hillary Clinton and Epstein Probe

[00:16-01:06]

• Hillary Clinton testifies before the House Oversight Panel, denying any knowledge or connection to Jeffrey Epstein.

• The session is contentious: Republican Chair James Comer threatens contempt if the Clintons don’t fully cooperate.

• A closed-door photo leak by Rep. Lauren Boebert stirs controversy, highlighting tensions and breaches of House rules regarding confidentiality.

  Notable Quote:

  • Robert Garcia (Democratic Ranking Member):

    “Secretary Clinton never met Jeffrey Epstein. She never visited the island. She never flew on his plane. And she also had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crime. So zero knowledge of any wrongdoing. And you've also all heard that directly from her.” [00:45]

2. Hurricane Melissa: Historic Wind Speed & Climate Change

[01:48-02:16]

• Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica, killing at least 95.

• The National Hurricane Center’s report confirms Melissa set a new record for highest wind speed ever inside a tropical cyclone, exemplifying the escalating power of storms due to climate change.

  Notable Quote:

  • Rebecca Hersher (NPR Reporter):

    “It set an all time record for the highest instantaneous wind speed ever recorded inside a tropical cyclone. Climate change is making large, powerful hurricanes and typhoons more likely.” [01:48]

3. Mr. Beast’s Editor Accused of Insider Trading

[02:16-03:13]

• An employee for YouTube star Mr. Beast is caught betting—with uncanny accuracy—on prediction markets about the streamer’s activities, leading to accusations of insider trading.

• The employee is fined $20,000 and banned from the platform for two years.

• Regulators warn that insider trading on platforms like Kalshee and Polymarket is prosecutable; a political candidate is also fined for betting on himself, raising concerns about election market manipulation.

  Notable Quote:

  • Bobby Allen (NPR Reporter):

    “Investigators at Kalshee noticed someone had near perfect success at these wagers and that's because the person betting was an editor for Mr. Beast.” [02:40] “Federal regulators say insider trading on site like Cauchy and Polymarket is illegal and can be prosecuted.” [02:53]

4. Memorials for Reverend Jesse Jackson

[03:13-03:54]

• Nationwide memorial services begin for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, including in Chicago, D.C., and South Carolina. Jackson, a civil rights titan and two-time presidential candidate, is honored after his passing at age 84.

5. Justice in Brazil: Marielle Franco Case

[03:54-04:39]

• Brazil’s Supreme Court sentences multiple defendants—ranging up to 76 years—for the 2018 political assassination of councilwoman Marielle Franco.

• The politically motivated crime, linked to organized gangs’ opposition to Franco’s activism for the poor and black Brazilians, highlights criminal infiltration in government.

  Notable Quote:

  • Carrie Kahn (NPR Reporter):

    “Mariel Franco, a young activist turned politician, is hailed as a champion for poor and black Brazilians. ... Prosecutors say [her murder] was politically motivated by criminal gangs that felt threatened by Franco's work supporting marginalized communities.” [04:10-04:19]

6. Walmart Settlement Over Deceptive Wage Practices

[04:39-04:55]

• Walmart agrees to a $100 million settlement with the FTC and 11 states, resolving allegations that the retail giant misled delivery drivers about pay and tips.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:45 | Robert Garcia | “Secretary Clinton never met Jeffrey Epstein. ... And she also had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crime.” | | 01:48 | Rebecca Hersher| “It set an all time record for the highest instantaneous wind speed ever recorded inside a tropical cyclone. ...” | | 02:40 | Bobby Allen | “Investigators at Kalshee noticed someone had near perfect success at these wagers...” | | 02:53 | Bobby Allen | “Federal regulators say insider trading on site like Cauchy and Polymarket is illegal and can be prosecuted.” | | 04:10-04:19| Carrie Kahn | “Mariel Franco ... is hailed as a champion for poor and black Brazilians. ... [Her murder] was politically motivated by criminal gangs...” |

Segment Timestamps

• Epstein Hearings / Clinton Testimony: 00:16–01:48
• Hurricane Melissa Report: 01:48–02:16
• Mr. Beast Prediction Market Scandal: 02:16–03:13
• Jesse Jackson Memorials: 03:13–03:54
• Marielle Franco Verdict in Brazil: 03:54–04:39
• Walmart Wage Settlement: 04:39–04:55

For a concise pulse on today’s fast-moving headlines, this episode offers essential coverage of U.S. politics, global justice, climate records, tech scandals, and historic farewells.