NPR News Now — 02-26-2026, 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly, NPR
Date: February 26, 2026
Summary of Main Theme:
This concise five-minute newscast covers a rapidly evolving international and domestic news landscape, including sensitive diplomatic efforts involving the US, Iran, and Ukraine; ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and related resignations; political ramifications of US military partnerships; and a deadly incident involving US-registered Cuban nationals and the Cuban military.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Iran Nuclear Talks & Ukraine War Negotiations

[00:16]

• Steve Witkoff (Trump's special envoy) and Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law) are conducting indirect negotiations with Iran in Geneva, with mediation provided by Oman.
• The goal: Ending Tehran’s nuclear program.
• High stakes: There’s a significant US naval buildup in the Middle East, and President Trump has threatened military strikes if no deal is reached.
• Additional meetings: Witkoff and Kushner will also discuss with Ukrainian officials paths to ending Russia’s war with Kiev.

2. Hillary Clinton Testifying in Epstein Investigation

[01:24]

• Hillary Clinton will testify—behind closed doors—to the House Oversight Committee regarding the late Jeffrey Epstein's activities, as Congress investigates potential connections.
• Sage Miller (NPR): Both Hillary and Bill Clinton initially resisted the subpoena but later cooperated, calling for public depositions.
• Hillary to BBC:

  “We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant.” — Hillary Clinton [01:39]

• The deposition remains private. Bill Clinton, linked to Epstein through documented travels but not accused of any crime, will testify Friday—the first former president to do so in Congress since Gerald Ford in 1983.

3. Larry Summers Resigns from Harvard Over Epstein Ties

[02:14]

• Larry Summers, former Harvard president, is stepping down from all teaching and administrative duties at Harvard due to connections with Epstein.
• Kirk Carapeza (GBH): Summers will retire at the academic year’s end and is immediately on leave.
• Jessica Wong (Harvard senior):

  “On one hand, I'm very happy that no female student will have to be advised by him. But at the same time, I'm like, there never should have been a culture that allowed this to happen.” — Jessica Wong [02:43]

• Summers is also resigning from a prominent center at Harvard Kennedy School, expressing gratitude to students and colleagues.

4. Pentagon–Scouting America Partnership

[03:12]

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is working to maintain the Pentagon’s partnership with Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts).
• Pressure increased after internal Pentagon memos, revealed in an NPR report, suggested plans to cut ties.
• Graham Smith (NPR): Some congressional backlash, especially among Trump-aligned constituents, pushed negotiations forward.
• Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE):

  “There’s some big time Trump supporters in Omaha called me enraged that Hecsock would be picking a fight with the Scouts.” — Don Bacon [03:42]

• Pentagon’s requested concessions: Scouts must register applicants per their sex assigned at birth, moving away from policies supporting gender fluidity and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).

5. Deadly Boat Incident Off Cuba Involving US-Registered Vessel

[04:16]

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio reports the US is still gathering facts after a fatal boat shooting involving Cuban soldiers and a Florida-registered speedboat.
• Cuban perspective: The boat, allegedly carrying armed Cuban-Americans, entered Cuban waters and opened fire. The response left four from the boat dead and six injured.
• Cuban government claims: Those killed were planning terrorist attacks against the island.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant.” — Hillary Clinton [01:39]
• “On one hand, I'm very happy that no female student will have to be advised by him. But at the same time, I'm like, there never should have been a culture that allowed this to happen.” — Jessica Wong [02:43]
• “There’s some big time Trump supporters in Omaha called me enraged that Hecsock would be picking a fight with the Scouts.” — Rep. Don Bacon [03:42]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:16 — International negotiations: US-Iran, Ukraine
• 01:24 — Hillary Clinton to testify in Epstein investigation
• 02:14 — Larry Summers’ Harvard resignation
• 03:12 — Pentagon & Scouting America partnership dispute
• 04:16 — Fatal incident involving Cuban soldiers and US-registered speedboat

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