NPR News Now – February 24, 2026, 10AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: The episode provides a brisk summary of the major U.S. and international news events.

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now covers major political, economic, and social stories as of the morning of February 24, 2026. Key topics include President Trump's upcoming State of the Union, new economic data, U.S.–Iran negotiations, ongoing investigations related to Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump, a New England blizzard, and falling prices for obesity medications.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s State of the Union & Political Landscape

• Context: President Trump is set to deliver the State of the Union address at a time of turmoil.
• Expert Analysis:
  • Ashley Koening (Rutgers pollster): "There is so much on the table right now ... between whether we're talking about the partial shutdown, the economy, immigration or Iran, and then clearly him seeing his worst poll numbers right now during his second term." (00:38)
  • NPR poll finds 60% of Americans say the country is worse off than a year ago.
• Focus: Trump is expected to highlight accomplishments, address the cost of living, and lay groundwork for the midterm elections.
• Reporter: Franco Ordonez

2. Economic & Market Update

• Stock Market:
  • Markets opened higher; Dow Jones up 150 points.
  • Home Depot stocks performed well despite slumping home sales.
• Tariffs:
  • Old tariffs ended, and new 10% tariffs under Trump began overnight.
  • Trump announced a plan to increase tariffs to 15% soon.
• Tech Acquisition:
  • Meta (Facebook’s parent) plans to buy up to $100 billion worth of chips from AMD for AI efforts, possibly taking a 10% stake in AMD.
• Reporter: Scott Horsley

3. U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks

• Upcoming Talks: U.S. and Iran to hold nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday.
• Quote from Iran’s Vice Foreign Minister, Majid Takhtravanchi:
  • "If the US Attacks Iran, how can anybody expect Iran to be silent? We have to respond to U.S. assets in the region, but our definite preference is to go along the line of peace. That is why the next Geneva meeting is very important." (02:17)
• Military Context: U.S. is enhancing military assets in the region, but Iran emphasizes a preference for a peaceful solution.

4. Justice Department & Epstein File Removals

• NPR Investigation:
  • Justice Department reportedly withheld or removed documents from the Epstein files, specifically regarding allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor (~1983).
  • FBI interviewed the accuser four times as an adult, with only one interview appearing in the public database, sans mention of Trump.
  • Trump has consistently denied the allegations.

5. Savannah Guthrie’s Plea for Missing Mother

• Development:
  • Savannah Guthrie released a new video pleading for the return of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, kidnapped more than three weeks ago.
  • The family offers a $1 million reward.
• Quote from Ashley Koening (Guthrie family friend):
  • "Please keep praying without ceasing. We still believe. We still believe in a miracle. We still believe that she can come home." (03:27)
  • The family acknowledges the possibility that she may be "gone."

6. New England Blizzard & Aftermath

• Impact:
  • Nor’easter dropped up to three feet of snow in Rhode Island; much of New Jersey got two feet.
  • Air and rail travel heavily disrupted; thousands without electricity.
  • Hundreds of schools remain closed or have delayed reopening.
• Meteorological Details:
  • Gusts above 50 mph; widespread tree and power line damage.
• Reporter: Bruce Conviser

7. Lowered Prices for Obesity Medications

• Latest:
  • Pharma giant Novo Nordisk will lower Ozempic and Wegovy list prices to $675/month (down from over $1,000), beginning next year.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ashley Koening on Political Climate:

  "There is so much on the table right now ... him seeing his worst poll numbers right now during his second term." (00:38)

• NPR poll finding:
  "60% of Americans say the country is worse off than a year ago." (00:54)

• Iran’s Vice Foreign Minister on Response to U.S.:

  "If the US Attacks Iran, how can anybody expect Iran to be silent? ... our definite preference is to go along the line of peace." (02:17)

• Savannah Guthrie Family’s Appeal:

  "Please keep praying without ceasing. We still believe ... that she can come home." (03:27)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:11 – News headlines and State of the Union preview
• 00:22 – Trump’s State of the Union challenges (Franco Ordonez & Ashley Koening)
• 01:08 – Economic news, tariffs, tech acquisitions (Scott Horsley)
• 01:56 – Iran nuclear talks preview / Takhtravanchi interview
• 02:38 – Epstein file investigation and allegations
• 03:27 – Savannah Guthrie family plea
• 03:38 – Blizzard impacts in New England (Bruce Conviser)
• 04:30 – Ozempic/Wegovy price drop

Conclusion

In just five minutes, this episode provides succinct, reliable updates on American politics, global diplomacy, economic trends, a high-profile missing person case, severe winter weather, and changes to vital healthcare costs. The reporting balances urgency and reflection, giving listeners a comprehensive snapshot of the day’s news.