NPR News Now – February 24, 2026, 11PM EST

Episode Summary & Highlights

Main Theme

This five-minute news update covers the immediate aftermath of President Trump’s State of the Union address, major political events in Washington, breaking developments in ongoing investigations, and prominent national stories. The tone is urgent, factual, and concise—hallmarks of NPR news bulletins.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s State of the Union Address

(00:15–01:13, 04:10–04:54)

• President Trump delivered his State of the Union address to Congress, emphasizing administration achievements, particularly in the economy, and presenting a strong, optimistic snapshot of the nation.
• Quote (President Donald Trump, 00:42):

  “Our country is winning again. In fact, we're winning so much that we really don't know what to do about it.”

• Trump stood by his controversial tariff plans, expressing disappointment in the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that struck them down.
• The President honored the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team for their gold medal win against Canada, announcing that their goalie would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2. Congressional and Public Protest

(01:13–01:50)

• A number of Democratic members of Congress boycotted the address, instead joining a counter-event on the National Mall, led by liberal activist groups like MoveOn Civic Action.
  • Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy participated in the protest.
  • Quote (Protest Speaker, 01:24):

    “The true state of the Union is this. This union is in crisis. Right now. Our cities are under attack by lawless law enforcement. Our democracy is wilting under ceaseless attack from a president who wants to be a despot. Millions of Americans are losing their health care because the president has chosen corruption.”

• The official Democratic Party response was to come from Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger.

3. Investigation into Epstein Files

(01:50–02:45)

• House Democrats announced an investigation into missing files related to Jeffrey Epstein that allegedly mention President Trump, following an NPR report which discovered the Justice Department withheld certain documents.
• Key details: Over 50 pages of FBI documents and interview notes with a woman alleging sexual abuse by Trump during her youth haven’t been published.
• The White House issued a statement declaring Trump “totally exonerated.”
  • Quote (Stephen Fowler, NPR, 02:17):

    “Now Democrats on the House Oversight Committee say they're launching an investigation into those files. The White House says in a statement that Trump is, quote, totally exonerated.”

4. Savannah Guthrie Family Crisis

(02:45–03:32)

• Savannah Guthrie, host of NBC’s Today Show, made a public appeal with her family now offering a $1 million reward for information about her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.
• She acknowledged “it might be too late,” but emphasized the family’s need for closure regardless of the outcome.

5. House Rejects Bipartisan Aviation Safety Bill (ROTOR Act)

(03:32–04:10)

• The House narrowly failed to pass the ROTOR Act, intended to widen the use of ADS-B safety technology in aviation, a response to the 2025 Washington, D.C. mid-air collision tragedy.
• The Senate had unanimously approved the bill, which also had support from families of crash victims.
• The Pentagon withdrew support at the last minute, citing budget and security concerns, swaying enough votes against the bill in the House.
• More than 130 Republicans voted ‘no,’ including committee leaders promoting a competing safety bill.

6. Business & Mergers: Paramount vs. Warner Bros. Discovery

(04:10–04:54)

• Paramount increased its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery to $31 per share and sweetened its offer with a larger termination fee if the deal is blocked by regulators.
• This move follows Warner’s recent deal to sell major assets to Netflix, sparking a significant corporate battle in the entertainment sector.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump’s Self-Congratulation (00:42, President Trump):

  “Our country is winning again. In fact, we're winning so much that we really don't know what to do about it.”

• Protest Speaker’s Rebuke (01:24):

  “The true state of the Union is this. This union is in crisis. Right now. Our cities are under attack by lawless law enforcement. Our democracy is wilting under ceaseless attack from a president who wants to be a despot. Millions of Americans are losing their health care because the president has chosen corruption.”

• Reporter’s Summary of Epstein Files Investigation (02:17, Stephen Fowler):

  “Now Democrats on the House Oversight Committee say they're launching an investigation into those files. The White House says in a statement that Trump is, quote, totally exonerated.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:15–01:13: Trump’s State of the Union highlights and Olympic celebration
• 01:13–01:50: Democratic protest event and counter-speech
• 01:50–02:45: House investigation into Epstein files and NPR’s findings
• 02:45–03:32: Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother and public plea
• 03:32–04:10: Failure of the bipartisan ROTOR Act aviation safety bill
• 04:10–04:54: Major entertainment industry merger developments

Takeaways

• The episode delivers a brisk but comprehensive update on rapidly evolving political and national stories, with special focus on reactions to President Trump’s second State of the Union address.
• The news cycle is defined by deep political division, high-profile investigations, personal tragedy, and high-stakes corporate maneuvering—all delivered in NPR’s measured, informative style.