NPR News Now – February 24, 2026, 6PM EST

Episode Summary

Overview:
This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major headlines from Washington and around the globe. Key topics include President Trump's upcoming State of the Union address, new U.S. tariffs impacting farmers, a bipartisan aviation safety bill's defeat in Congress, a dramatic Louvre heist, news on popular obesity drugs, and an astonishing Champions League soccer upset.

Key Discussion Points & News Highlights

1. State of the Union & National Sentiment

• President Trump's State of the Union:
  President Trump is set to use his address to emphasize Republican efforts to address high living costs.
  Public Perception: A recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll indicates pessimism, with most Americans feeling the country is worse off than a year ago.

  • Quote (Deanna Killen, Republican, Texas):
    "Honestly, I didn’t think we could [get] much worse than what it's been. But yeah, I don’t feel we’re improving at all. I feel like we’re going in the opposite direction." (00:48)

• Immigration Policy:
  65% of Americans believe immigration enforcement has gone “too far”—this after federal agents killed two protesters in Minnesota.

  • Quote (Karen Borman, Democrat, New York):
    "I’m glad the southern border is closed, but I don’t agree with the deportation policy of his." (01:06)
  • Several Democratic members of Congress will skip the State of the Union in protest.

2. Tariffs and Impact on U.S. Agriculture

• Tariffs Update:
  U.S. customs agents are now collecting global tariffs of 10%, not the 15% previously announced over the weekend.
• Farmers' Concerns:
  As planting and harvesting begin, farmers face uncertainty over the shifting tariff landscape.

  • Asparagus Market:
    Domestic industry may see temporary benefits, but overall market disruption is likely.

  • Quote (Ellen Schreiber, WA Asparagus Commission):
    "It has the potential to help the domestic industry in the short term, but it is disruptive to the marketplace." (01:46)

    • Farmers may benefit from reduced foreign competition, but lasting effects remain unclear.

3. Bipartisan Aviation Safety Bill Fails in House

• The "ROTOR Act":
  This act, devised after a deadly mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., would mandate widespread use of ADS-B aircraft location systems.
  • Senate Passed Unanimously:
    The Senate approved the bill in December; crash victims' families support it.
  • Pentagon Withdraws Support:
    Cited budgetary and security concerns.
• House Vote:
  The measure narrowly fails, needing a two-thirds majority.
  • Over 130 Republicans—including leading committee chairs—oppose, favoring alternate safety bills.

4. Market & International News

• U.S. Markets:
  • S&P 500 and Dow rose over 0.75%
  • NASDAQ up 1.0% (03:05)
• Louvre Museum Heist:
  • President Macron accepts Louvre president Laurence Descartes' resignation after a $100 million Napoleonic jewel theft—thieves took less than 8 minutes.

5. Health: Ozempic & Wegovy Price Cuts

• Novo Nordisk Pricing Shakeup:
  • List price for Ozempic/Wegovy dropping from $1,000+ to $675 per month beginning soon.
  • Medicare discounts will take effect at the same time.
  • Cash discount prices unchanged for now.
  • Follows a failed obesity drug trial and a 16% share price drop for the company.

6. Sports: Historic Champions League Upset

• Bodo Glimt (Norway) Defeats Inter Milan (Italy):
  • The tiny Arctic Circle club continues a remarkable run, having eliminated major clubs such as Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in previous rounds.
  • Manchester City players refunded fans after their embarrassing defeat to Bodo Glimt.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I didn’t think we could [get] much worse than what it's been.”
  – Deanna Killen, Republican, discussing national direction (00:48)

• “I don’t agree with the deportation policy of his.”
  – Karen Borman, Democrat, on Trump’s immigration policy (01:06)

• “It has the potential to help the domestic industry in the short term, but it is disruptive to the marketplace.”
  – Ellen Schreiber, WA Asparagus Commission, on tariffs (01:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• State of the Union & Public Sentiment: 00:18–01:19
• Tariffs & Agriculture: 01:19–02:11
• Aviation Safety Bill Fails: 02:11–03:05
• Market Update & Louvre Heist: 03:05–03:43
• Ozempic/Wegovy Price Cut: 03:43–04:27
• Champions League Upset: 04:27–04:56

Episode Takeaway

In this compact news round-up, NPR spotlights uncertainty and anxiety over political leadership and economic policy, swift changes in international affairs, and surprise upsets—both in politics and sports. The episode sharply captures everyday Americans’ concerns, regulatory and market volatility, and moments of stunning upset on the world stage.