NPR News Now: February 24, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of national and international headlines, focusing on President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, partisan tensions in Congress, a standoff between the Pentagon and AI company Anthropic, economic updates including the stock market and Home Depot earnings, legal troubles for high-profile UK figures, and a Chicagoan protest via snowplow naming.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

State of the Union Address Preview

• President Trump's Message: President Trump is set to claim credit for a significant turnaround since taking office, emphasizing achievements in health care and immigration.

  • Insight: Despite positive framing by the administration, recent polling suggests voters are skeptical about the country's direction.
  • Quote:

    "Most voters, like Iowa Democrat Renee Schulte, say the country is worse off than a year ago and that the State of the Union is not strong."
    — Ryland Barton (00:15)

• Partisan Division & Boycotts:

  • Some Democrats in Congress intend to boycott Trump's speech, with a number choosing to protest on the National Mall instead.

  • Republican Response: Speaker Mike Johnson harshly criticized the Democrats' move.

    • Quote:

      "It doesn't matter how many little gatherings they have or where they stand or how high the volume is on the microphones. They have nothing to offer, nothing but their TDS agenda. The Trump derangement syndrome. And it's on full display."
      — House Speaker Mike Johnson (00:57)

  • Trump is expected to deliver another lengthy address, possibly exceeding the previous 99-minute record.

• Policy Focus & Supreme Court Defeat:

  • The president will defend his tariff policies, especially after the Supreme Court blocked his emergency powers to indefinitely tax foreign goods.

  • Public unease is notable regarding the cost of living and Trump's economic strategies.

    • Quote:

      "Any new policies aimed at the cost of living are gonna come. While the president says he's gonna push new tariffs now, those raise prices..."
      — Danielle Kurtzleben (01:49)

Pentagon vs. Anthropic: AI Ethics Clash

• Background: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pressuring AI company Anthropic to loosen AI safety standards for military applications.
• Details:
  • Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amade, refused to allow the AI to be used for mass domestic surveillance or lethal drone attacks.
  • Hegseth threatened to retaliate by both using the tools without the company’s consent and banning Anthropic from future military contracts.
• Ethical Debate: The Pentagon dismissed the company's safeguards as “woke AI,” while Anthropic warns that unchecked AI “can lead to illegitimate government abuses.”
  • Quote:

    "Either Anthropic relaxes its AI rules or the Trump administration will retaliate by using Anthropic's tools against its wishes as a matter of national security and also banning Anthropic from future military work."
    — Bobby Allen (02:19)

Markets & Business Updates

• Stock Market:
  • S&P 500 and Dow rose more than 0.75%; NASDAQ up 1%.
    — Ryland Barton (03:01)
• Home Depot:
  • Despite a nearly 4% drop in quarterly sales, annual sales grew by 3%.
  • CFO Richard McPhail cited customer concerns about inflation, job stability, and higher financing costs.
    • Quote:

      "Our customers also tell us they have concerns over general economic uncertainty, including inflation, growing job concerns and higher financing costs."
      — Richard McPhail (04:09)

  • The company is reacting to new tariffs and preparing to lay off about 800 corporate employees.

International & Legal Headlines

• UK Scandal:
  • Arrests of former Prince Andrew and former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson for links to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Focus on the antiquated, vaguely defined offense of “misconduct in public office,” which may complicate prosecution.

Civic Protest & Local Humor

• Chicago Snowplow Naming Contest:
  • Residents named a snowplow "abolish ICE,” poking at federal immigration enforcement after a controversial ICE crackdown in the city.
  • ICE operation led to over 4,000 arrests.
  • Another winning entry was “Pope Frio, the 14th,” referencing a local pope.
    • Memorable moment:

      "Chicagoans took a jab at President Trump choosing to name a snowplow, abolish ICE in a contest."
      — Ryland Barton (04:33)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Voter Discontent:

  "Most voters ... say the country is worse off than a year ago and that the State of the Union is not strong."
  — Ryland Barton (00:15)

• Democratic Protest:

  "They have nothing to offer, nothing but their TDS agenda. The Trump derangement syndrome."
  — House Speaker Mike Johnson (00:57)

• Cost of Living Challenge:

  "While the president says he's gonna push new tariffs now, those raise prices..."
  — Danielle Kurtzleben (01:49)

• AI Ethics Standoff:

  "Either Anthropic relaxes its AI rules or the Trump administration will retaliate by using Anthropic's tools against its wishes as a matter of national security..."
  — Bobby Allen (02:19)

• Economic Uncertainty:

  "Our customers also tell us they have concerns over general economic uncertainty, including inflation, growing job concerns and higher financing costs."
  — Richard McPhail, Home Depot CFO (04:09)

• Local Wit:

  "Chicagoans took a jab at President Trump choosing to name a snowplow, abolish ICE in a contest."
  — Ryland Barton (04:33)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:15: State of the Union Preview / National Mood
• 00:57: Boycott & Partisan Reactions
• 01:49: Policy Analysis & Court Rulings
• 02:19: AI Company vs. Pentagon Ethics Battle
• 03:01: Stock Market Recap & UK Legal News
• 03:50: Home Depot Earnings & Economic Concerns
• 04:33: Chicago’s ICE Protest Snowplow

This concise and factual broadcast captures the evening’s pressing political, economic, and social issues with direct reporting and pointed commentary.