NPR News Now: February 27, 2026 – 5AM EST

Overview

In this concise five-minute segment, NPR News Now covers the latest major stories shaping the morning of February 27, 2026. Topics include new testimonies in the Epstein investigation involving the Clintons, Denver's unprecedented executive order restricting ICE operations, public remembrance for civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, safety measures at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, an ethical clash between AI company Anthropic and the U.S. Defense Department, and mass layoffs at the fintech company Block.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Clinton Testimonies on Epstein Investigation

• [00:18–01:11]
  • Content: Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee as part of the ongoing investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Context: Hillary Clinton testified the previous day, asserting she never met or communicated with Epstein.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Hillary Clinton (paraphrased by Dave Mattingly): “She never met Epstein and never had any connection or communication with him.” [00:29]
• Location: Both depositions are taking place in Chappaqua, New York.

2. Denver’s Executive Order Limiting ICE Operations

• [01:11–01:53]
  • Content: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signs an executive order restricting ICE operations in city property and granting local police authority to arrest ICE agents under certain conditions.
  • Details:
    • ICE is barred from enforcing immigration on city-owned property (libraries, schools, etc.).
    • Local police empowered to provide medical aid and, if hindered by ICE, can arrest federal agents to protect residents.
    • Emphasis on de-escalation by Denver police.
    • Notable Quote:
      • Mayor Mike Johnston (quoted by Kyle Harris): “If we see any ICE officer using excessive force against a Denver resident, we will step in to detain that officer and remove them from the situation.” [01:37]
• Context: Part of local responses amid fears of surges in federal immigration enforcement.

3. Reverend Jesse Jackson Lies in Repose

• [01:53–02:55]
  • Content: Mourners pay respects to civil rights leader Jesse Jackson at Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago, following his passing at age 84.
  • Details:
    • Thousands have visited to honor Jackson’s legacy.
    • His senior advisor, Reverend Jeanette Wilson, shares how Jackson's death is motivating a new generation.
    • Notable Quote:
      • Reverend Jeanette Wilson: “He said, I’m ready to step up. And so I think that his death will inspire a generation that felt like they were so hopeless in despair they didn’t see anything.” [02:32]
  • Next steps: Jackson will lie in repose in South Carolina before a service in Washington, D.C.

4. U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem – Departure Authorization

• [02:55–03:33]
  • Content: The State Department permits non-essential personnel and families to depart from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
  • Reason: Cited safety risks from terrorism and civil unrest.
  • No further details provided.

5. Anthropic Refuses DoD’s AI Demands

• [03:33–04:17]
  • Content: AI firm Anthropic publicly refuses U.S. Defense Department demands to relax AI safety standards for military use.
  • Details:
    • DoD seeks unrestricted use of Anthropic AI, but company bars military from using it in mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.
    • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to blacklist Anthropic; CEO Dario Amode holds firm, citing democratic values.
    • Pentagon denies intent to use AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.
    • Notable Quote:
      • Dario Amode (statement cited by John Ruich): “In some cases, AI can undermine rather than defend democratic values, and threats from the DoD do not change Anthropic’s position.” [03:56]

6. Block Lays Off 40% of Workforce

• [04:17–04:56]
  • Content: Fintech giant Block (formerly Square) announces 4,000 layoffs, representing 40% of its labor force.
  • Details:
    • CEO Jack Dorsey cites plans to rely more on AI; layoffs happen despite higher quarterly earnings.
    • Block handles payment processing and personal finance services.
    • Dorsey is also known as the co-founder of Twitter/X.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hillary Clinton’s response: “She never met Epstein and never had any connection or communication with him.” (attributed by Dave Mattingly, 00:29)
• Mayor Mike Johnston on ICE intervention: “If we see any ICE officer using excessive force against a Denver resident, we will step in to detain that officer and remove them from the situation.” (quoted by Kyle Harris, 01:37)
• Rev. Jeanette Wilson on Jackson’s legacy: “I think that his death will inspire a generation that felt like they were so hopeless in despair they didn’t see anything.” (quoted by Summer Van Benton, 02:32)
• Dario Amode, Anthropic CEO, on DoD demands: “In some cases, AI can undermine rather than defend democratic values, and threats from the DoD do not change Anthropic’s position.” (quoted by John Ruich, 03:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:18 | Epstein investigation – Clintons’ testimonies | | 01:11 | Denver restricts ICE operations | | 01:53 | Reverend Jesse Jackson remembrance | | 02:55 | U.S. Embassy Jerusalem staff authorized to leave | | 03:33 | Anthropic rejects DoD AI collaboration terms | | 04:17 | Block (Square) announces mass layoffs |

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