NPR News Now: February 20, 2026, 11PM EST

Overview

This episode delivers the latest headlines from the U.S. and around the world, covering breaking political news, the ongoing measles outbreak, Olympic hockey updates, classroom technology policy, a high-profile investigation in the UK, and a conservation milestone in the Galapagos. Presented in a brisk, five-minute format, it offers key updates with direct reporting and voices from the field.

Main News Stories & Key Points

1. Supreme Court Ruling Against Trump’s Tariffs

• Summary: The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 against President Trump's sweeping tariffs, delivering his biggest legal defeat since his return to office.
• Reporting: [00:17] Dale Willman introduced the story, followed by details from Franco Ordonez.
• Trump’s Reaction:
  • Expressed being "absolutely ashamed" of the justices for their decision.
  • Claimed foreign countries are "dancing in the streets" but warned, "they won't be dancing for long, that I can assure you." ([00:39], attributed to Dale Willman reading Trump’s statement.)
• Response Plan: Trump plans to sign an executive order to continue tariffs under new legal grounds and is considering a 10% global tariff, which after 150 days would require Congressional approval—a challenging prospect near elections. ([00:52] Franco Ordonez)

Notable Quote:

“Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic... But they won't be dancing for long, that I can assure you.”
—President Trump, as quoted by Dale Willman [00:39]

2. South Carolina’s Unprecedented Measles Outbreak

• Summary: South Carolina is managing 973 measles cases—an outbreak called "unprecedented" by officials.
• Update: The rate of new cases has slowed, credited to increased vaccinations.
  • Only 23 new cases this week vs. 2,248 new cases in a single week last month. ([01:37] Maria Godoy)
• Community Response:
  • At mobile vaccine clinics, parents are responding. Tracey Hobbs brought her twins to be vaccinated:

    “They just got their measles, mumps, rubella for the first time today. The measles aren't really something to play with.”
    —Tracey Hobbs [02:06]

• Public Health: Officials emphasize more vaccinations are needed to prevent a resurgence. ([02:11] Maria Godoy)

3. U.S. Men’s Hockey Advances to Olympic Gold Medal Match

• Summary: The U.S. men’s hockey team beat Slovakia 6-2 in the Olympic semifinals and will face Canada for gold.
• Game Highlights:
  • Dylan Larkin scored early, with numerous Americans contributing to the win. ([02:32] Becky Sullivan)
• Canada’s Route: Canada narrowly defeated Finland after overcoming a 2-0 deficit.
• Anticipation: The much-anticipated U.S. vs. Canada final is set for Sunday.
  • U.S. winger Matthew Tkachuk called it “the pinnacle to sport.” ([03:00] Perez Franco Ordonez)
  • Dale Willman echoed: “This is as good as it gets.” ([03:03])
• Details: Puck drop at 2:10pm local time (8:10am Eastern) Sunday. ([03:05] Becky Sullivan)

Notable Quotes:

“This is the pinnacle to sport.”
—Matthew Tkachuk, U.S. Team, as reported by Perez Franco Ordonez [03:00]

“This is as good as it gets.”
—Dale Willman [03:03]

4. School Cell Phone Ban: Kentucky’s Experience

• Summary: Over 30 states have enacted school cell phone bans. NPR visits a Kentucky school to observe the policy’s effects after one semester.
• On-the-Ground Report:
  • At the Academy at Shawnee in Louisville, phones must be locked in secure pouches all day.
  • Principal Holly Smith:

    “The teachers love the ban, but the students, I think they absolutely hate it.” ([03:28] Sequoia Carrillo)

  • Student perspectives are mixed, but there’s notable improvement in focus and productivity:

    “People know they’re going to get in trouble if they keep it out. They’ve started to actually focus on work.”
    —Joseph Jolly, junior [03:52] (via Becky Sullivan’s voice)

  • A librarian notes positive side-effects:
    • Book checkouts tripled compared to last year ([04:00] Sequoia Carrillo).

5. Former British Prince Investigated over Epstein Ties

• Summary: Police searched the former home of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) after his detention on suspicion of misconduct in office relating to ties with Jeffrey Epstein. [[04:14] Dale Willman]
• Now released, he’s staying at King Charles III's private retreat.

6. Conservation: Giant Tortoises Return to Galapagos

• Summary: 158 juvenile hybrid tortoises have been released on Floriana Island to help restore the ecosystem.
• Goal: Eventually, 700 tortoises to be introduced once they’re large enough to survive predation.
• Significance: Positive step in restoring Galapagos biodiversity. ([04:14] Dale Willman)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They just got their measles, mumps, rubella for the first time today. The measles aren't really something to play with.”
  —Tracey Hobbs (Spartanburg County, SC) [02:06]
• “This is the pinnacle to sport.” —Matthew Tkachuk [03:00]
• “People know they're going to get in trouble if they keep it out. They've started to actually focus on work.”
  —Joseph Jolly, student, Shawnee Academy [03:52]
• “Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic… But they won't be dancing for long, that I can assure you.”
  —President Trump (via Dale Willman) [00:39]

Timestamps for Segments

• [00:17] Supreme Court tariffs ruling & Trump response
• [01:22] Measles outbreak update in South Carolina
• [02:19] U.S. men’s hockey advances to Olympic gold medal match
• [03:12] School cell phone ban results in Kentucky
• [04:14] Andrew Mountbatten Windsor investigation & Galapagos tortoise conservation

The episode provides a concise yet rich digest of major national and global events, featuring direct reporting, key voices, and real-world impact.