NPR News Now — 02-20-2026 1PM EST

Date: February 20, 2026
Host: Lakshmi Singh

Episode Overview

This five-minute news update highlights major national and international developments from February 20, 2026. Coverage spans a landmark Supreme Court decision on tariffs, U.S.-Iran military tensions, a political dispute over an environmental crisis, significant changes in Venezuela, and the death of actor Eric Dane.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs

[00:25–01:25]

• Supreme Court Decision: The conservative majority ruled that President Trump’s tariffs policy, implemented under emergency powers, is unconstitutional.

  • Context: The ruling marks a significant setback for the Trump administration.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts’ Opinion:
    "Much of that revolution was based on an objection to being taxed and therefore the framers put in the Constitution the powers of Congress were to tax and that imports and exports have taxes and that therefore if a president wants to impose a tax, a big tariff, Congress has to expressly authorize it." (Nina Totenberg, 01:00)

• Presidential Reaction:
  Trump, in a closed-door meeting with governors, reportedly called the decision "a disgrace" (Lakshmi Singh, 00:25).

2. Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Iran

[01:25–02:27]

• Military Buildup: The U.S. has assembled substantial air and naval forces in the Middle East, including a second aircraft carrier and over 50 fighter jets.
  "Now appears capable of a sustained bombing campaign that could last weeks, if not longer." (Greg Myhre, 01:45)

• Presidential Statement:
  "Now we may have to take it a step further or we may not. Maybe we're going to make a deal. You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days." (President Trump, 02:06)

• Iran’s Response: Iranian leaders anticipate a possible U.S. strike and say they will retaliate if attacked. Iran possesses a stockpile of ballistic missiles (Greg Myhre, 02:13).

3. Dispute Over Potomac Sewer Spill

[02:27–03:15]

• Background: Millions of gallons of sewage have entered the Potomac River due to a burst pipeline.
• Political Dispute: President Trump publicly blamed Maryland Governor Wes Moore for inadequate response and suggested Moore request help "nicely".
• Rebuttal from Moore:
  Moore called Trump’s comments "politically motivated and asinine," arguing that since the break is on federal park land, responsibility lies with the federal government. (Jackson Sinnenberg, 02:40)

4. Venezuela Amnesty Law and Prisoner Release

[03:15–04:34]

• Policy Change: Hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela may be freed under a newly-passed amnesty law, following the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro.

• Scope of Amnesty:
  "A pardon for certain crimes committed since 1999, when socialist leader Hugo Chavez came into power." (Carrie Kahn, 03:50)

• Criticism:
  Human rights groups claim the law "doesn't go far enough," due to excessive exemptions and a flawed judicial process dominated by Maduro loyalists.
  Opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, recently released, confirms his absolute freedom following the bill’s signing.

5. Passing of Actor Eric Dane

[04:34–05:04]

• Announcement: Eric Dane, famous for "Grey’s Anatomy", died at age 53 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), having disclosed his diagnosis less than a year prior.
• Advocacy: Dane was recognized for raising ALS awareness.
• Legacy: Remembered especially for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan ("McSteamy").

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Supreme Court's Tariff Decision:
  "If a president wants to impose a tax, a big tariff, Congress has to expressly authorize it."
  — Chief Justice John Roberts (via Nina Totenberg, 01:00)

• On U.S. Military Plans in Iran:
  "Maybe we're going to make a deal. You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days."
  — President Trump (02:06)

• On Potomac Sewer Break Responsibility:
  "Moore responded earlier in the week...calling them politically motivated and asinine, and says that since the pipe break happened on federal park land, Trump should be responsible for the fix."
  — Jackson Sinnenberg (02:40)

• On Venezuela Amnesty Law:
  "The bill shows the government is, quote, letting go of a little intolerance and opening new avenues for politics in Venezuela."
  — Interim leader Delsey Rodriguez (via Carrie Kahn, 03:50)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:25 | Supreme Court ruling and Trump reaction
• 01:00 | Nina Totenberg on Roberts’ opinion
• 01:45 | U.S.-Iran military buildup (Greg Myhre)
• 02:06 | Trump’s public remarks on Iran
• 02:40 | Potomac sewage dispute (Jackson Sinnenberg)
• 03:15 | Financial markets update
• 03:50 | Venezuela amnesty law (Carrie Kahn)
• 04:34 | Death of Eric Dane

Tone & Language

Succinct, authoritative, and objective—maintaining NPR’s signature calm, informative delivery throughout.

This concise news summary offers a snapshot of pressing global events and national issues, with direct quotes and reliable attributions for easy reference.