NPR News Now – February 20, 2026, 3PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh | Length: ~5 minutes
Theme: Key breaking news across U.S. politics, global affairs, environment, weather, and the economy.

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode quickly rounds up major news stories of February 20, 2026, focusing on President Trump’s response to a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, the investigation into former Prince Andrew’s links with Jeffrey Epstein, a regulatory rollback by the EPA on mercury emissions, American experiences with severe winter weather, and quarterly economic growth data.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariff Policy

Timestamps: 00:19–01:18

• President Trump’s Reaction:
  Following the Supreme Court's decision against his use of emergency economic powers to impose global tariffs, Trump expresses disappointment but insists there are alternative ways to implement the levies, saying he doesn’t need to approach Congress "at least not at first."

• Congressional Republican Response:

  • Senator Bernie Moreno (Ohio):
    Calls the decision “outrageous,” suggesting it hinders the battle against unfair trade. He urges Congress to codify the tariffs with a maneuver requiring only a simple majority in the Senate.

    "The court, quote, handcuffs our fight against unfair trade that has devastated American workers." – Bernie Moreno [00:45]

  • Senator John Curtis (Utah):
    Welcomes the decision, emphasizing that it upholds the Founders’ intent for checks and balances.
  • Mitch McConnell (Former Majority Leader):
    Stresses congressional authority in trade policy should not be seen as a mere inconvenience.

2. Investigation into Former Prince Andrew

Timestamps: 01:18–02:27

• Police Search and Allegations:

  • British police continue to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s (formerly Prince Andrew) previous home, Royal Lodge.
  • Officers are interviewing his protection detail regarding any insights related to the sharing of sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Andrew was reportedly arrested—the first senior royal family member arrested in centuries—but released the following day.

• Commentary from Journalist Bidisha Mamata:
  Mamata highlights Andrew’s history of controversies and public distrust:

  "He has been trouble for many decades, in part because of his own obfuscations, his lies, his fudges, his dodges. He's come across extremely badly in very high-profile BBC interviews, and there's a real hunger for a sense of closing the story and having some kind of natural justice happen." – Bidisha Mamata [02:03]

  • Ongoing allegations of underage sexual misconduct are denied by Andrew.

3. EPA Loosens Mercury Pollution Standards

Timestamps: 02:27–03:12

• Policy Reversal:

  • The EPA reverses tighter mercury emission standards enacted under President Biden in 2024, returning to previous levels.
  • The Trump administration says this supports the coal industry.

• Health Implications:

  • Mercury, released from burning coal, can cause severe neurological and health problems, especially in infants.
  • The original Mercury and Air Toxics Standards were designed to minimize such risks.

  "Mercury is a heavy metal often found naturally in coal. When coal is burned, that mercury is released into the atmosphere and eventually it can find its way into the human body, where it causes neurological problems and other health issues. It's particularly dangerous for infants." – Alejandra Barunda [02:30]

4. Severe Winter Weather Impacts in the U.S.

Timestamps: 03:12–04:12

• New Survey Insights:

  • 60% of Americans report being affected by severe winter weather in the past five years, slightly up from last year.
  • Regional impact: Freezing temps hit East and West Coasts; South endured widespread power outages.
  • 70% saw higher energy bills, 40% faced work/school cancellations, 30% had disrupted travel plans.

• Context on Weather Perceptions:

  • As winters grow generally milder, extreme cold becomes rarer; younger Americans, lacking earlier reference points, may especially perceive recent cold as severe.

  "As the climate heats up and winters generally are warmer, extremely cold winters happen less frequently. This perception issue affects younger people even more because they may not have experienced extreme cold in the past." – Jeff Brady [03:44]

5. U.S. Economic Growth Slows

Timestamps: 04:12–04:55

• Quarterly Growth Data:

  • U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 1.4% in Q4 2025, slowing significantly from 4.4% in Q3.
  • The government shutdown in late 2025 curbed government spending, dampening overall growth.
  • Consumer spending by wealthier Americans and investment in Artificial Intelligence buoyed the economy.
  • The labor market remains a concern.

• Stock Market Update:

  • Major indices continue to rise:
    • Dow up 162 points
    • Nasdaq up 173
    • S&P up 40

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Senator Moreno on the Supreme Court Tariff Ruling:

  "The court, quote, handcuffs our fight against unfair trade that has devastated American workers." [00:45]

• Bidisha Mamata on Prince Andrew’s Reputation and Public Sentiment:

  "He has been trouble for many decades, in part because of his own obfuscations, his lies, his fudges, his dodges. ...there's a real hunger for a sense of closing the story and having some kind of natural justice happen." [02:03]

• Alejandra Barunda on Mercury Pollution:

  "Mercury is a heavy metal... It's particularly dangerous for infants." [02:30]

• Jeff Brady on Weather Perceptions:

  "As the climate heats up and winters generally are warmer... This perception issue affects younger people..." [03:44]

Timestamps of Major Segments

| Segment | Start | End | |--------------------------------------|---------|---------| | Supreme Court & Tariff Policy | 00:19 | 01:18 | | Prince Andrew Investigation | 01:18 | 02:27 | | EPA Mercury Rule Rollback | 02:27 | 03:12 | | Severe Winter Weather | 03:12 | 04:12 | | Economic Report & Stock Market | 04:12 | 04:55 |

Takeaways

• The Supreme Court reinforces Congressional authority over trade, dividing Republicans.
• Historic legal action against a senior British royal intensifies scrutiny of royal conduct.
• Trump’s EPA policy rollback on mercury protections renews health concerns, especially for children.
• Americans continue to grapple with the ramifications of severe winter weather and rising energy costs.
• The economy slowed more than expected at the end of 2025, but markets remain resilient.

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