NPR News Now – February 20, 2026, 5PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode covers several key developments in U.S. and global news on February 20, 2026. Major topics include President Trump's reaction to a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, ongoing trade tensions with Canada, U.S.-Iran military posturing, updates on the U.S. economy, school cellphone bans, and an upcoming NASA mission.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariff Policy

[00:16 – 01:33]

• Main Story: The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, struck down a tariff policy imposed by President Trump under an emergency powers law.
• Trump's Response: Despite the ruling, Trump insists current national security tariffs remain in place and introduces a new initiative.
  • Quote:
    “Not the end of it immediately. All national security tariffs under section 232 and existing section 301 tariffs… remain in place, fully in place and in full force and effect. Today I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under section 122…”
    — President Donald Trump ([00:30])
• Legal Context: Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows a President to impose certain tariffs, but only up to 15% and for a limited duration (150 days).
• Refund Issue: Trump notes the Supreme Court didn't address potential refunds for over $100 billion paid in tariffs, hinting at protracted future litigation.

2. Canada Reacts to U.S. Trade Ruling

[01:33 – 02:12]
Correspondent: Dan Karpenchuk (from Toronto)

• Canadian Response: Trade Minister Dominique LeBlanc praises the ruling as validation for Canada’s position that the tariffs were unjustified.
• Quote:
  “The ruling upholds Ottawa's stance that the tariffs are unjustified. However… more trade disruptions could be in the works.”
  — Dan Karpenchuk, paraphrasing Minister LeBlanc & experts ([01:33])
• Trade Agreement Up for Review: The U.S.-Canada-Mexico Free Trade Agreement review upcoming later this year raises further uncertainty.
• Ongoing Concerns: Canada’s Chamber of Commerce and unions caution that U.S. may pursue new ways to pressure Canadian trade, and current tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber remain unaffected.

3. Tensions with Iran: U.S. Military Buildup

[02:12 – 02:54]
Correspondent: Greg Myre

• U.S. Forces Assembled: After a build-up, the U.S. has amassed significant air and naval power in the Middle East (second aircraft carrier, 50+ jets).
• Potential for Conflict: President Trump is non-committal on using military force, saying:
  • Quote:
    “Now we may have to take it a step further or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You'll be finding out over the next probably 10 days.”
    — President Donald Trump ([02:46])
• Iran's Readiness: Iran openly prepares for possible U.S. strikes, vowing retaliation with its ballistic missile stockpile.

4. Economic Update: U.S. Growth and Markets

[03:07 – 03:54]

• Stock Market: Dow Jones closes up 230 points.
• Economic Growth:
  • Q4 2025 growth was 1.4% (slower than expected, and slower than Q3's 4.4%).
  • Full-year 2025 GDP rose 2.2% (vs. 2.4% in 2024).
• Overall Tone: Growth has slowed but remains solid over the past two years.

5. School Cellphone Bans and Student Impact

[03:54 – 04:40]
Correspondent: Sequoia Carrillo (Louisville, KY)

• Policy Trend: Over 30 states have enacted some form of cellphone ban in schools.
• Case Study: The Academy at Shawnee, a magnet school in West Louisville:
  • Administrative Perspective: Teachers appreciate the ban.
  • Student Perspective:
    • Principal Holly Smith:
      “Their phone is their lives. It’s their world.” ([04:04])
    • Student Voices: Mixed views—some believe focus has improved, others disagree.
  • Impact: Library book checkouts tripled from previous years, suggesting improved reading and focus.

6. NASA’s Next Moon Mission

[04:40 – End]

• Announcement: NASA schedules Artemis 2, a crewed mission to orbit the moon, for launch on March 6, 2026.
• Details: Four astronauts to circle the moon and return, marking a significant step in the Artemis program.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump (on tariffs):
  “Not the end of it immediately... I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under section 122...” ([00:30])

• President Trump (on Iran):
  “Now we may have to take it a step further or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal.” ([02:46])

• Principal Holly Smith (on cellphone ban):
  “Their phone is their lives. It’s their world.” ([04:04])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:16 – Trump responds to Supreme Court tariff decision
• 01:33 – Canadian reaction and trade outlook
• 02:12 – U.S. military buildup vs. Iran
• 03:07 – Economic news: markets and GDP
• 03:54 – School cellphone bans in Kentucky
• 04:40 – NASA’s Artemis 2 lunar mission update

This concise episode succinctly captures significant U.S. and global developments, providing listeners a rapid yet comprehensive update on the day’s most pressing stories.