NPR News Now – 02-21-2026 10AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston | Date: February 21, 2026
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the major news headlines shaping the U.S. and the world, focusing on judicial decisions, international relations, environmental regulatory shifts, weather alerts, and Winter Olympics updates.

1. Supreme Court Decision on Trump's Tariff Powers

[00:19 – 01:19]

• Main Point: The Supreme Court restricted former President Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs, especially affecting his actions towards Mexico and Cuba.
• Details & Insight:
  • Trump’s national emergency citing drug trafficking enabled him to levy 25% tariffs on Mexico.
  • Mexican economists, quoted by Ada Peralta, suggest most Mexican exports remained unaffected due to exemptions: "About 80% of Mexican exports to the US are not subject to any taxes." (Ada Peralta, 00:49)
  • Implications are greater for Cuba: Trump had threatened tariffs on Mexico if it continued supplying oil to Cuba, but the Supreme Court’s ruling blocks use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for such tariffs.
• Notable Quote:
  • "That executive order relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers act, which the Supreme Court has now said he cannot use to impose tariffs." — Ada Peralta ([01:11])

2. U.S.–Iran Relations and Possible Military Strikes

[01:19 – 01:57]

• Main Point: Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran as nuclear negotiations approach a turning point.
• Details & Insight:
  • President Trump mentions the possibility of "limited strikes" against Iran.
  • Iran's Foreign Minister expects to finalize and send a draft nuclear deal to Washington in days.
  • Increased U.S. military presence pressures Iran for further concessions.

3. EPA Repeals Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

[01:57 – 02:38]

• Main Point: The EPA, under the Trump administration, repealed 2024 regulations for mercury and other pollutants from coal plants.
• Details & Insight:
  • The repealed rule required power plants to install advanced filters for mercury, arsenic, and lead.
  • The administration argues it will save utility companies money.
  • Health professionals and environmentalists decry the move due to public health risks.
  • Montana’s Colstrip plant identified as the nation’s highest emitter.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Repeal of these standards will result in many Americans dying needlessly from preventable causes related to air pollution." — Dr. Rob Byron, internist ([02:17])
• Legal Context: Anticipation of court challenges against the rollback.

4. Major Winter Storm Threatens Eastern U.S.

[02:38 – 03:00]

• Main Point: Weather officials warn of a significant winter storm poised to hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
• Details & Insight:
  • Wet, heavy snowfall combined with strong winds expected to cause widespread power outages, particularly from New Jersey to southern New England.
  • Dangerous travel conditions forecasted for Sunday into Monday.
• Notable Quote:
  • "The combination of the wet snow, it's going to be a wet snow, and those strong winds will likely result in scatter to numerous power outages..." — Mark Chouinard, National Weather Service ([02:49])

5. Philadelphia Slavery Exhibit Legal Decision

[03:00 – 03:50]

• Main Point: A federal judge ruled against delaying the restoration of a slavery exhibit at a historical site in Philadelphia.
• Details & Insight:
  • The exhibit, at a home once occupied by George Washington, was removed by the federal government last month.
  • The city is suing; the judge orders the federal agency to collaborate with the city on any new exhibit plans.

6. Winter Olympics Highlights:

Alex Ferreira’s Historic Ski Halfpipe Gold

[03:50 – 04:33]

• Main Point: Alex Ferreira completed his Olympic medal set with gold in the men’s free ski halfpipe.
• Details & Insight:
  • The victory marks the U.S. team's 10th gold this Winter Olympics—the highest since 2002 (Salt Lake City).
  • Ferreira, now 31, becomes the oldest man to win the event.
  • His longtime coach, Eric Knight, remembers Ferreira's talent from a young age.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Right from the very beginning, knew that it was something special. So it’s just been a real joy watching him through the years." — Eric Knight, coach ([04:16])

U.S. Men’s Hockey Team Advances to Final

[04:33 – 04:56]

• Main Point: U.S. men’s ice hockey team heads to the Olympic final, set to face Canada after winning their semifinal match.
• Additional Note: U.S. women’s team already secured the gold this week.

End of Content

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