Summary4 min read

NPR News Now – February 21, 2026, 11PM EST

Host: Dale Willman

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update delivers the latest national and international headlines. Topics include President Trump’s push for new tariffs following a Supreme Court setback, a massive winter storm poised to hit the Mid-Atlantic, ongoing investigation into Prince Andrew in the UK, a Ukrainian missile strike deep inside Russia, recovery operations after a deadly California avalanche, the passing of baseball legend Bill Mazeroski, and updates from the PGA Invitational in Los Angeles.

Key News Highlights & Insights

1. President Trump Pursues New Global Tariffs Despite Supreme Court Ruling

[00:18–01:13]

Tariff Policy Setback:
The Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for imposing certain tariffs—a "major blow" to his economic agenda.
New Executive Action:
Trump, reacting on Truth Social, criticized the Court’s opinion as “ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti American,” and announced a new 15% tariff on global imports.
- Quote (Kristen Wright, NPR):
  
  "...the president signed a proclamation hours after the ruling imposing a new 10% tariff on global imports to revive his tariffs. He cited the Trade Act of 1974 as authorization, but they can only be in place for 150 days unless Congress acts."
Implications:
The move signals Trump’s determination to sustain his tariff policy despite legal hurdles, but legislative support will be necessary to make the new tariffs permanent.

2. Major Snowstorm Threatens the Mid-Atlantic

[01:13–01:35]

Blizzard Warnings:
Fifty million people are preparing as heavy snow and high winds are expected, with blizzard warnings spanning New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Boston, and more.
- Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey declared a state of emergency beginning at noon Sunday.
Preparation Advice:
- Quote (Gov. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey, [01:27]):
  
  "We need to be prepared. We need to be safe. Get water, get all of your charging done with your devices. Stay off the roads."
Forecast:
Some regions could receive up to two feet of snow by Monday.

3. Investigation of Prince Andrew Sparks Debate on UK Monarchy

[01:35–02:48]

Ongoing Investigation:
Police are searching Andrew Mountbatten, Windsor's former residence, as part of a misconduct investigation.
Calls for Reform:
The case reignites discussion over the monarchy's role and need for reform, with legendary broadcaster David Dimbleby weighing in after decades covering royal events.
- Quote (David Dimbleby, [02:26]):
  
  "We live in a parliamentary democracy. We have a monarchy. And in my view, the monarchy needs to adapt."
Possible Legislative Changes:
Removal from the line of succession and new requirements for financial transparency for working royals are being considered.

4. Ukrainian Missile Hits Deep Inside Russia

[02:48–03:16]

Significant Strike:
A Ukrainian cruise missile hit a Russian missile factory 870 miles inside Russia, injuring 11 and damaging a facility producing Iskander and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Aftermath:
Airports in the area were closed following the attack.
Context:
The factory’s outputs are directly linked to ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

5. Avalanche Victims Recovered in California

[03:16–03:38]

Tragedy:
The bodies of nine backcountry skiers killed in Tuesday’s avalanche have now been recovered. Initial efforts were delayed due to the threat of another avalanche.

6. Remembering Bill Mazeroski

[03:38–04:27]

Baseball Legend Passes:
Bill Mazeroski, Hall of Famer and hero of the 1960 World Series, has died at 89.
- Quote (Jeremy Scott, NPR):
  
  “His walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth during the final game of the 1960 World Series put the Pirates over the New York Yankees to win the championship.” ([03:51])
- Fan tribute (Patty Petrush, [04:23]):
  
  “I hope he’s up in heaven. We’re going to have good spirit, hopefully this year.”

7. PGA Invitational—Jacob Bridgman Takes the Lead

[04:35–04:57]

Round Highlight:
Jacob Bridgman shot a 64, including eagle, birdie, eagle in three holes, giving him a six-shot lead ahead of Sunday's final in Los Angeles.
Rory McIlroy and Aldrich Poltgeiter hold second and third, respectively.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“A thorough, detailed and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti American decision on tariffs." – President Trump (cited by Kristen Wright, [00:32])
“We live in a parliamentary democracy. We have a monarchy. And in my view, the monarchy needs to adapt.” – David Dimbleby ([02:26])
“His walk off homer … put the Pirates over the New York Yankees to win the championship.” – Jeremy Scott ([03:51])
“I hope he’s up in heaven. We’re going to have good spirit, hopefully this year.” – Patty Petrush ([04:23])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:18] Trump tariff response to Supreme Court setback
[01:13] Major Mid-Atlantic blizzard warnings
[01:35] UK: Prince Andrew investigation, monarchy reforms
[02:48] Ukrainian missile strikes Russian factory
[03:16] California avalanche recovery
[03:38] Death of Bill Mazeroski
[04:35] PGA Invitational update

This episode efficiently captures the day’s top headlines with concise reporting, direct quotes from key figures, and an eye towards both national and international implications.

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Transcript15 lines

[00:00]
A
This message comes from Mint mobile starting at $15 a month. Make the switch@mintmobile.com Switch $45 upfront payment for 3 months 5GB plan equivalent to $15 a month Taxes and fees Extra first 3 months only. See Terms
[00:18]
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Live from NPR News. I'm Dale Wilman. President Trump is pressing ahead with tariffs despite a substantial legal setback from the Supreme Court. He plans to raise a new tariff on Global imports to 15%. NPR's Kristen Wright reports.
[00:33]
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In a post on Truth Social, Trump said his decision to impose a new 15% tariff on goods from around the world is based on, quote, a thorough, detailed and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti American decision on tariffs. The Supreme Court struck down the president's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers act to impose certain tariffs. Friday's ruling is a major blow to Trump's economic policy agenda. Initially, the president signed a proclamation hours after the ruling imposing a new 10% tariff on global imports to revive his tariffs. He cited the Trade act of 1974 as authorization, but they can only be in place for 150 days unless Congress acts. Kristen Wright, NPR News.
[01:13]
B
Some 50 million people are preparing for heavy snow and high winds this weekend as a major storm is expected to hit the Mid Atlantic region Sunday. New Jersey Governor Mikey Sherrill has declared a state of emergency that begins at noon.
[01:27]
D
We need to be prepared. We need to be safe. Get water, get all of your charging done with your devices. Stay off the roads.
[01:35]
B
Blizzard warnings are in place for New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Boston and other coastal communities. Forecasters say some areas could get as much as 2ft of snow by Monday. Police in Britain say their search of Andrew Mountbatten, Windsor's former home on the grounds of Windsor Castle will continue through the weekend. As Vicki Barker reports, the the investigation of the king's younger brother on suspicion of misconduct in public office has prompted calls for a wider examination of Britain's monarchy.
[02:06]
E
BBC broadcaster David Dimbleby has spent five decades covering everything from Princess Diana's funeral in 1997 to Queen Elizabeth's in 2022. That access has brought insight, he says, into what he calls a secretive, self protective institution resistant to reform.
[02:27]
F
We live in a parliamentary democracy. We have a monarchy. And in my view, the monarchy needs to adapt.
[02:34]
E
It's possible. Legislation to remove Andrew from the line of royal succession could also end up including new requirements for financial transparency on the part of working royals. For NPR News, I'm Vicki Barker in London.
[02:49]
B
A Ukrainian cruise missile attack has hit a major missile factory some 870 miles inside Russia. Russian officials say 11 people were injured in the attack which damaged the state owned facility. The factory produces Iskander ballistic missiles which are often used in attacks against Ukraine. It also manufactures nuclear capable intercontinental ballistic missiles. Airports in the region were closed after the attack. This is NPR News. Crews have recovered the bodies of nine backcountry skiers who were killed in an avalanche on Tuesday in California. While all but one of the bodies were discovered quickly, searching teams were unable to actually recover them until now because the high risk of another avalanche was too high. The man who hit one of the most iconic home runs in Major League Baseball history has died. Bill Mazeroski, best known for his game winning blast in the 1960 World Series, died on Friday. His death was announced by the team today. For member station WESA in Pittsburgh, Jeremy Scott has our reports.
[03:51]
G
The man known locally and colloquially as Maz was a 10 time all star. A native of Tiltonsville, Ohio, a little over an hour from Pittsburgh, Mazeroski never strayed too far from home, spending his entire 17 year career with the Pirates. His walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth during the final game of the 1960 World Series put the Pirates over the New York Yankees to win the championship. A statue depicting his running of the base path after the hit sits outside the Pirates Stadium at PNC park where fan Patty Petrush was placing flowers shortly after his death was announced.
[04:24]
D
I hope he's up in heaven. We're going to have good spirit, hopefully this year.
[04:27]
G
To Mazeroski was 89. For NPR News, I'm Jeremy Scott in Pittsburgh.
[04:35]
B
Jacob Bridgman shot 64 Saturday at the PGA Invitational underway in Los Angeles. That gives him a six shot lead heading into Sunday's final round. In three consecutive holes on the back nine, he went eagle, birdie, eagle. Roy McElroy finished the round with seven pars to grab second place while Aldrich Poltgeiter sits in third seven strokes back. I'm Dale Willman, NPR News.
[04:57]
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