NPR News Now: 02-21-2026 12PM EST — Episode Summary

Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major U.S. and international events from the morning of February 21, 2026. Key topics include President Trump's tariff threats post-Supreme Court ruling, a federal court's decision on Louisiana's Ten Commandments classroom law, rising student loan delinquencies, new troubles for NASA’s Artemis mission, scientific insights into linguistic tendencies in chickens, and a developing situation involving the UK’s former Prince Andrew.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Threatens Global Tariff Increase

[00:16–01:09]

• Summary: President Trump announced a potential hike in global tariffs from 10% to 15%, a move that can only legally last 150 days following a Supreme Court decision curbing his tariff-imposing powers.
• Legal Context: The Supreme Court ruled Trump overstepped his authority under a different legal statute, casting doubt over the legality of $133 billion in tariffs already collected. Companies and Democratic governors are pressing for refunds.
• Implications:
  • Some tariffs (steel, aluminum, cars) remain in effect under separate trade act sections.
  • The ruling is seen as a significant reduction of presidential power in trade policy.
• Notable Quote:
  • Danielle Kurtzleben: “Tariffs have just given Trump enormous power. ... As the head of an economic superpower, that gave Trump massive leverage over other countries. ... And now he doesn’t necessarily have that same power anymore.” [00:47]

2. Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law Upheld for Now

[01:09–02:13]

• Summary: The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals cleared the way for Louisiana to require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments.
• Case Background:
  • The law, passed by Republican legislators two years ago, faces constitutional challenges from families of various faiths, arguing it violates church/state separation.
  • The court allowed it to proceed on procedural grounds, as “the posters have not gone up yet,” making the legal challenge premature.
  • The decision may set a precedent for similar laws in Texas and Arkansas.
• Notable Quote:
  • Matt Bloom: “Republican leaders say the ruling means schools must now comply, but critics of Louisiana's law say they will look for more ways to fight it.” [01:27]

3. Student Loan Delinquencies on the Rise

[02:13–03:13]

• Summary: Student loan delinquency rates have nearly tripled since 2019; 25% of borrowers are now considered delinquent, with their average credit scores down by 57 points.
• Report Findings:
  • The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers blame administrative barriers and rising costs of living.
  • The Trump administration stands by its management, emphasizing “full, accurate data reporting” and resistance to extending pandemic-era flexibility.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jonaki Mehta: “The report blames the Trump administration’s policies for blocking borrowers from, quote, accessing the income-driven repayment plans they’re legally entitled to that and the increasing cost of living in this country.” [02:25]

4. More Delays for NASA's Artemis Moon Mission

[03:13–03:43]

• Summary: The Artemis launch window is likely to be delayed beyond March 6 due to technical issues—specifically, an interrupted helium flow after an earlier hydrogen leak was fixed. NASA continues troubleshooting.

5. Chickens and the Bouba-Kiki Effect

[03:43–04:27]

• Summary: New research published in Science shows newborn chickens associate rounded shapes with “bouba” sounds and spiky shapes with “kiki” sounds, a phenomenon previously observed only in humans.
  • Suggests the cognitive basis of this effect predates language and is not unique to humans.
• Notable Quote:
  • Nell Greenfield Boyce: “That means whatever the bouba kiki effect is all about, it’s not unique to humans or spoken language.” [04:13]

6. UK Considers Removing Prince Andrew from Royal Succession

[04:27–04:55]

• Summary: Legislation may be introduced to formally remove Prince Andrew from Britain’s line of royal succession after his arrest related to sharing confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein. Police searches continue and Andrew denies wrongdoing.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “[Trump] had claimed he had the ability to impose tariffs when he wanted, at what level he wanted, ... and now he doesn’t necessarily have that same power anymore.” — Danielle Kurtzleben [00:47]
• “The court says the family’s case was filed too early.” — Matt Bloom [01:27]
• “A record 25% of borrowers and those considered delinquent...have seen their credit scores go down by an average of 57 points." — Jonaki Mehta [02:25]
• “Whatever the bouba kiki effect is all about, it’s not unique to humans or spoken language.” — Nell Greenfield Boyce [04:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling: 00:16–01:09
• Louisiana Ten Commandments Law: 01:09–02:13
• Student Loan Delinquencies: 02:13–03:13
• NASA Artemis Mission Delays: 03:13–03:43
• Chickens and the Bouba-Kiki Effect: 03:43–04:27
• Prince Andrew Succession Update: 04:27–04:55

This episode provides a brisk yet nuanced roundup of major headlines, contextual backgrounds, and emerging scientific insights in a tone that is factual, urgent, and accessible—characteristic of NPR’s trusted news style.