NPR News Now: 02-21-2026 1PM EST

Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Amy Held

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update, anchored by Amy Held, delivers key U.S. and international news from the early afternoon of February 21, 2026. Major topics include President Trump’s shifting tariff strategy after a Supreme Court ruling, a powerful winter storm threatening the East Coast, the EPA’s rollback of pollution standards, heightened tensions with Iran, Olympic highlights featuring British curling excitement, and a record-breaking ski performance in Italy.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. U.S. Trade Policy Turmoil: Trump Raises New Global Tariffs

• Background: President Trump announces a new set of temporary global tariffs at 15% just one day after the Supreme Court struck down most of his previous worldwide tariffs.
• Impacts: U.S. businesses and consumers face uncertainty over costs and pricing shifts.
• Small Business Perspective:
  • Paul Rogers, Owner of Cucina Bacci (00:57):

    "I'm hopeful that things will change for the better, but right now we're still stuck with the stock that we've paid high prices for. So it's going to be a long time before a small business like ours starts to see the benefits of the tariffs again."

• Future Steps: Trump’s administration aims to craft new tariffs that will be legally permissible following the Supreme Court's decision.

2. Blizzard Conditions Threaten the East Coast

• Severe Weather Alert: A major winter storm is forecasted to bring blizzard conditions from New Jersey into New England, affecting millions.
• Preparedness Advice (National Weather Service):
  • Stock up on essentials for at least three days—food, water, medications.
  • Charge devices and ensure access to warm clothing, blankets, and first aid supplies.
• Reporter Commentary (01:39):
  • Selena Simmons Duffin, NPR:
    "The winter storm that's brewing off the mid Atlantic coast will bring heavy wet snow that's expected to come down quickly for many hours, creating hazardous travel conditions. High winds are also expected, which increase the risk of power outages and coastal flooding."
• Timestamps: (01:16–02:21)

3. EPA Repeals Mercury & Air Toxics Standards

• Policy Reversal: The EPA rolls back 2024 standards that required coal-fired power plants to limit mercury, arsenic, and lead emissions.
• Rationale: The Trump administration cites cost savings for utility companies.
• Health Concerns:
  • Rob Byron, Montana Internist (02:55):

    "Repeal of these standards will result in many Americans dying needlessly from preventable causes related to air pollution."

• Locally Affected: Montana’s Colstrip plant is the nation's largest emitter of these air toxins.
• Legal Outlook: The rollback is expected to face judicial challenges.
• Timestamps: (02:21–03:16)

4. U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate

• Military Developments: President Trump indicates uncertainty about a possible strike on Iran, despite significant military buildup in the Middle East.
• Diplomatic Stalemate: Both parties express willingness to negotiate but remain at odds, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program.
• No New Negotiations Planned
• Timestamps: (03:16–03:54)

5. British Curling Captivates the UK Amid Winter Olympics

• Olympic Fever: British men’s curling team vies for its first gold in over a century, sparking widespread interest in the sport.
• Pop Culture Note:
  • Vicki Gumley, Edinburgh Curling Club (04:12):

    "But the off peak times, like during the day when there's less people working and things, all those ice times at the moment are being filled up with people wanting to come and try."

• Challenges: High energy costs strain curling rinks, often leading to closures outside peak winter season.
• Reporter: Vicki Barker, London
• Timestamps: (03:54–04:38)

6. Olympic Record for Norway’s Johannes Clabo

• Sports Milestone: Clabo wins men’s 50k cross-country ski race in Italy, becoming the first athlete to secure six golds at one Winter Games.
• Upcoming Highlight: Men’s hockey gold medal match between the U.S. and Canada.
• Timestamps: (04:38–04:58)

Notable Quotes

• Paul Rogers on Tariffs (00:57):
  "It's going to be a long time before a small business like ours starts to see the benefits of the tariffs again."
• Selena Simmons Duffin on the Storm (01:39):
  "Heavy wet snow that's expected to come down quickly for many hours, creating hazardous travel conditions."
• Rob Byron on Pollutant Rollback (02:55):
  "Repeal of these standards will result in many Americans dying needlessly from preventable causes."
• Vicki Gumley on Curling Craze (04:12):
  "All those ice times at the moment are being filled up with people wanting to come and try."

Key Timestamps

• 00:19 – News begins with Trump’s tariff announcement and Supreme Court reaction.
• 00:57 – Small business angle on tariffs (Paul Rogers).
• 01:16–02:21 – Winter storm forecast and preparation guidance.
• 02:21–03:16 – EPA repeals pollution rules; health implications.
• 03:16–03:54 – Update on U.S.-Iran military and diplomatic tensions.
• 03:54–04:38 – Olympic curling enthusiasm in the UK.
• 04:38–04:58 – Clabo sets Olympic record; hockey final preview.

Overall, this NPR News Now episode swiftly covers pressing national and global stories, providing listeners concise information and on-the-ground perspectives from business owners, medical professionals, and sporting enthusiasts.