NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 02-21-2026 2AM EST
Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise update on pressing national and international events as of February 21, 2026. Major stories include a pivotal Supreme Court ruling on President Trump's economic policies, legal developments concerning the display of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana schools, NASA's upcoming lunar mission, the impact of the U.S. blockade on Cuban healthcare, the spike in student loan delinquency, and results from the men’s hockey semifinals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariff Regimen

[00:16-00:58]

• The Supreme Court invalidated President Trump's use of tariffs based on emergency authority, undermining his economic agenda.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Besant criticized the decision, arguing it removes an essential tool to combat the fentanyl crisis.
  • Quote:
    “Today was at a loss for the American people because by taking away President Trump’s instantaneous leverage using the IPA authority, the American people have suffered a significant setback... If that’s not an emergency authority, what was?”
    — Scott Besant [00:30]
• The discussion referenced previous fentanyl tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China and cited a correlation between these tariffs and reduced fentanyl deaths.
• In response to the ruling, President Trump announced a new global 10% tariff, using a different legal authority that lasts 150 days and then requires congressional approval.

2. Louisiana Ten Commandments Law Upheld

[00:58-02:14]

• A federal appeals court has permitted Louisiana to enforce a law requiring all public K-12 schools and colleges to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
• The Fifth Circuit Court overturned a lower court’s block, stating that the legal challenge was premature since the posters had not yet been displayed.
• The legal challenges were brought by families from various faith backgrounds, citing violation of church–state separation.
• The outcome may influence similar laws recently enacted in Texas and Arkansas.
  • Quote:
    “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.”
    — Matt Bloom [01:53]

3. NASA Prepares for Lunar Mission

[02:14-03:10]

• NASA is targeting March 6 for launching four astronauts on a lunar fly-around mission, following a successful test fueling of its “Big Moon rockets.”
• Earlier testing encountered a liquid hydrogen leak, but corrective maintenance enabled a smooth dress rehearsal.
• The astronaut crew has commenced a two-week quarantine before the mission.
  • Quote:
    “But this is really getting real and it’s time to get serious and start getting excited.”
    — Lori Glaze, NASA Exploration Systems Development [02:47]
• Final readiness reviews will take place next week.

4. Cuba’s Health System Strained by U.S. Blockade

[03:10-03:50]

• Cuba’s health minister claims that the ongoing U.S. blockade is driving the nation’s health system toward collapse.
• Hospitals and ambulances are suffering from fuel shortages and frequent power outages.
• The minister emphasized increased risk to Cuban lives, reporting these issues to the Associated Press.

5. Student Loan Delinquency Surges

[03:50-04:37]

• New study shows that nearly 25% of U.S. student loan borrowers are now delinquent—tripling the rate since 2019.
• On average, delinquency has lowered borrowers’ credit scores by 57 points.
• The report cites Trump administration policies blocking access to income-driven repayment plans, alongside rising living costs, as key factors.
  • Quote:
    “The report blames the Trump administration’s policies for blocking borrowers from, quote, accessing the income driven repayment plans they’re legally entitled to...”
    — Janaki Mehta [03:54]
• The Trump administration responded, emphasizing data transparency and rejecting pandemic-era flexibility.

6. U.S. & Canada Advance in Men’s Hockey Semifinals

[04:37-04:54]

• Jack Hughes scored two goals as the U.S. beat Slovakia 6–2 to advance to the finals.
• Canada also secured a place in the finals after rallying to defeat Finland 3–2.
• The final will be played on Sunday.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Scott Besant (Treasury Secretary):
  “Today was at a loss for the American people because by taking away President Trump’s instantaneous leverage using the IPA authority, the American people have suffered a significant setback.” [00:30]
• Lori Glaze (NASA):
  “But this is really getting real and it’s time to get serious and start getting excited.” [02:47]
• Janaki Mehta (NPR):
  “The report blames the Trump administration’s policies for blocking borrowers from, quote, accessing the income driven repayment plans they’re legally entitled to...” [03:54]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16] Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariff regimen
• [00:58] Federal appeals court ruling on Ten Commandments in schools
• [02:14] NASA’s lunar mission preparations
• [03:10] Cuba’s health system in crisis due to U.S. blockade
• [03:50] Report on tripling of student loan delinquency
• [04:37] U.S. and Canada men’s hockey teams advance to finals

This summary offers a comprehensive overview for listeners who missed the episode, capturing the most essential news, significant developments, and standout commentary in a clear, organized format.