NPR News Now — February 21, 2026, 3PM EST

Episode Overview

This five-minute news update covers the day's most pressing headlines: President Trump's response to a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, rising military tensions with Iran, a measles outbreak in South Carolina, an impending blizzard in the Northeast, the death of salsa legend Willie Colón, and a delay in NASA's Artemis moon mission.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Increases Global Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

• President Trump announces an increase in his “temporary global tariffs” from 10% to 15%.

• The Supreme Court ruled (6-3, including two Trump appointees) that Trump overstepped his authority by imposing broad emergency tariffs without Congressional approval.

• Trump decried the ruling as "ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti American." (Lena Selyuk, 00:37)

• Trump quickly used another authority to set a new universal tariff for 150 days, threatening further actions.

  "Trump quickly used another presidential authority to set a new universal tariff which is limited to 150 days unless extended by lawmakers. And he has vowed to find a way to set more."
  — Lena Selyuk (00:54)

2. US Military Buildup and Potential Strike on Iran

• President Trump says he hasn’t decided on launching a military strike on Iran.

• Military forces now include two aircraft carriers, over a dozen ships, and hundreds of warplanes.

• Trump considering limited strike to pressure Iran into negotiations.

  "Trump could opt for a brief, limited military strike and then pause the attack and give Iran another chance to negotiate."
  — Greg Myhre (01:41)

• Trump’s statement: "I guess I can say I'm considering it." (01:53)

3. South Carolina Measles Outbreak Slows

• Nearly 1,000 measles cases reported; officials say the rate is slowing due to increased vaccinations.

  "South Carolina reported just 23 new cases this week. That's a far cry from where things stood a month ago when officials reported a whopping 248 new cases in a single week."
  — Maria Godoy (02:17)

• First-hand account:

  "They just got their measles munsterabella for the first time today. The measles aren't really something to play with."
  — Tracy Hobbs, parent (02:46)

• Ongoing risk remains if vaccination rates falter.

4. Major Blizzard Predicted for the Northeastern US

• Residents from New Jersey to New England are advised to stay home.
• Forecast calls for “blizzard conditions,” treacherous travel, and likely power outages. (03:00)

5. Salsa Star Willie Colón Dies at 75

• Colón, a pivotal force in salsa, passed away at 75.

• Began playing trombone at 14, released his first album at 17, and formed iconic collaborations with Celia Cruz and Rubén Blades.

• Later became active in New York politics, with his views trending rightward over time.

  "Willie Colon was also an activist whose viewpoints moved steadily towards the right as he aged. He was deeply involved in New York City politics throughout his entire career."
  — Gabriela Rodriguez (03:50)

6. Setback for NASA Artemis Moon Mission

• NASA may have to roll back its Artemis moon rocket to the assembly building due to interrupted helium flow.

• Likely delays launch window set for early March.

• Mission aims to fly four astronauts around the moon — the first trip of its kind since 1972.

  "NASA says it's observed and interrupted here, helium flow needed for launch. It's troubleshooting and says this will likely delay the launch window..."
  — Amy Held (04:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Trump quickly used another presidential authority to set a new universal tariff..." — Lena Selyuk (00:54)
• "Trump could opt for a brief, limited military strike..." — Greg Myhre (01:41)
• "They just got their measles munsterabella for the first time today. The measles aren't really something to play with." — Tracy Hobbs (02:46)
• "Willie Colon was also an activist whose viewpoints moved steadily towards the right as he aged." — Gabriela Rodriguez (03:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling: 00:16–01:18
• US-Iran Military Tensions: 01:18–01:58
• South Carolina Measles Outbreak: 01:58–03:00
• Northeast Blizzard Warning: 03:00–03:34
• Willie Colón Obituary: 03:34–04:20
• NASA Artemis Launch Delay: 04:20–04:55

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers critical updates on national politics, health, weather, music, and science—offering listeners the most vital facts of February 21, 2026, in just five minutes.