NPR News Now: February 21, 2026, 8PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: February 21, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on the day’s major headlines, including President Trump’s latest tariff decision and Supreme Court response, US military posturing in the Middle East, a record-breaking avalanche tragedy in California, a looming East Coast snowstorm, and the outcome of the women’s curling medal round at the Winter Games.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. President Trump Raises Temporary Global Tariffs (00:15 - 01:21)

• Summary:
  President Trump has raised temporary global tariffs from 10% to 15%, reacting to a Supreme Court ruling that found he had exceeded his authority regarding import taxes.
• Details:
  • The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s use of an emergency statute for such tariffs (6-3 decision, with two Trump-appointed justices in the majority).
  • The Court ruled he cannot impose tariffs without Congressional authorization.
  • Trump responded quickly, using a different presidential power to set a new tariff (limited to 150 days unless Congress extends it).
  • Trump criticized the Court’s decision as “ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti American.”
• Notable Quote:

  “President Trump made the latest announcement in a post on social media, once again deriding the Supreme Court ruling, saying it was, quote, ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti American.”
  — Alina Selyuk (00:40)

• Attribution: Alina Selyuk, NPR News, Washington

2. US Considers Military Strike on Iran, No Clear Plans Yet (01:21 - 02:17)

• Summary:
  Despite speculation, President Trump has yet to decide on military action against Iran. US forces have built up significantly in the Middle East but Trump remains publicly non-committal.
• Details:
  • Trump hasn’t addressed the nation about potential war or laid out specific plans.
  • His administration hasn’t sought Congressional approval or UN support; Israel is the only noted ally involved.
  • Trump’s approach contrasts with previous presidents in the lead-up to war.
  • State of the Union is scheduled for Tuesday, possibly offering more clarity.
• Notable Quote:

  “Trump, for example, hasn't made a major speech to the American people about the prospect for a new Middle east war, though his State of the Union address is on Tuesday. His administration hasn't sought support from Congress or made the case at the United Nations.”
  — Greg Myhre (01:49)

• Attribution: Greg Myhre, NPR News

3. California Avalanche: Victims Identified (02:17 - 03:13)

• Summary:
  All nine victims of California’s deadliest recorded avalanche have been identified; six survived after being rescued.
• Details:
  • The victims were announced by Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon.
  • The deceased include three Blackbird mountain guides and six clients from various locations.
  • The avalanche struck on the last day of a three-day Frog Lake huts backcountry trip.
  • Six survivors were rescued that night.
• Notable Quote:

  “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.”
  — Sheriff Shannon Moon (02:37–02:40)

• Attribution: Greg Mechak, Cap Radio (reporting), Sheriff Shannon Moon

4. Major Winter Storm Approaching East Coast (03:13 - 03:57)

• Summary:
  A rapidly intensifying storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions, heavy snow, and strong winds from the Mid Atlantic to the Northeast.
• Details:
  • Blizzard warnings issued for New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut.
  • New York City expects over a foot of snow; first blizzard since 2016.
  • Warning for dangerous refreezing conditions: snow will melt during daytime above-freezing temperatures and refreeze overnight.
• Notable Quote:

  “Combined with daytime temperatures slipping above freezing and overnight lows dropping to the low 20s, the snowfall will melt, then refreeze, resulting in dangerously icy sidewalks and streets.”
  — Weather Reporter (03:43)

• Attribution: National Weather Service, NYC Mayor Zoran Mandani

5. Canada Defeats US in Women’s Curling – Bronze Medal Match (03:57 - 04:50)

• Summary:
  Canada claimed the bronze, ending a historic run for the US women’s curling team.
• Details:
  • US captain Tabitha Peterson and teammate Corey Tiesse reflected on the team’s journey and unity.
  • The US women reached their first medal round in 20 years.
  • Corey Tiesse previously became the first US woman to win a curling medal (silver in mixed doubles).
• Notable Quote:

  “US Team captain Tabitha Peterson proudly hung in through the games, sad about the results. And Corey Tiesse reflecting on how hard they've worked over the past four years to be here and how much she loves her teammates.”
  — Ping Huang (04:13)

• Attribution: Ping Huang, NPR News, Cortina, Italy

Noteworthy Quotes by Segment

• On Supreme Court Ruling and Tariffs:
  “Ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti American.”
  — President Trump, via Alina Selyuk (00:40)

• On US Military Options:
  “Trump… hasn't made a major speech to the American people about the prospect for a new Middle East war…”
  — Greg Myhre (01:49)

• On Avalanche Recovery:
  “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.”
  — Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon (02:40)

• On Blizzard Conditions:
  “The snowfall will melt, then refreeze, resulting in dangerously icy sidewalks and streets.”
  — Weather Reporter (03:43)

• On US Curling Team’s Journey:
  “How hard they've worked over the past four years to be here and how much she loves her teammates.”
  — Ping Huang relaying Corey Tiesse’s remarks (04:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |---------|-----------------------------------------------| | 00:15 | Trump raises global tariffs following court ruling | | 01:21 | US-Iran military tensions; Trump’s options | | 02:17 | California avalanche: victims identified | | 03:13 | Blizzard warnings for the Northeast | | 03:57 | Canada defeats US for curling bronze |

Episode Tone and Delivery

As expected for NPR News Now, the reporting is clear, measured, and fact-focused—delivering significant stories with context and brevity, letting the voices of reporters, officials, and affected individuals provide resonance.

This episode delivers a snapshot of significant, fast-moving events in politics, international relations, public safety, weather, and sports, keeping listeners informed in a short, impactful format.