NPR News Now – February 22, 2026, 11AM EST

Host: Amy Held, NPR
Episode Overview
This five-minute NPR News Now update, anchored by Amy Held, presents the latest headlines, including a fatal security breach at Mar-A-Lago, fallout from a Supreme Court tariff ruling, a major blizzard threatening the East Coast, the U.S. men's hockey team's Olympic gold, the passing of civil rights activist Joanne Bland, and the tragic outcome of an avalanche near Lake Tahoe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mar-A-Lago Security Breach and Shooting

[00:17–01:13]

• Early this morning, U.S. Secret Service agents shot and killed an armed man who entered the grounds of President Trump’s private club, Mar-A-Lago.
• The suspect was in his early 20s, carrying a shotgun and a fuel can.
• Secret Service and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy confronted the man, who raised his weapon and was fatally shot at the scene.
• Key Points:
  • Trump was in Washington at the time, not Florida.
  • No Secret Service protectees or law enforcement were injured.
  • The man’s identity is undisclosed; the FBI is leading the investigation.

“Officials said the man raised his gun in a shooting position. Agents and officers then shot and killed him. He died at the scene.” — Luke Garrett, [00:51]

2. Supreme Court Tariff Refund Dilemma

[01:13–02:15]

• The Supreme Court ruled about half of the Trump-era tariffs were collected illegally; however, it did not clarify a process for refunds.
• Over $200 billion was collected in tariffs; American businesses, especially small ones, are now wondering how to reclaim their losses.
• Notable Quote:

  “Ask anyone who sells anything in the US what's on their mind and they'll probably say tariff refunds.” — Alina Selyuk, [01:32]

• Small business owner Sarah Wells expresses concern about a complex process:

  “We not only need the money back, but we need a process to get the money back.” — Sarah Wells, [02:02]

3. Historic Blizzard Hits the East Coast

[02:15–03:14]

• A severe nor’easter is forecasted, with blizzard warnings across the Mid-Atlantic to New England.
• Anticipated impacts include travel disruptions, mass flight cancellations, and declared states of emergency in New York and New Jersey.
• Governor Hochul urges residents to “take the storm seriously.”
• Key Details:
  • Up to two feet of snow expected in some areas.
  • The storm’s worst effects in D.C. expected from Sunday night into Monday.

4. Men’s Ice Hockey Olympic Gold

[03:14–03:41]

• The U.S. won Olympic gold in men’s hockey for the first time since 1980, defeating Canada 2–1 in overtime.
• Jack Hughes scored the winning goal.

5. Passing of Civil Rights Leader Joanne Bland

[03:41–04:28]

• Joanne Bland, a pivotal figure in Alabama’s civil rights movement, has died at 72.
• She marched during “Bloody Sunday” at age 11 and co-founded the National Voting Rights Museum.
• Reflections & Quotes:

  “Like a tree with branches. If you cut off one branch don't mean the damn tree gonna die. It's just gonna grow another branch. We need to find the root of all this.” — Joanne Bland (2019), [04:07]

• Bland’s passing comes the same week as Rev. Jesse Jackson’s.

6. Lake Tahoe Avalanche Tragedy

[04:28–04:56]

• After an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, all 9 missing skiers have been found deceased.
• Rescue efforts were hampered by continuing avalanche risks.
• Group had set out despite a high-level blizzard and avalanche warning.
• Authorities are investigating possible criminal negligence; a vigil is scheduled in Truckee, CA.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Luke Garrett on Mar-A-Lago breach:
  “Officials said the man raised his gun in a shooting position. Agents and officers then shot and killed him. He died at the scene.” ([00:51])
• Alina Selyuk on tariff refunds:
  “Ask anyone who sells anything in the US what's on their mind and they'll probably say tariff refunds.” ([01:32])
• Sarah Wells on refund process:
  “We not only need the money back, but we need a process to get the money back.” ([02:02])
• Joanne Bland on civil rights activism:
  “Like a tree with branches. If you cut off one branch don't mean the damn tree gonna die. It's just gonna grow another branch. We need to find the root of all this.” ([04:07])

Timeline of Important Segments

• [00:17] — Mar-A-Lago shooting coverage begins
• [01:13] — Supreme Court tariff decision and business reactions
• [02:15] — Blizzard warnings and preparedness
• [03:14] — U.S. men’s hockey gold win
• [03:41] — Remembering Joanne Bland
• [04:28] — Lake Tahoe avalanche update

Tone:
The episode maintains NPR’s clear, concise, and composed news style, prioritizing factual reporting while including brief personal perspectives and historical context.

This summary captures the full breadth of the top national stories aired on NPR News Now at 11AM EST, February 22, 2026, centering on breaking news, landmark events, and the voices of those at the heart of the day's events.