NPR News Now – February 22, 2026, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of major global and national news, including updates on U.S. tariffs, international relations, a tragic avalanche in California, diplomatic tensions in the Middle East, and highlights from the Winter Olympics.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. U.S. Tariff Hike and International Reaction

[00:16–01:22]

• President Trump Announces Tariff Increase

  • Raised the global tariff rate from 10% to 15%, following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous tariffs (decision: 6–3).
  • The move signals escalating trade policy measures from the administration.

• European Response:

  • Eleanor Beardsley reports from Paris where French President Emmanuel Macron urged caution:

    “Let’s not celebrate too soon. … We'll just have to adapt and look at the consequences.”

  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to visit Washington to present a unified European front.
    • On the Supreme Court’s decision:

      “The separation of powers in the United States still appears to function, and that is good news.”
      (Friedrich Merz, 00:37)

2. Iran’s Counter Proposal Amid U.S. Military Build-up

[01:22–02:22]

• Escalating Nuclear Tensions:
  • Jane Araf reports that Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Arakjit, is preparing a counter proposal to the U.S. demands for ending its nuclear program.
  • Timeline: Counterproposal expected “within days;” potential for more negotiations in about a week.
  • President Trump has given Iran a deadline of 10–15 days, warning of “really bad things” if demands aren’t met.
  • Context: Trump administration insists on zero uranium enrichment from Iran, while Iran maintains it’s for peaceful purposes.
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asserts there’s no current evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapon program.

3. Northern California Avalanche Victims Identified

[02:22–03:11]

• Tragic Avalanche at Donner Summit:

  • All nine victims identified; recovery operation complete.
  • Greg Mechek details the incident and public response.
  • Sheriff Shannon Moon:

    “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.” (Shannon Moon/Eleanor Beardsley, 02:41)

• Victim Details:

  • Three guides: Andrew Alessandros, Nicole Chu, Michael Henry.
  • Six clients, including individuals from Idaho and California.
  • The group was concluding a three-day trip when the avalanche struck.
  • Six survivors were rescued the same night.

4. Diplomatic Fallout: U.S. Ambassador's Comments on Israel

[03:11–03:46]

• Controversial Statement:
  • Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, in an interview with Tucker Carlson, asserted Israel’s right to “much of the Middle East,” and said it would be fine “if Israel took it all.”
  • Leaders of Arab and Muslim nations issued sharp condemnations.
  • No official response yet from the Trump administration or Israeli government.

5. Winter Olympics Highlights: Ice Hockey Gold Medal Showdown

[03:46–04:31]

• Upcoming Men's Gold Medal Game:

  • Steve Futterman previews the U.S. vs. Canada matchup.
    • Historic context: Last U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey gold was in 1980 (“Miracle on Ice”).
    • Both current teams are strong, comprised of NHL players.
  • Matthew Tkachuk (U.S. team):

    “It's an honor to represent the United States and for us to be in the gold medal game.” (Matthew Tkachuk, 04:16)

• Past Record:

  • Previous Olympic gold medal games between the teams: Canada has won both.

6. Record-Breaking Olympic Achievement

[04:31–04:55]

• Cross-Country Skiing Milestone:
  • Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo wins his sixth gold at one Winter Olympics, setting a new record (previous: Eric Haydn’s five).
  • U.S. speed skater Jordan Stoltz finished fourth in the long track event.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Friedrich Merz on U.S. Supreme Court:

  “The separation of powers in the United States still appears to function, and that is good news.” (00:37)

• Sheriff Shannon Moon:

  “We wish we could have saved them all. We are grateful that we can bring them home.” (02:41)

• Matthew Tkachuk (U.S. Hockey Team):

  “It's an honor to represent the United States and for us to be in the gold medal game.” (04:16)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|------------| | U.S. tariff hike & European reaction | 00:16–01:22| | Iran-U.S. nuclear talks update | 01:22–02:22| | Donner Summit avalanche – victims ID | 02:22–03:11| | U.S. Ambassador on Israel controversy | 03:11–03:46| | Olympic hockey showdown preview | 03:46–04:31| | Klæbo Olympic record | 04:31–04:55|

This episode delivers a rapidfire, up-to-date snapshot of major news, offering listeners critical highlights in politics, global affairs, local tragedies, and international sports—all in NPR’s calm, authoritative tone.