NPR News Now: 02-22-2026 2PM EST

Summary & Key Takeaways

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Amy Held, delivers a concise roundup of the latest major news stories across the United States and internationally. The episode covers recent Supreme Court developments regarding presidential emergency powers, severe winter weather impacting the Northeast, a deadly attack in Ukraine, an avalanche tragedy in California, and new research on teen cannabis use and mental illness.

Major News Stories and Key Insights

1. Supreme Court Ruling on Trump's Emergency Powers and Tariffs

• [00:17–01:13]
  • Supreme Court Decision: The court ruled President Trump does not have emergency powers to unilaterally impose sweeping global tariffs.
  • Trump’s Response: Despite the ruling, Trump immediately announced plans for tariffs under a different legal section, active for 150 days and requiring Congressional approval.
  • Impact on Republicans: Congressional Republicans now face increased political pressure, especially with upcoming midterms.
    • Notable insight: Republican hopes to avoid defending tariffs were dashed as they must now directly vote on them, risking political fallout.
      • “Now Republicans in Congress are going to have to show their loyalty to Donald Trump by voting to impose tariffs, taking personal responsibility for this. This is something they don't want to do.” (NPR Political Analyst, 00:48)
  • Refunds for Businesses: The Supreme Court gave no guidance on how U.S. companies might recover billions paid in now-illegal tariffs.

2. Severe Winter Storm Paralyzes Northeast

• [01:13–02:17]
  • Extent of Storm: Blizzard brings potential for over two feet of snow in some areas; thousands of flights have been canceled across the U.S.
  • New York City Impact:
    • Mayor declares a state of emergency and imposes a city-wide travel ban.
      • “We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non essential travel. Please, for your safety, stay home, stay inside and stay off the roads.” (Official statement, 01:47)
    • Meteorologists predict 18–24 inches in NYC, with heaviest snowfall overnight.
    • NYC public schools announce a rare snow day for 940,000 students.

3. Deadly Terrorist Attack in Western Ukraine

• [02:17–03:05]
  • Incident in Lviv: Attack in city center kills one (23-year-old female police officer), wounds 25.
    • Police responded to a burglary; two explosions occurred on arrival.
  • Investigation: Several suspects already arrested.
  • Broader Conflict: Russian military launched approximately 50 missiles and 300 drones the night before, targeting vital infrastructure.
    • “President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on social media that the police have already arrested several suspects who may be involved in the attack...” (Official news, 02:25)

4. Lake Tahoe Avalanche Recovery

• [03:05–03:40]
  • Avalanche Details: All nine bodies recovered after a deadly avalanche earlier in the week; rescue delayed due to recurring risk.
  • Local Impact: Community in mourning; vigil planned in Truckee, California.
  • Criminal Investigation: Officials are assessing whether organizers, a backcountry ski tour company, may face criminal negligence charges.
  • Quote: “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.” (Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon, via NPR Health Reporter Ritu Chatterjee, 03:34)

5. Teens, Cannabis Use, and Mental Illness—New Study Findings

• [03:40–04:54]
  • Study Details: Kaiser Permanente study followed 450,000 California teens into young adulthood.
  • Key Findings:
    • Teens who used cannabis in the previous year had double the risk of developing bipolar disorder and psychosis compared to non-users.
    • Risks also increased for depression and anxiety.
  • Expert Insight:
    • “And psychotic disorders means ones where you hear or see things that aren't real. Typically, it can be anything from an episode to actual schizophrenia.” (NPR Political Analyst, 04:37)
    • Dr. Lynn Silver (Public Health Institute, California): The doubled risk was specifically noted for services for psychosis and bipolar disorder.
  • Quote: “They found that teens who reported using cannabis in the past year were at twice the risk of developing bipolar disorder years later compared to those who didn't use cannabis.” (Ritu Chatterjee, 04:09)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Tariffs and Republicans’ Dilemma:
  “Now Republicans in Congress are going to have to show their loyalty to Donald Trump by voting to impose tariffs, taking personal responsibility for this. This is something they don't want to do.” (NPR Political Analyst, 00:48)
• NYC Mayor’s Weather Warning:
  “We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non essential travel. Please, for your safety, stay home, stay inside and stay off the roads.” (Official statement, 01:47)
• Ukraine Attack Report:
  “President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on social media that the police have already arrested several suspects who may be involved in the attack...” (02:25)
• Avalanche Recovery:
  “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.” (Ritu Chatterjee quoting Sheriff Shannon Moon, 03:34)
• On Cannabis and Teen Mental Health:
  “They found that teens who reported using cannabis in the past year were at twice the risk of developing bipolar disorder years later compared to those who didn't use cannabis.” (Ritu Chatterjee, 04:09)
  “And psychotic disorders means ones where you hear or see things that aren't real. Typically, it can be anything from an episode to actual schizophrenia.” (NPR Political Analyst, 04:37)

Segment Timestamps

• Supreme Court & Tariffs: 00:17–01:13
• Northeast Snowstorm: 01:13–02:17
• Ukraine Terror Attack: 02:17–03:05
• Avalanche in Lake Tahoe: 03:05–03:40
• Teen Cannabis Study: 04:09–04:54

This summary captures all primary news content from the episode, highlighting critical facts, context, and impactful quotes to offer a comprehensive update for those who missed the broadcast.