NPR News Now: 02-22-2026 3AM EST
Host: Dale Willman
Date: February 22, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This concise update covers critical global and U.S. news, spanning topics from heightened U.S. tariff tensions and their worldwide implications, the aftermath of a historic avalanche in California, controversial comments by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, a pending blizzard in the Northeast, the passing of salsa legend Willie Colon, and a new Olympic record in men’s cross country skiing.
Key Developments and Insights
1. U.S. Raises Global Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling
Segment starts: [00:18]
- President Trump announced an increase of global tariffs from 10% to 15%, reacting to a Supreme Court decision that invalidated his previous tariff policy.
- European Response:
- French President Emmanuel Macron urged caution and adaptability, saying, “Let’s not celebrate too soon...we’ll just have to adapt and look at the consequences and adapt.”
(Eleanor Beardsley paraphrasing, [00:34]) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, preparing to visit President Trump, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, describing it as "reassuring" and proof of a functioning separation of powers:
“The separation of powers in the United States still appears to function, and that is good news.”
(Merz, via Eleanor Beardsley, [00:56])
- French President Emmanuel Macron urged caution and adaptability, saying, “Let’s not celebrate too soon...we’ll just have to adapt and look at the consequences and adapt.”
- The European position ahead of direct talks is to remain unified and coordinated.
2. California Avalanche: Victims Identified
Segment starts: [01:19]
- Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon confirmed all nine victims of the Donner Summit avalanche have been identified; all bodies recovered.
- Three guides and six clients perished on the final day of a three-day trip to Frog Lake huts; six other survivors were rescued later that day.
“While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.”
(Sheriff Shannon Moon, [01:39]) - The event marks the deadliest avalanche in California’s modern history.
3. Controversial Comments by U.S. Ambassador to Israel
Segment starts: [02:13]
- Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, claimed Israel has a “right granted by the Bible” to annex parts of neighboring Middle Eastern countries during an interview with Tucker Carlson.
“Israel is a land that God gave to a people that he chose.”
(Huckabee, via Tucker Carlson Network, [02:34]) Regarding biblical borders: “It would be fine if they took it all.”
(Huckabee, [02:53]) - Concern raised as these comments reference biblical borders stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates, encompassing parts of other countries.
- Huckabee’s background noted as a political appointee with no diplomatic experience.
- The statement follows earlier remarks by Israeli PM Netanyahu about a “greater Israel,” which alarmed neighboring states.
4. Major Northeast Blizzard Incoming
Segment starts: [03:15]
- The Mid-Atlantic states are bracing for a severe winter storm:
- Blizzard warnings in effect for New York City, New Jersey, Boston, and much of the East Coast.
- National Weather Service predicts up to 2 feet of snow for major metro and coastal areas.
5. Salsa Legend Willie Colon Dies at Age 75
Segment starts: [03:39]
- The pioneering trombonist, composer, and salsa innovator passed away, as confirmed by his family.
- Legacy Highlights:
- Joined the salsa movement at just 17; key collaborations include Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, and Hector Lavoe.
- His music captured and inspired Puerto Rican social movements in 1960s–70s New York.
- Political engagement included a 1994 run for Congress and vocal support for Donald Trump in 2017.
“His trombone, his songwriting and his production skills were part of many salsa classics...”
(Felix Contreras, [03:59])
6. Winter Olympics: Johannes Klaebo Makes History
Segment starts: [04:37]
- Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hølvatt Klaebo became the first athlete to win six gold medals in a single Winter Olympics, winning the 50 km mass start in Italy and breaking Eric Heiden’s decades-old record.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On U.S. Tariffs and Democracy:
“The separation of powers in the United States still appears to function, and that is good news.”
— Chancellor Friedrich Merz ([00:56]) -
On Avalanche Recovery:
“While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.”
— Sheriff Shannon Moon ([01:39]) -
On Israel’s Borders:
“Israel is a land that God gave to a people that he chose…It would be fine if they took it all.”
— Mike Huckabee ([02:34], [02:53]) -
On Willie Colon’s Enduring Impact:
“His trombone, his songwriting and his production skills were part of many salsa classics…”
— Felix Contreras ([03:59])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Tariffs and Supreme Court Ruling: [00:18]–[01:19]
- California Avalanche Victims Identified: [01:19]–[02:13]
- U.S. Ambassador’s Comments on Israel: [02:13]–[03:15]
- Northeast Blizzard Warnings: [03:15]–[03:39]
- Death of Willie Colon: [03:39]–[04:37]
- Winter Olympics History: [04:37]–[04:58]
This episode presents fast-moving developments with broad political, social, and cultural impact—characteristic of NPR’s brisk, factual, and globally-attuned news style.
