NPR News Now: February 22, 2026, 8AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of major news stories, including a severe nor’easter disrupts the East Coast, government shutdown impacts travel, President Trump’s new global tariffs, a ransomware attack on Mississippi hospitals, preview of the US vs. Canada men’s ice hockey gold medal game, and a new delay for NASA’s Artemis II mission.

Top Story: Nor’easter Slams the East Coast

[00:15–01:03]

• A powerful nor’easter is expected to hit from the Mid Atlantic to New England:

  • Tens of millions are under blizzard warnings with intensifying snow and winds.
  • Power outages, heavy and wet snow that "comes in sideways" are expected.

• Expert insight:

  “Blizzard conditions are high winds associated with heavy snowfall that really reduces visibility. It's the most impactful type of winter storm. The snow comes in sideways. In this case, it's going to be heavy, wet snow. It's going to stick to a lot of things. The winds will really increase tonight. We expect power outages to develop. This really will be an impactful storm.”
  — Brian Jackson, National Weather Service meteorologist [00:40]

• States of emergency declared, air travel in chaos:

  • Several governors respond proactively.
  • Thousands of flights canceled across the country.
  • Utility companies prepare for widespread outages.

Government Shutdown Halts TSA Precheck & Global Entry

[01:03–02:17]

• Air travelers hit with dual problems: Weather and government shutdown combine to cause turmoil.

• TSA Precheck and Global Entry temporarily suspended as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reallocates resources.

• Explanation and political tension:

  “Shutdowns have serious real world consequences. The current partial government shutdown has lasted more than a week as lawmakers have failed to reach a deal on funding for DHS. Democrats have been demanding changes to federal immigration operations.”
  — Matt Bloom, NPR reporter summarizing Secretary Kristi Noem’s statement [01:35]

• Political blame game:

  • Secretary Noem blames Democrats; House Committee Democrats accuse the Trump administration of “punishing travelers.”

Trump Presses Ahead with New Tariffs Despite Supreme Court Ruling

[02:17–03:10]

• President Trump raises global import tariffs to 15% (from the originally announced 10%) a day after the Supreme Court ruled he exceeded his authority under existing trade law.

• Presidential response to Supreme Court defeat:

  “His decision to impose a new 15% tariff on goods from around the world is based on, quote, a thorough, detailed and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti-American decision on tariffs.”
  — Kristen Wright, NPR reporter quoting Trump’s Truth Social post [02:44]

• Policy impact:

  • Friday’s ruling is “a major blow to Trump’s economic policy agenda.”

Ransomware Attack Cripples Mississippi Healthcare

[03:10–03:48]

• University of Mississippi Medical Center shuts down nearly three dozen clinics statewide.
  • Treatments from chemotherapy to elective surgeries disrupted.
  • No timeline given for restoration.

Winter Olympics: Anticipation Builds for US vs. Canada Men’s Hockey

[03:48–04:33]

• Immediate pre-game atmosphere in Milan:

  • Fans gather outside the arena hours before puck drop.

• Fan voices, friendly rivalry:

  “I think it's USA all day. No doubt at all. Not a doubt in my mind.”
  — Matt Schwartz, USA fan [03:53]
  “This guy is wrong, completely wrong. I can’t be more wrong... it's Canada all the way. No doubt, no doubt, zero doubt.”
  — Scotty Williams, Canada fan [03:57]

• Historical context:

  • Both countries have met twice before in gold medal games (Canada won both: 2010 & 2002).
  • Notable mention of Sidney Crosby’s “famous overtime goal” in 2010.

Artemis II Lunar Mission Postponed Again

[04:33–04:55]

• NASA delays next crewed Moon mission after a helium flow problem in the rocket’s upper stage.
  • Issue is unrelated to previous hydrogen leaks.
  • Officials stress the importance of proper pressurization for fuel tanks.

Notable Quotes

• “Shutdowns have serious real world consequences.” — Kristi Noem, summarized by Matt Bloom [01:35]
• “It's the most impactful type of winter storm. The snow comes in sideways... It’s going to stick to a lot of things.” — Brian Jackson [00:40]
• “A thorough, detailed and complete review of the ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti-American decision on tariffs.” — Donald Trump, via Kristen Wright [02:44]
• “I think it's USA all day. No doubt at all.” — Matt Schwartz, USA fan [03:53]
• “It's Canada all the way. No doubt, no doubt, zero doubt.” — Scotty Williams, Canada fan [03:57]

This concise news roundup delivers urgent updates on weather, politics, public safety, international sport, and space exploration, offering a snapshot of the turbulent and momentous events shaping February 22, 2026.