NPR News Now – 9AM EST, February 22, 2026

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
This episode delivers a concise roundup of current national and international news, covering a powerful winter storm in the Northeast, a major Supreme Court decision affecting tariffs, political fallout from controversial US diplomatic remarks, cultural news from Brazil, and a patriotic programming initiative ahead of a national milestone.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Nor’easter Pounds the East Coast

• [00:15–01:15]
  • Over 50 million Americans are in the path of a severe nor’easter targeting the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast.
  • Bruce Kanviser (from New Jersey): Reports that blizzard warnings are in effect for 17 out of 21 New Jersey counties, with expectations of at least a foot of snow statewide. Strong winds (gusts up to 50 mph) could cause power outages by downing lines, and tidal surges may trigger coastal flooding.
  • Impact: Governor Mikey Sherrill has declared a state of emergency; significant air travel disruptions (1,600+ flights canceled at New York City area airports).
  • Quote: “Blizzard warnings are in effect…The entire state is forecast to receive at least a foot of snow.” — Bruce Kanviser, [00:41]

2. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump-Era Tariffs

• [01:15–02:03]
  • Supreme Court overturns emergency tariffs imposed by President Trump.
  • Alina Selyuk: Trump responded by reimposing a global tariff (initially 10%, then promising to increase to 15%), seeking alternative legal avenues, though these are time-limited without Congressional action.
  • Uncertainty: Importers and retailers face renewed volatility in costs and logistics.
  • Quote: “Importers and retailers are once again riding that roller coaster, trying to guess how much it will cost to get their shipments through U.S. customs.” — Alina Selyuk, [01:48]

3. Outcry Over US Ambassador’s Remarks in Israel

• [02:03–03:09]
  • Fourteen Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including US allies, condemn a comment by US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, suggesting Israel has a biblical right to expand into other Middle Eastern countries.
  • Daniel Estrin (from Tel Aviv): Details an interview with Tucker Carlson, where Huckabee said it would be “fine if they took it all,” referencing biblical land claims, but also acknowledged current Israeli territory as legitimately held.
  • Regional Response: Strong backlash from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others; the US Embassy states there’s no change to official policy.
  • Quote: “He said it would be fine if they took it all.” — Daniel Estrin (on Huckabee’s remarks), [02:37]

4. Bad Bunny Finds Success in Brazil

• [03:09–04:20]
  • Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny performs two sold-out shows in Brazil, breaking into a notoriously insular music market.
  • Kerry Kahn (from Rio): Notes Brazil’s strong preference for homegrown music and general resistance to Spanish-language Latin artists. However, local media is raving about Bad Bunny’s performances, highlighting his charisma and range.
  • Quote: “One critic gush[ed] over Bad Bunny’s charisma, show performance, and range, writing, ‘perhaps Brazil will finally open its ears and hearts to what its neighbors have to say.’” — Kerry Kahn, [04:01]

5. FCC Urges Patriotic Programming for US Semiquincentennial

• [04:20–04:55]
  • FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launches “Pledge America Campaign,” encouraging broadcasters to feature programs about US history and accomplishments ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Participation by broadcasters is voluntary.
  • Quote: “He encouraged stations to highlight the nation’s history and achievements. The FCC says participation is voluntary.” — Windsor Johnston, [04:41]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bruce Kanviser ([00:41]):
  “Blizzard warnings are in effect for 17 of 21 counties in the Garden State, and the entire state is forecast to receive at least a foot of snow.”

• Alina Selyuk ([01:48]):
  “Importers and retailers are once again riding that roller coaster, trying to guess how much it will cost to get their shipments through U.S. customs.”

• Daniel Estrin ([02:37]):
  “He said it would be fine if they took it all.” (on Ambassador Huckabee’s statement about Israeli territorial rights)

• Kerry Kahn ([04:01]):
  “One critic gush[ed] over Bad Bunny’s charisma, show performance, and range, writing, ‘perhaps Brazil will finally open its ears and hearts to what its neighbors have to say.’”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Nor’easter impacts & travel disruptions: [00:15–01:15]
• Supreme Court tariffs decision & Trump response: [01:15–02:03]
• Ambassador Huckabee remarks controversy: [02:03–03:09]
• Bad Bunny’s breakthrough in Brazil: [03:09–04:20]
• FCC’s patriotic programming campaign: [04:20–04:55]

This concise but thorough NPR News Now episode captures critical developments in weather, politics, international relations, culture, and upcoming patriotic milestones, informed by on-the-ground reporting and a range of expert voices.