NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 02-23-2026 11AM EST
Date: February 23, 2026
Length: 5 minutes
Host: Korva Coleman
Theme: A concise snapshot of top U.S. and world news, politics, extreme weather, and sports.

Main Theme

This brief newscast delivers a fast overview of the day’s major headlines, focusing on the upcoming State of the Union address, a major winter storm in the northeast, deadly cartel violence in Mexico, Supreme Court news on climate lawsuits and tariffs, and a wrap-up of the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump’s Upcoming State of the Union & Polling Data

[00:21 – 01:21]

• President Trump is set to deliver the State of the Union address for his second term amid national skepticism, as measured by an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.
• Key points from Domenico Montanaro’s poll analysis:
  • 57% of over 1,400 Americans polled say the State of the Union is not strong — a 4-point increase from the previous year.
  • Democrat & Independent skepticism: Eight in ten Democrats and two-thirds of independents view the State of the Union negatively.
  • Republican optimism: 73% of Republicans say it is strong.
  • Notable divides: 69% of college degree holders rate the Union as weak, while those without degrees are split evenly.
  • Six in ten say the country is worse off than a year ago.
• Quote:

  “Most describe the direction that Trump is moving the country as change for the worse. That presents a political challenge for Trump’s State of the Union address in this midterm election year.” – Domenico Montanaro [01:17]

2. Nor’easter Blizzard Pounds Northeast

[01:21 – 02:19]

• Blizzard warnings remain from Maryland’s Eastern Shore through Maine.
• The National Weather Service predicts 1–2 feet of snow across this area.
• In New York, community voices highlight daily life disruptions:
  • Sydney Buck (31, private chef):

    “Everything was shut down. I remember the streets were shut down. We couldn’t take the subway anywhere.” – Sydney Buck [01:54]

  • Tom Chernish (49):

    “'96. That was the big one. Blizzard of ‘96, people skiing down 5th Avenue. I remember this one. You know I’ll survive it.” – Tom Chernish [02:02]

• Forecasters warn some regions may see up to 20 inches of snow.

3. Cartel Violence in Mexico Follows Raid

[02:19 – 03:11]

• At least 25 Mexican National Guard troops killed after the death of cartel leader Nemesio Osuguero Cervantes (“El Mencho”).
• NPR’s Ada Peralta captures the scene post-raid:
  • Civilians describe chaos and fear—armed cartel members closed streets, set fire to local infrastructure, and threatened violence if cartel members were not released.
  • Quote from a Guadalajara resident:

    “He called 911 and they simply told him, go home and stay indoors.” – Ada Peralta [02:44]

  • Quote from a woman near the scene:

    “She says first she heard helicopters and then the streets filled up with members of the cartels. They burnt a bank by her house and sent messages saying if the government didn’t release their members, they would begin attacking civilians.” – Ada Peralta [02:55]

4. Supreme Court Takes Up Climate Lawsuits; Trump Tariff Update

[03:11 – 04:02]

• The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a climate-related case:
  • Oil and gas companies seek to block lawsuits demanding they pay billions for alleged misleading of the public regarding fossil fuels and climate change.
• President Trump promises to impose 15% global tariffs despite the Supreme Court overturning some tariffs last week.

5. Winter Olympics in Milan: Highlights and U.S. Performance

[04:02 – 04:51]

• The U.S. claims gold in men’s ice hockey, their first since 1980’s “Miracle on Ice.”
• American athletes excel, earning a record 12 gold medals, but not without setbacks.
• Other notable moments:
  • U.S. women win women’s hockey gold.
  • Mikaela Shiffrin: Women’s slalom gold.
  • Alysa Liu: Women’s figure skating gold.
  • Ilia Malinin falls from first to eighth in men’s figure skating.
  • Star of the Games: Norway’s Johannes Klaebo wins six gold medals, setting a new Winter Games record.
• Quote:

  “For the US it couldn’t have ended better, capturing its first gold medal in men’s hockey since the 1980 Miracle on Ice.” – Steve Futterman [04:03]
  “Who was the biggest star during the two weeks? It would be hard to top Norway’s cross country skier, Johannes Klebo. He won six gold medals, the most ever by an athlete in a single Winter Games.” – Steve Futterman [04:35]

6. Markets

[03:11, 04:51]

• The Dow is down over 650 points, reflecting continued market volatility.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Most describe the direction that Trump is moving the country as change for the worse.”
  — Domenico Montanaro [01:17]

• “Everything was shut down. I remember the streets were shut down. We couldn’t take the subway anywhere.”
  — Sydney Buck [01:54]

• “'96. That was the big one. Blizzard of ‘96, people skiing down 5th Avenue. I remember this one. You know I’ll survive it.”
  — Tom Chernish [02:02]

• “He called 911 and they simply told him, go home and stay indoors.”
  — Ada Peralta [02:44]

• “For the US it couldn’t have ended better, capturing its first gold medal in men’s hockey since the 1980 Miracle on Ice.”
  — Steve Futterman [04:03]

• “Who was the biggest star during the two weeks? It would be hard to top Norway’s cross country skier, Johannes Klebo ... six gold medals ... the most ever by an athlete in a single Winter Games.”
  — Steve Futterman [04:35]

Useful Timestamps for Reference

• State of the Union poll & analysis: [00:21 – 01:21]
• Blizzard reports & local voices: [01:21 – 02:19]
• Cartel violence in Mexico: [02:19 – 03:11]
• Supreme Court & tariffs: [03:11 – 04:02]
• Olympics recap: [04:02 – 04:51]
• Stock market update: [03:11, 04:51]

This NPR News Now episode offers a rapid yet vivid overview of America’s political tension, extreme weather, global violence, climate litigation, economic news, and sporting triumphs, interlaced with authentic voices offering both perspective and resilience.