NPR News Now – February 23, 2026, 4AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a rapid-fire, comprehensive update on the hour’s biggest stories across weather, politics, international justice, business, and sports. The themes include a major winter storm in the northeastern U.S., new tariffs announced by President Trump, international proceedings against former Philippine President Duterte, global stock performance, significant developments in Mexico’s cartel wars, a historic U.S. hockey victory, and the latest box office results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Northeastern U.S. Blizzard and Emergency Measures

[00:16–01:06]

• Millions face a dangerous winter storm bringing blizzard conditions across the Northeast.

  • “There could be at least 18 inches to 2ft of snow up through Massachusetts.” — Chandelyse Duster quoting National Weather Service meteorologist Cody Snell [00:28]
  • Major impacts: Heavy, rapidly accumulating snow, sharply reduced visibility.
  • Emergency declarations: Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts.
  • Travel ban: All roads, bridges, highways in New York City closed until noon Monday.
  • Power outages: More than 60,000 reported in New Jersey.
  • Advisory: “Officials are warning those in the storm's path to stay inside.” [00:45]

• Notable Quote:

  • Cody Snell: “That includes heavy snowfall rates, which is going to reduce visibility and accumulate on roads very quickly.” [00:36]

2. U.S. Global Tariffs and Trade Policy Shift

[01:06–01:49]

• President Trump imposes a 15% global tariff on most imported goods after Supreme Court ruling against his prior duties.

• US Trade Representative Jameson Greer’s rationale:

  • Emphasis on the strategic value of seemingly ordinary commodities for national security.
  • “Things that people might think are ho hum commodities, they actually become quite strategic when it comes to national security.” [01:28]
  • Examples: lumber, cars, manufacturing ecosystem.
  • Focus on strengthening the U.S. industrial base in preparation “for times of war and other things.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Jameson Greer: “These are the types of things we need to have a strong economy, have a strong industrial base to prepare us for times of war and other things.” [01:28]

3. ICC Hearings: Duterte Faces Crimes Against Humanity Trial

[01:49–02:51]

• The International Criminal Court opens hearings on whether ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte should stand trial for his violent drug war.

  • Duterte is not attending due to his age and claimed frailty.
  • Prosecutors charge him with three counts of crimes against humanity.
  • Context: Duterte’s “war on drugs” as both mayor of Davao and President (2016–2022) linked to thousands of deaths, possibly “tens of thousands.”
  • Duterte denies all charges.

• Notable Quote:

  • Michael Sullivan: “Human rights groups say thousands of people were killed during that period, with some putting the number in the tens of thousands.” [02:27]

4. Global Markets and Economic Anticipation

[02:51–03:24]

• Strong performance in Asian stock markets:
  • South Korea’s Kospi index up 0.6%.
  • Taiwan’s market hits a record high; slight pullback.
  • Indonesia’s stocks rise 1.3% after capital market reforms.
• Investors await tech giant Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report.

5. Mexico: Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed

[03:24–03:38]

• Mexican army announces death of ‘El Mencho’, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. in the prior year.
  • U.S. State Department had an active $15 million reward for his capture.

6. Olympic Hockey: U.S. Men’s Historic Gold

[03:38–04:28]

• U.S. men defeat Canada 2–1 in overtime for hockey gold at the Winter Olympics in Italy — first U.S. gold since 1980, a much-anticipated and dramatic match.
  • U.S. scored first, Canada tied, then Jack Hughes clinched the win in overtime.
  • “Just a minute 42 into the extra period, the U.S.'s Jack Hughes had an open shot...He calmly put it through, setting off a wild celebration.” — Steve Futterman [03:54]
  • Quote from Jack Hughes:
    • “I think every single person in that game tonight can be proud. And obviously it was a great game and we're the team with the better outcome, but just a great game between USA and Canada.” [04:22]
  • This medal is the 12th for Team USA in Milan — the most at a single Winter Olympics for the U.S.

7. Box Office:

[04:38–04:54]

• Animated film “Goat” tops the North American box office, earning $17 million, ousting “Wuthering Heights.”

Notable Quotes

• Cody Snell (NWS): “That's where we're going to see the major impacts from snowfall with this system. That includes heavy snowfall rates, which is going to reduce visibility and accumulate on roads very quickly.” [00:36]
• Jameson Greer (USTR): “Things that people might think are ho hum commodities, they actually become quite strategic when it comes to national security.” [01:28]
• Michael Sullivan (NPR): “Human rights groups say thousands of people were killed during that period, with some putting the number in the tens of thousands.” [02:27]
• Jack Hughes (U.S. Hockey): “I think every single person in that game tonight can be proud. And obviously it was a great game and we're the team with the better outcome, but just a great game between USA and Canada.” [04:22]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Winter Storm Coverage: 00:16–01:06
• Global Tariffs Announced: 01:06–01:49
• ICC Duterte Hearings: 01:49–02:51
• Asian Market Recap: 02:51–03:24
• Mexico Cartel Leader Killed: 03:24–03:38
• U.S. Olympic Gold in Hockey: 03:38–04:28
• Box Office Update: 04:38–04:54

For those seeking a rapid, detailed briefing on current news across politics, international affairs, economy, and sports, this NPR News Now episode delivers concise, impactful coverage in just five minutes, preserving the urgency and tone of a breaking news roundup.