NPR News Now: 02-23-2026 5AM EST – Episode Summary

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Dave Mattingly, delivers concise updates on major news—covering a historic winter storm battering the Northeast, escalating US-EU trade tensions, a security incident at Mar-a-Lago, the killing of a notorious Mexican cartel leader, and the conclusion of the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, with a historic win for US men’s hockey.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Northeast Blizzard and Community Impact

• Blizzard Warnings Issued ([00:15-01:18])
  • The National Weather Service projects 1–2 feet of snow from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to Maine, impacting millions.
  • New York has experienced lingering snow and freezing temperatures since the previous month.
  • Resident perspectives:
    • Sydney Buck, private chef (31): Reflects on hardships:

      "Everything was shut down. I remember the streets were shut down. We couldn't take the subway anywhere."
      (Sydney Buck, 00:53)

    • Tom Chernish (49): Offers veteran New Yorker’s take:

      "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, 01:02)

  • Forecasters warn some areas may receive up to 20 inches of snow.

2. US-EU Trade Dispute Escalates

• Trump Administration Tariffs and EU Response ([01:18-02:23])
  • President Trump imposes a 15% tariff on US imports after the Supreme Court struck down prior levies.
  • The EU, via the European Commission, presses the White House to respect last year’s agreement, which implemented various trade concessions, including zero tariffs on some goods and reciprocal EU tariff removals.

    "A deal is a deal, the European Commission says in a written response to President Trump's announcement of new tariffs."
    (Terry Scholz, 01:41)

  • The EU Parliament is expected to delay ratification of the trade deal pending clarification from Washington.

3. Security Breach at Mar-a-Lago

• Armed Confrontation and Shooting ([02:23-03:03])
  • FBI identifies the deceased as a 21-year-old from North Carolina, Austin Tucker Martin, who was carrying a shotgun and gasoline canister.
  • Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw explains the escalation:

    "He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position..."
    (Rick Bradshaw, 02:50)

  • Martin was shot by two Secret Service agents and a sheriff’s deputy after refusing to comply.

4. International Cooperation and Violence in Mexico

• Cartel Leader Killed ([03:03-03:18])
  • Mexico’s army kills "El Mencho," the Jalisco cartel leader, receiving White House praise.
  • The cartel responds violently, including arson against vehicles.

5. Winter Olympic Games Wrap-Up; US Hockey Makes History

• Closing Ceremony; US Second in Medals ([03:18-04:45])
  • The US closes with 33 medals, 12 of them gold, finishing behind Norway.
  • Historic men’s and women’s hockey gold medals—both over Canada in thrilling overtime finishes.
• US Men’s Hockey Victory Analysis ([03:56-04:45])
  • Return of NHL players makes for a fierce final.
  • Matt Boldy scores first, but the game is tied by Cale Makar; US goalie Connor Hellebuck blocks 41 shots.
  • The clincher:

    "Then it was Jack Hughes, his mouth bloodied, his front tooth badly chipped after taking a stick to the face, who scored the game winner and his teammates who threw their sticks and gloves into the air to celebrate."
    (Becky Sullivan, 04:35)

  • Historical context: First US men’s hockey gold since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Everything was shut down. I remember the streets were shut down. We couldn't take the subway anywhere.”
  — Sydney Buck, 00:53

• “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, 01:02

• “A deal is a deal, the European Commission says in a written response to President Trump's announcement of new tariffs.”
  — Terry Scholz, 01:41

• “He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position...”
  — Rick Bradshaw, 02:50

• “Jack Hughes, his mouth bloodied, his front tooth badly chipped after taking a stick to the face, who scored the game winner and his teammates who threw their sticks and gloves into the air to celebrate.”
  — Becky Sullivan, 04:35

Important Timestamps

• Blizzard warnings and New York impact: [00:15–01:18]
• US-EU tariff tensions: [01:18–02:23]
• Mar-a-Lago shooting incident: [02:23–03:03]
• Killing of Mexican cartel leader: [03:03–03:18]
• Winter Olympics medal update & US men’s hockey win: [03:18–04:45]

Summary prepared to provide a full picture of the episode’s major stories and highlights, as covered with NPR’s signature precision and brevity.