NPR News Now: February 23, 2026 — 5PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise roundup of national and international headlines, including continuing blizzard aftermath in the Northeast, Supreme Court activity on tariffs and climate lawsuits, JPMorgan’s closure of Trump accounts, Canadian aid to Cuba, updates on Lindsey Vonn's injury, and a noteworthy planetary event. Each report is delivered with the clarity and urgency characteristic of NPR’s newsroom tone.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Historic Blizzard Cleanup in the Northeast

• [00:15-01:14]

  • Blizzard Impact: Parts of New England and the Northeast are clearing up after a blizzard that dumped up to 2.5 feet of snow.
  • NYC Efforts:
    • Over 2,000 snowplows are operating in New York City.
    • Mayor Zoran Mamdani is hiring thousands of temporary workers for shoveling — noting the “historic nature” of the storm.
  • Increased Pay:
    • Ryland Barton: “We’ve increased pay to $30 per hour.” [00:50]
  • Travel and Power:
    • Emergency travel ban expired, but officials urge limited driving.
    • New Jersey faces thousands of power outages.
    • More snow possible in the coming days.

  “Mayor Zoran Mamdani said the city is hiring thousands of temporary workers to shovel snow due to the historic nature of this blizzard.” — Steve Kastenbaum, [00:36]

2. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump-Era Tariffs

• [01:14-02:09]

  • Court Decision: Supreme Court overturns many Trump administration tariffs.
  • Refunds Unlikely for Most:
    • Only importers eligible for tariff refunds, not general consumers.
    • Consumers shared cost when tariffs were imposed, but recovery will hinge on lawsuits and legal arguments.
    • Companies must win refund lawsuits before considering sharing refunds.

  “When it comes to who pays for tariffs, importers, exporters and, yes, consumers split the cost, but we may not all be splitting the recovery.” — Robert Shapiro (Thompson Coburn), [01:27]

  • Companies that explicitly added tariff surcharges to invoices might face claims to recover those surcharges.

3. JPMorgan Chase Closed Trump’s Bank Accounts in 2021

• [02:09-02:59]

  • Acknowledgment: JPMorgan Chase confirms closure of Trump’s and his businesses’ accounts post-January 6 attacks.
  • Lawsuit: Trump sues JPMorgan and CEO Jamie Dimon, alleging political “debanking” and seeking $5 billion in damages.
  • Bank’s Defense: JPMorgan asserts closures are for legal/regulatory, not political, reasons.

  “JPMorgan Chase acknowledged for the first time that it had closed accounts belonging to Trump and his businesses.” — Maria Aspin, [02:20]

4. Canada Plans Aid for Cuba Amid Blackouts and Embargo

• [02:59-03:19]
  • Aid Plan: Canada to deliver aid to Cuba facing worsening blackouts/fuel shortages, joining Mexico.
  • Backdrop: Canada’s tourism is economically crucial for Cuba; U.S. oil embargo exacerbates the crisis.

5. Supreme Court to Hear Oil Companies’ Climate Liability Case

• [03:19-03:33]
  • Lawsuit: Supreme Court will consider if oil/gas companies can block lawsuits (like Boulder’s) holding them accountable for climate change damages.
  • Support/Opposition: Trump administration urges high court to block such cases.

6. Athlete Update: Lindsey Vonn’s Severe Injury at Winter Olympics

• [03:33-04:28]

  • Trying Recovery: Lindsey Vonn, following a crash, suffered a severe leg injury involving compartment syndrome.
  • Medical Insight: Dr. Anthony Petrosini notes injuries of this severity are rare outside high-impact accidents.

  “You don’t see the severity of this injury in other sports. This is more like something you see in a car accident type of collision.” — Dr. Anthony Petrosini, [04:15]

  • Status: Multiple surgeries; Vonn to use a wheelchair for some time.

  “Vaughn called it the most extreme and painful and challenging injury she’s ever faced in her life times 100.” — Will Stone, [03:49]

7. Saturday’s ‘Planetary Parade’ — 6 Planets Visible

• [04:28-04:45]
  • Astronomy: On Saturday, six planets (Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune) will align in the western sky.
  • Viewing Tips: Most are visible to the naked eye; Uranus and Neptune require optical aid.

8. Stock Market Update

• [04:45-04:56]
  • Market Drop: S&P 500 down 1%, Dow fell more than 1.5%.

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• On Blizzard Response:
  “We’ve increased pay to $30 per hour.” — Ryland Barton [00:50]

• On Tariff Refunds:
  “When it comes to who pays for tariffs, importers, exporters and, yes, consumers split the cost, but we may not all be splitting the recovery.” — Robert Shapiro [01:27]

• On Lindsey Vonn’s Injury:
  “This is more like something you see in a car accident type of collision.” — Dr. Anthony Petrosini [04:15]

• On Trump’s Lawsuit Against JPMorgan:
  “President Trump has sued JPMorgan Chase and its chief executive, Jamie Dimon, over allegations of what is as debanking.” — Maria Aspin [02:20]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:15] — Blizzard cleanup across the Northeast (incl. NYC response)
• [01:14] — Supreme Court ruling on tariffs and refund eligibility
• [02:09] — JPMorgan closure of Trump accounts and lawsuit update
• [02:59] — Canadian aid to Cuba amid blackouts
• [03:19] — Supreme Court to hear oil company climate liability case
• [03:33] — Lindsey Vonn’s injury update and medical analysis
• [04:28] — Astronomy note: Six planets visible in western sky
• [04:45] — U.S. stock market decline

Tone:
Clear, concise, and authoritative—swiftly covering pressing issues and emerging stories with NPR's signature delivery.

Useful For:
Anyone seeking a rapid but complete overview of major U.S. and global news events as of February 23, 2026.