NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 02-23-2026 9AM EST
Date: February 23, 2026
Host: Korva Coleman

Episode Overview

This concise, five-minute episode delivers timely coverage of major national and international headlines, including analysis of public trust in the U.S. political system, President Trump’s ongoing policy disputes, significant updates on U.S.-China trade relations, severe weather impacting the East Coast, a high-profile criminal case in Los Angeles, and delays in NASA’s Artemis 2 lunar mission.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Public Doubts About American Democracy

(00:20—01:18)

• Discussion: President Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address tomorrow.
• Poll Findings: New NPR/PBS News/Marist polling reveals broad concern among Americans over the health of democracy and government checks and balances.
• Breakdown:
  • 2/3 of respondents think checks and balances are not working.
  • 78% see a "serious threat to democracy," including:
    • 90% of Democrats
    • 80% of Independents
    • 61% of Republicans
• Perspective: Democrats and independents worry about "backsliding of liberal democracy," while Republicans fear weaknesses in voting systems—mirroring President Trump’s repeated challenges to the 2020 election results.

Notable Quote:

"Roughly 2/3 of the more than 1,400 respondents polled say the system of checks and balances in the country just isn't working."
—Domenico Montanaro (00:32)

2. Tariff Battles and U.S.–China Trade Relations

(01:18—02:31)

• President Trump vs. Supreme Court: Trump criticizes the Supreme Court for overturning his major tariffs; vows to use alternative, more complex legal methods to impose global tariffs, which would require Congressional approval.
• China’s Response: The Chinese Ministry of Commerce urges the U.S. to end “unilateral tariffs.” Chinese exporters are hopeful but uncertain about the real-world impact of the Supreme Court decision.

Notable Quotes:

“Shoe manufacturer James Gao, based in southern China, says the news is good, but from my side, I don't really know what this change exactly means.”
—Jennifer Pack & James Gao (02:08)

“Not sure how it'll be enforced, he says, and not sure what happens next.”
—Jennifer Pack (02:13)

3. Extreme Weather Grips the East Coast

(02:31—03:06)

• Current Situation: Blizzard warnings issued from Maryland to Maine’s Canadian border due to a nor’easter; dangerous conditions expected.
• Expert Insight: Heavy, wet snow will stress infrastructure, trees, and power lines; poorly constructed buildings risk collapse with up to two feet of accumulation in some areas.
• Emergency Response: Multiple states and cities declare emergencies.

Notable Quote:

"We're going to have a heavy, wet snow… that's going to create some hazardous conditions, both as far as infrastructure goes—trees, power lines… poorly constructed buildings could potentially cause some issues."
—Cody Snell, National Weather Service (02:46)

4. TSA PreCheck Remains Operational Amid Federal Shutdown

(03:06—03:55)

• Update: Despite earlier DHS statements and a partial government shutdown, TSA maintains its PreCheck program for travelers, pledging further adjustments if staffing is affected.

5. High-Profile Murder Case in Los Angeles

(03:55—04:33)

• Details: Nick Reiner, son of late Director Rob Reiner, faces arraignment on charges of murdering his parents.
• Background: Long history of substance abuse; potential for an insanity defense; change in legal representation as his private attorney withdraws.

Notable Quote:

“Nick Reiner has been locked behind bars in LA's downtown Men's Jail since the day his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner, were found stabbed to death…”
—Mandalit del Barco (03:55)

6. Artemis 2 Lunar Mission Delayed

(04:33—04:56)

• NASA Announcement: The Artemis 2 rocket will be returned to the hangar due to testing issues, delaying the launch of the next crewed lunar mission.

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Public Crisis of Confidence in Democracy: (00:32)
• Trump’s Reaction to Supreme Court Tariff Ruling: (01:18)
• Chinese Exporters React to Tariff News: (02:08–02:13)
• Weather Service Warns of Extreme Nor’easter Impact: (02:46)
• Update on Reiner Murder Case in LA: (03:55)
• NASA Artemis 2 Mission Postponement: (04:33)

Tone and Language

The tone throughout is urgent but measured, reflecting NPR’s commitment to succinct, clear reporting during ongoing and fast-changing news events. National and global perspectives are explored with expert commentary and direct sourcing from affected individuals and officials.

For full details and updates, listeners are encouraged to follow the latest NPR News Now broadcasts.