NPR News Now – February 24, 2026, 1AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Episode Theme:
A comprehensive five-minute update covering major national and international news, including U.S. tariff policy upheaval, significant developments in Mexico’s fight against cartel violence, Olympic hockey triumph, severe weather in the Northeast, and a groundbreaking FDA proposal.

Key Stories and Insights

1. State of the Union, Tariff Policy, and Effects on Northwest Farmers

• [00:18] President Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address amid uncertainty, following a Supreme Court ruling that he exceeded his authority in imposing previous tariffs.
  • A new set of 15% import taxes have been announced but are limited to five months unless Congress extends them.
  • Impact: Northwest farmers are urgently assessing how these tariffs will affect their crops and markets.
• [00:49] On the Ground in Washington:
  • Anna King [Reporter]: Describes asparagus fields in Pasco, Washington, where spring planting preparations are underway.
    • “Tariffs could really shift the domestic asparagus market.” (Anna King)
  • [01:03] Alan Schreiber, head of the Washington Asparagus Commission, remarks:
    • “It has the potential to help the domestic industry in the short term, but it is disruptive to the marketplace.” (Alan Schreiber)
  • Other crops impacted include hay, wheat, potatoes, and apples due to their dependency on import/export dynamics and foreign competition.

2. Mexico Cartel Leader Killed and Aftermath

• [01:38] President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announces highways and roads have been cleared following Sunday’s high-profile raid, which resulted in the death of cartel boss Nemesio “El Mencho” Ciguera Cervantes (Jalisco New Generation Cartel).
• [01:48] Carrie Khan [NPR Correspondent] explains:
  • The crackdown was in response to pressure from the U.S. on drug kingpins.
  • After the operation, airlines canceled flights and the U.S. warned its citizens in Mexico to shelter due to violence.
  • Sheinbaum emphasized: “There was no participation in the operation by US forces, she stressed, but added intelligence sharing always occurs.” (Carrie Khan reporting Sheinbaum, [02:13])
• [03:37] Additional context: Mexican government sends 2,000 troops to Jalisco State for continued security after the raid.
  • U.S. White House confirms intelligence support for Mexico during the initial action.

3. U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team Wins Gold

• [02:35] The team returns to Miami to a hero’s welcome after an Olympic victory over Canada in Milan.
  • Notably, player Jack Hughes lost a tooth but scored the winning goal.
  • [02:50] “Honestly, the gold medal. It’s so important for us because we work so hard to get to that point... it’s for all the guys that have come before us. And, you know, all the young kids are going to come after us.” (Jack Hughes)
• Both men’s and women’s gold-winning teams invited by President Trump to join the State of the Union, though their seasons are ongoing.

4. Severe Blizzard in the Northeast

• [03:14] Snowstorm causes blizzard conditions in Maine and record-breaking snowfall in Rhode Island (over three feet, breaking a 50-year record).
  • Power outages and impossible travel conditions have been reported.

5. Groundbreaking FDA Policy Proposal for Rare Disease Treatments

• [04:16] Rob Stein [NPR] reports on a new FDA policy proposal aimed at facilitating patient access to innovative treatments, particularly for extremely rare diseases.
  • The FDA may approve new therapies (e.g., gene editing) without traditional studies if there is plausible evidence they work, requiring robust follow-up studies for confirmation.
  • “The new approach would only apply to situations where there is plausible evidence the treatment would work and a follow up study would be needed to confirm the treatment is effective and safe.” (Rob Stein, [04:39])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Alan Schreiber (Washington Asparagus Commission):
  • “It has the potential to help the domestic industry in the short term, but it is disruptive to the marketplace.” [01:03]
• Carrie Khan (Reporting Sheinbaum):
  • “There was no participation in the operation by US forces, she stressed, but added intelligence sharing always occurs.” [02:13]
• Jack Hughes (Olympic hockey player):
  • “...it’s for all the guys that have come before us. And, you know, all the young kids are going to come after us.” [02:50]
• Rob Stein (NPR):
  • “The new approach would only apply to situations where there is plausible evidence the treatment would work and a follow up study would be needed...” [04:39]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:18] Presidential tariff policy & State of the Union preview
• [00:49] Impact on Washington state farmers
• [01:38] Mexican cartel raid and aftermath
• [02:50] Olympic hockey gold medal, player interview
• [03:14] Blizzard conditions in the Northeast
• [04:16] FDA rare disease treatment policy proposal

In Summary:
This episode provides a brisk yet thorough update on policy developments affecting both domestic producers and international relations, key law enforcement actions in Mexico with U.S. ties, an Olympic triumph, extreme weather impacting millions, and emerging opportunities in rare disease treatment. The tone remains factual and urgent, in keeping with NPR’s concise news delivery.