NPR News Now: 02-18-2026 10AM EST

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This episode provides a rapid update on key national and international news events as of February 18, 2026, covering developments in US-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, controversy over FBI handling of Georgia election ballots, financial and health sector updates, Olympic highlights, exercise science, and a security incident at the U.S. Capitol.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Geneva

[00:00–01:11]

• U.S.-sponsored negotiations between Russia and Ukraine ended suddenly but reportedly made some progress.

• Kremlin’s lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky provided no clear reason for the abrupt cessation, labeling talks as “difficult and businesslike.”

• Disputes center on:

  • Russia’s demands for Ukrainian territorial concessions (including areas not currently held by Russian forces).
  • Ukraine’s insistence on “ironclad security guarantees” from the U.S. to enter any agreement.

• President Trump called on Ukraine to "come to the table fast," indicating U.S. pressure on Kyiv to compromise.

  “Ukraine better come to the table fast.” — President Trump, reported by Charles Maynes [00:55]

2. Homeland Security Partial Shutdown

[01:11–01:38]

• The Department of Homeland Security remains partially closed due to congressional deadlock.
• Democrats: Demand reforms in the Trump administration’s federal immigration enforcement.
• Republicans: Opposed to proposed changes, leading to ongoing budget impasse.

3. FBI Seizure of Georgia Election Ballots

[01:38–02:13]

• Fulton County officials allege the FBI misled a judge to seize 2020 election ballots.

• Filing claims agents failed to specify a crime and omitted exculpatory evidence about the lack of fraud.

• NPR’s affidavit review confirms state investigations found no fraud; Joe Biden clearly won the county.

  “The Fourth Amendment demands probable cause, not possible cause.” — Fulton County’s court filing, quoted by Stephen Fowler [01:52]

4. Markets Surge, New Flu Vaccine For Review

[02:13–03:06]

• FDA reverses itself, will now review Moderna’s flu vaccine, prompting a surge in Moderna stock.
• Health Secretary Robert Kennedy continues to question mRNA vaccine technology, despite its pandemic success.
• Homebuilding: December saw modest gains, but 2025 remained weak due to affordability concerns.
• Dow Jones up approx. 250–281 points, NASDAQ also up.

5. Olympic Gold for Mikaela Shiffrin / Why Cross-Country Skiers Are Unique

[03:06–04:26]

• Mikaela Shiffrin wins gold in women’s slalom—her first Olympic medal since 2018.
• Scientific exploration of athlete performance:
  • VO2max (maximum oxygen uptake) highest among cross-country skiers.
  • Stephen Seiler (exercise physiologist):

    "Skiing is the only sport that we're standing upright and we're using all four limbs at the same time." — Stephen Seiler [04:06]

6. U.S. Capitol Security Incident

[04:26–04:55]

• Capitol Police apprehend an 18-year-old man running toward the building with a loaded shotgun.
• The suspect also had tactical gear and protective equipment in his car; Congress was not in session.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Ukraine better come to the table fast.” — President Trump, reported by Charles Maynes [00:55]
• “The Fourth Amendment demands probable cause, not possible cause.” — Fulton County’s court filing, via Stephen Fowler [01:52]
• “Skiing is the only sport that we're standing upright and we're using all four limbs at the same time.” — Stephen Seiler [04:06]
• Mikaela Shiffrin’s gold medal victory stands out as her first Olympic win in eight years [03:06].

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Russia-Ukraine Talks Breakdown: 00:00–01:11
• DHS Partial Shutdown: 01:11–01:38
• FBI Ballot Seizure in Georgia: 01:38–02:13
• Financial News & Flu Vaccine Update: 02:13–03:06
• Olympics: Shiffrin’s Gold & VO2max Science: 03:06–04:26
• Capitol Security Incident: 04:26–04:55

This concise, informative episode covers critical issues shaping domestic and international discourse, from geopolitics and security to health innovation, sports science, and market trends—delivered in NPR’s trademark clear, factual style.