NPR News Now: February 18, 2026, 10PM EST

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This five-minute NPR News Now broadcast delivers concise updates on major stories from the U.S., including a landmark trial against Meta, a crackdown on commercial driving schools, a major Catholic church abuse settlement, a deadly avalanche in California, rising education levels, significant union activity at a Volkswagen plant, and a quirky lawsuit over boneless wings.

Key Stories and Insights

1. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Landmark Media Trial (00:18–01:11)

• Background: Mark Zuckerberg testified in the first trial bringing tech companies to court over allegations they design platforms deliberately to addict young people.
• Key Points:
  • Internal documents show Meta’s strategy: “If we want to big with teens, we have to bring them in as tweens.” (Bobby Allen, 00:41)
  • Zuckerberg acknowledged recalling the document but disputed remembering the context.
  • On beauty filters: Zuckerberg was shown an email he wrote defending the filters, stating that removing them could be “paternalistic.” He tried to strike a balance between restricting certain features and allowing self-expression.
• Notable Quote:
  • Bobby Allen summarizing Zuckerberg: “He says he was trying to find, you know, the right balance between limiting them and also allowing people to express themselves.” (Bobby Allen, 01:02)

2. Crackdown on Commercial Driving Schools (01:11–01:41)

• Overview: The Transportation Department is ordering more than 550 commercial driving schools to close.
• Issues Identified:
  • Use of unqualified instructors.
  • Failure to adequately test students.
  • Focus on states issuing licenses to immigrants allegedly not meeting qualification standards.

3. New Jersey Catholic Diocese Settles Abuse Claims (01:41–02:18)

• Settlement Details: The Diocese of Camden, NJ agrees to a $180 million settlement with clergy sex abuse survivors as part of a bankruptcy case.
• Context:
  • The settlement awaits court approval.
  • Last week, all five Catholic dioceses in New Jersey released a list naming over 180 abusive clergy (including 56 priests and one deacon from Camden), spanning decades. Many are deceased; surviving accused clergy have been removed from ministry.
• Notable Quote:
  • “A statement from the Camden bishop thanks victims for coming forward and says he’s profoundly sorry for what they suffered.” (Jason DeRose, 01:50)

4. Fatal Avalanche in Lake Tahoe Area (02:18–03:17)

• Incident: Eight backcountry skiers are confirmed dead, one missing after an avalanche near Castle Peak, Lake Tahoe.
• Details:
  • Occurred around 11:30am Tuesday, involved a guided three-day tour with 15 people (Blackbird Mountain Guides).
  • Six survivors (one guide, five clients) were rescued.
  • The operation shifted from rescue to recovery due to dangerous conditions.
• Notable Quote:
  • Sheriff Shannon Moon: “Our focus remains on recovering, but the snow and the unsure conditions are creating an issue to making sure that we can safely do that.” (02:54)
  • “High avalanche danger continues to impede access.” (Maria Palma, 03:11)

5. Educational Attainment Rises Nationwide (03:17–03:35)

• Statistics:
  • Adults (25+) with a bachelor’s degree rose from 34% to nearly 38% over five years.
  • Durham-Chapel Hill, NC saw among the largest increases.
  • Springfield, MA was the only metro area with a decrease.

6. Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee Voting on First Union Contract (03:35–04:33)

• Unionization Drive:
  • 32,000 Volkswagen assembly plant workers are voting on whether to ratify their first contract after joining the United Auto Workers union in April 2024.
  • Contract includes:
    • ~$6,500 immediate bonus
    • Wage increase of 20%+ over four years
    • Cost-of-living adjustments
    • Frozen health care premiums
  • 73% voted to unionize—a rare UAW victory in the South.
  • UAW hopes this deal inspires unionization at other Southern plants, though other campaigns have so far stalled.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Voting closes Thursday, and the UAW is hoping a ratified contract will be a step toward unionizing more Southern auto workers.” (Stephen Bassarha, 04:25)

7. Judge Rules for Buffalo Wild Wings in Boneless Wing Lawsuit (04:33–04:58)

• Case Details: Judge John Tharp ruled that Buffalo Wild Wings can market “boneless wings” as wings.
• Judicial Humor:
  • Ruling featured puns: “the case…has no meat on its bones” and plaintiff “did not drum up enough factual allegations.”
  • The original lawsuit (2023) alleged false advertising, but, as Ryland Barton quipped, it “just didn’t fly.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “The case…has no meat on its bones.” (Judge John Tharp, reported by Ryland Barton, 04:39)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Meta’s youth strategy:
  • “If we want to big with teens, we have to bring them in as tweens.” (Internal Meta document, 00:42)
• On the avalanche recovery mission:
  • “Our focus remains on recovering, but the snow and the unsure conditions are creating an issue…” (Sheriff Shannon Moon, 02:54)
• On the Buffalo Wild Wings case:
  • “The case…has no meat on its bones.” (Judge John Tharp, 04:39)
  • “But that just didn’t fly.” (Ryland Barton, 04:50)

Quick Segment Guide (Timestamps)

• 00:18–01:11 – Zuckerberg testimony in media addiction trial
• 01:11–01:41 – Commercial driving school closures
• 01:41–02:18 – NJ Catholic church $180M abuse settlement
• 02:18–03:17 – Deadly avalanche in Lake Tahoe, CA
• 03:17–03:35 – Rising college graduation rates
• 03:35–04:33 – VW Tennessee workers vote on union contract
• 04:33–04:58 – Boneless wings court ruling

This summary captures the key stories and tone of NPR’s concise, fact-driven reporting in this five-minute news update.