NPR News Now — Episode Summary

Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Korva Coleman
Episode: 11AM EST Edition

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the morning's most pressing national news. Key topics include Meta's landmark social media trial, the expansion of local police involvement in immigration enforcement, severe winter weather in Northern California, search for missing skiers after an avalanche, a massive wildfire crossing from Oklahoma into Kansas, and significant religious observances marking Ash Wednesday and the start of Ramadan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meta’s Landmark Social Media Trial

[00:13-01:11]

• Context: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is testifying in a major Los Angeles trial. Accusations allege Instagram was “engineered to hook young people.”
• Legal Focus: The trial centers on whether tech platforms should be held legally liable for harmful design contributing to users’ mental health issues.
  • Historically, tech companies have been shielded by Section 230, which protects them from liability for user-generated content.
  • This trial uniquely frames social media as a potentially defective product, knowingly designed with risks.
• Zuckerberg's Defense: Expected to emphasize Meta's "safeguards for teens."
• Broader Impact: The outcome could affect over 1,600 similar pending addiction-related lawsuits.

“A core question of the trial is whether tech companies should be found legally liable for designing social media apps in ways that have harmed or worsened users' mental health.”
— Bobby Allen, NPR Reporter [00:32]

2. Surge in Local Police Immigration Powers

[01:11-02:06]

• Policy Background: Under the federal 287(g) program, local police can be deputized for immigration enforcement alongside ICE.
• Dramatic Increase: Agreements with local police have risen to over 1,400 as of February 13—up from 45 in 2019.
• Political Geography: Seen as a “major tool” by the Trump administration during his second term.
• Concerns: Critics fear the expansion leads to racial profiling and civil rights violations, noting the “little training” police get in complex immigration law.

“The Trump administration sees it as a major tool in its immigration agenda. Critics of the program are warning that 287 powers heighten the risk of racial profiling and civil rights violations by local police who get little training in complex immigration law.”
— Jacqueline Diaz, NPR Reporter [01:39]

3. Northern California’s First Big Winter Storm

[02:06-02:42]

• Weather Impact: Heavy snow in the higher elevations, rain, and some hail in lower regions.
• Expert Insight: James White of the National Weather Service says it's a “moderate, typical winter storm,” but notable because the region has been “far below average for snowfall.”
• Warnings & Advisories: Multiple active alerts are in place.

“It’s particularly notable just because we’ve had so few [winter storms] this year.”
— James White, Meteorologist [02:36]

4. Search for Missing Skiers after Lake Tahoe Avalanche

[02:48]

• Incident: Nine skiers went missing after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe; six others have been rescued (with two hospitalized).
• Response: Search efforts are ongoing by Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.

5. Oklahoma-Kansas Wildfire

[02:48-03:53]

• Scope: Ranger Road fire has burned over 220 square miles, now spreading into Kansas.
• Response: Kansas Forest Service and local departments are coordinating efforts; there are unconfirmed injuries among firefighters.
• Weather: Red flag warnings issued due to strong winds and low humidity.

6. Ash Wednesday at ICE Detention Center

[03:53-04:38]

• Event: Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark is holding an Ash Wednesday service at the Lanny Hole ICE facility, the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Catholic activists will hold a parallel service outside.
• Religious Context: Bishops and the Pope have pressed for access to provide services in detention centers.
• Controversy: Tobin has called ICE a “lawless organization,” among other Catholic leaders condemning the administration's detention practices, particularly on religious holidays like Ash Wednesday.

“Cardinal Tobin has called ICE a, quote, lawless organization. He is among dozens of Catholic leaders who have condemned the administration’s detention of migrants to observe Ash Wednesday.”
— Fiona Andre, Religion News Service [04:11]

7. Start of Ramadan

[04:38-04:53]

• Religious Observance: The episode ends with a note that today marks the beginning of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, and good works observed worldwide.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A core question of the trial is whether tech companies should be found legally liable for designing social media apps in ways that have harmed or worsened users’ mental health.”
  — Bobby Allen, NPR [00:32]
• “Critics of the program are warning that 287 powers heighten the risk of racial profiling and civil rights violations by local police who get little training in complex immigration law.”
  — Jacqueline Diaz, NPR [01:39]
• “It’s particularly notable just because we’ve had so few [winter storms] this year.”
  — James White, National Weather Service [02:36]
• “Cardinal Tobin has called ICE a, quote, lawless organization.”
  — Fiona Andre, Religion News Service [04:11]

Important Timestamps

• Meta Social Media Trial — [00:13-01:11]
• Police Immigration Powers Expansion — [01:11-02:06]
• Northern California Winter Storm — [02:06-02:42]
• Lake Tahoe Missing Skiers — [02:48]
• Oklahoma/Kansas Wildfire — [02:48-03:53]
• Ash Wednesday at ICE Facility — [03:53-04:38]
• Ramadan Begins — [04:38-04:53]

This summary captures the essential topics, expert insights, and significant moments, giving listeners a quick yet comprehensive overview of the episode's news cycle.