NPR News Now – February 18, 2026, 12PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers NPR’s top news stories for midday February 18, 2026. Topics include testimony from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the deposition of Les Wexner linked to Jeffrey Epstein, updates on Moderna’s mRNA flu shot, a new Lent campaign by the National Council of Churches, China’s denial of US nuclear testing allegations, and the state of peace talks regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in Court over Social Media Addiction

(00:17 – 01:04)

• Focus: Zuckerberg testifies in a California trial considering whether social media companies can be held liable for youth addiction to platforms.
• Context: Meta (Instagram & Facebook) and Google’s YouTube are under scrutiny for features like infinite scroll and auto-play.
• Arguments:
  • Plaintiffs liken these apps to “digital casinos” that affect developing brains similarly to slot machines.
• Notable Quote:
  • “They argue that Instagram and YouTube affect kids' brains no differently than a slot machine.” — Bobby Allen (00:58)

2. Les Wexner Deposed about Jeffrey Epstein Ties

(01:04 – 01:40)

• Focus: Billionaire L Brands founder Les Wexner questioned in Ohio about connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Context: Wexner’s name is mentioned over a thousand times in DOJ documents about Epstein.
• Wexner’s Position: He denies any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.

3. FDA to Reconsider Moderna’s mRNA Flu Shot

(01:40 – 02:24)

• Focus: FDA reverses earlier decision; will review Moderna’s application for an mRNA-based flu vaccine.
• Background:
  • FDA initially refused to review, citing lack of comparison to existing high-dose flu shots for older adults.
  • Moderna now agrees to an age-focused, post-marketing confirmatory study.
• Timeline: Vaccine could be available for the next flu season if approved.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Moderna says the new vaccine would be ready for the next flu season pending FDA approval.” — Sidney Lupkin (02:19)

4. Ash Wednesday and New National Prayer Campaign

(02:24 – 03:12)

• Focus: Launch of the “Deliver Us From Evil” prayer campaign by the National Council of Churches for the season of Lent.
• Campaign Details:
  • Participants wear black on Ash Wednesday.
  • Daily noon prayers throughout Lent.
  • Social media posts calling for justice, compassion, and protection of the vulnerable.
• Outreach: The campaign spans 37 denominations and more than 30 million Christians.
• Notable Quote:
  • The campaign calls for people of faith to “raise their prophetic voices for justice, compassion and protection of the vulnerable.” — Jason DeRose (03:07)

5. China Denies US Allegations of Illicit Nuclear Testing

(03:12 – 04:14)

• Focus: China rebuffs US claims of secret nuclear weapons tests, labeling them as pretexts for renewed US testing.
• Details:
  • US points to 2020 seismic activity in Kazakhstan as evidence.
  • China calls this an attempt by America to assert nuclear dominance.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Chinese officials say this allegation is part of America’s attempt to seek nuclear hegemony.” — Jennifer Pak (04:10)

6. Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Stalled

(04:14 – 04:55)

• Focus: On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, peace talks in Geneva see no breakthrough.
• Statements:
  • Ukrainian Defense Minister: Talks were “substantive.”
  • President Zelensky accuses Russia of stalling talks while maintaining military pressure.
• Market Update:
  • US stocks trading higher; Dow Jones up 280 points to 49,813.

Notable Quotes

• Bobby Allen, on social media companies:
  “They argue that Instagram and YouTube affect kids' brains no differently than a slot machine.” (00:58)
• Sidney Lupkin, on mRNA flu shot:
  “Moderna says the new vaccine would be ready for the next flu season pending FDA approval.” (02:19)
• Jason DeRose, on Lent campaign:
  The campaign calls for people to “raise their prophetic voices for justice, compassion and protection of the vulnerable.” (03:07)
• Jennifer Pak, on nuclear tensions:
  “Chinese officials say this allegation is part of America’s attempt to seek nuclear hegemony.” (04:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Meta & Social Media Addiction Trial: 00:17 – 01:04
• Les Wexner Deposition: 01:04 – 01:40
• Moderna mRNA Flu Shot: 01:40 – 02:24
• NCC Ash Wednesday Campaign: 02:24 – 03:12
• China Nuclear Test Denial: 03:12 – 04:14
• Ukraine Peace Talks & Markets: 04:14 – 04:55