NPR News Now: February 18, 2026, 3AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder (NPR)
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: Brief, fast-paced world and national news roundup covering diplomacy, emergencies, sports, medical advancements, and financial updates.

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a concise update on major news events as of early February 18, 2026. Top stories include Iran’s naval maneuvers and nuclear talks, a major D.C. wastewater spill and ensuing political fallout, an avalanche rescue in California, Olympic figure skating highlights, a Capitol security incident, a promising new approach to treating preeclampsia, and a quick market update.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz; Nuclear Talks in Geneva

• [00:16] Iran temporarily shut parts of the Strait of Hormuz during live-fire naval drills.
• Talks between Iran and the U.S. over Iran’s nuclear program began in Geneva, signaling possible progress.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi expressed optimism on “main guiding principles” but warned the U.S. against military action, stating Iran is “fully prepared to defend itself.”
  • Notable quote:

    "The consequences of any attack against Iran will not be confined to its borders."
    — Abbas Arakchi (00:56)

• Further negotiations are planned in two weeks.

2. Major Sewer Line Collapse Near Washington, D.C.

• [01:18] President Trump blamed Maryland’s Democratic leadership for a large sewer collapse that spilled millions of gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River.
• Finger-pointing: Maryland governor Wes Moore blamed federal oversight, as DC Water, a federally regulated utility, manages the line.
  • Emergency repairs are expected to take a month, complete rehabilitation could take up to ten months.
  • Drinking water remains unaffected.

3. Avalanche at Lake Tahoe—Ongoing Rescue Efforts

• [01:55] Six backcountry skiers rescued after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California.
• Two were hospitalized; crews are still searching for nine out of fifteen skiers.
• The sheriff’s office revised the skier count from sixteen to fifteen.

4. Olympics: U.S. Women’s Figure Skating Hopes

• [02:29] Alyssa Liu (reigning world champion) stands in third after the short program.
• Isabel Levito is in eighth; both have medal chances.
• Amber Glenn, a favorite, fell to thirteenth after an impressive routine faltered on the last jump, leaving her “in tears.”
  • Notable moment:

    “She nailed a triple axel, one of only a few women at these Olympics doing that jump, but then did only a double rather than the required triple on a separate jump, losing substantial points and leaving the ice in tears.”
    — Rachel Treisman (02:54)

• The free skate on Thursday will determine final medals.

5. Capitol Security Incident

• [03:12] An 18-year-old from Georgia arrested after rushing toward the U.S. Capitol building armed with a loaded shotgun.
  • The suspect wore protective gear and left a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in his SUV.
  • He had more ammunition in his possession.

6. Medical Research: Preeclampsia Drug Trial

• [03:55] South African researchers test a new drug for preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication.
  • Prof. Kathy Kluver of Stellenbosch University leads the trial at Tigerberg Hospital, reporting reduced maternal blood pressure and improved fetal blood flow.
  • Researchers expressed astonishment at the early results.
  • Notable quote:

    “We were like, we don’t believe this, like, this is impossible.”
    — Team Member (04:21)

7. Global Financial Markets Update

• [04:32] Most Asian financial markets closed for Lunar New Year, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea.
• Japan’s Nikkei bucked the trend, rising more than 1%. U.S. indexes (S&P, Dow, Nasdaq) each gained 0.1%.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The consequences of any attack against Iran will not be confined to its borders."
  — Abbas Arakchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (00:56)
• “She nailed a triple axel... but then did only a double rather than the required triple... leaving the ice in tears.”
  — Rachel Treisman on Amber Glenn (02:54)
• “We were like, we don’t believe this, like, this is impossible.”
  — Preeclampsia researcher at Stellenbosch University (04:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran, nuclear talks, Strait closure: [00:16]–[00:56]
• D.C. sewer line collapse & political fallout: [01:18]–[01:55]
• Lake Tahoe avalanche rescue: [01:55]–[02:29]
• Olympic women’s figure skating update: [02:29]–[03:12]
• Capitol security arrest: [03:12]–[03:55]
• Preeclampsia drug trial advancement: [03:55]–[04:32]
• Asia markets/Lunar New Year update: [04:32]–[04:55]

For listeners:
This bite-sized edition provides a sharp snapshot of world impacts, political tension, human drama, life-saving innovation, and economic trends, all in under five minutes.