NPR News Now: 02-18-2026 7AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This fast-paced episode of NPR News Now delivers the top news stories in just five minutes, covering global diplomacy, US domestic policy, severe weather events, changes in sports regulations, and highlights from the Winter Olympics. Korva Coleman anchors concise reports from NPR correspondents, with notable updates from Geneva, Gaza, California, Oklahoma, and the international sporting world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US, Ukraine, and Russia Talks in Geneva

Main Story:

• Second day of diplomatic talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia has ended abruptly.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the process, calling the talks "hard" and accusing Russia of stalling the proceedings.

Notable Quote:

• “Yesterday’s talks were hard and that Russia is dragging them out.” — Korva Coleman [00:24]

2. Indonesia Offers Peacekeepers for Gaza Ceasefire

Main Story:

• Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 peacekeeping troops to support President Trump’s Board of Peace and ceasefire plans in Gaza, with 1,000 troops potentially entering Gaza as early as April.
• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is in Washington and will attend the Board of Peace summit.
• Human rights groups are concerned this move could weaken Indonesia's traditional support for Palestinian independence.

Notable Quote:

• “Indonesia’s involvement in Gaza has faced criticism from human rights groups, saying this could undermine the country’s long standing support of Palestinian independence.” — Katarina Barton [01:00]

Timestamps:

• [00:48–01:19] — Full segment coverage

3. Surge of 287(g) Local Police-ICE Agreements

Main Story:

• The federal 287(g) program allows local police to partner with ICE for immigration enforcement. Usage has risen dramatically under President Trump’s second term.
• Over 1,400 agreements now exist, up from just 45 in 2019.
• Critics warn of increased racial profiling and civil rights concerns due to insufficient training for local officers in immigration law.

Notable Quote:

• “The Trump administration sees it as a major tool in its immigration agenda. Critics of the program are warning that 287g powers heighten the risk of racial profiling and civil rights violations by local police who get little training in complex immigration law.” — Jacqueline Diaz [01:51]

Timestamps:

• [01:19–02:14] — Full segment coverage

4. Northern California’s First Major Winter Storm

Main Story:

• The first significant winter storm of the season brings heavy snow to higher elevations, rain to lower regions, and various warnings/advisories.
• Snowfall this season remains below average, making this storm particularly notable.

Notable Quote:

• “It’s particularly notable just because we’ve had so few this year.” — James White, National Weather Service [02:38]

Timestamps:

• [02:14–02:50] — Full segment coverage

5. Avalanche Catches Skiers in Northern California

Main Story:

• Avalanche reported; nine skiers went missing, six rescued, two hospitalized.
• Rescue efforts were hampered by severe weather conditions.

Timestamps:

• [02:56–03:18] — Combined coverage with general weather update

6. Oklahoma Wildfire Spreads into Kansas

Main Story:

• The Ranger Road Fire has crossed from Oklahoma into Kansas, burning an estimated 145,000 acres.
• Critical fire weather expected due to gusty winds and low humidity in the central and southern plains.

Timestamps:

• [03:18–03:35] — Brief coverage

7. Push for Same-Sex Couples in Olympic Ice Dance

Main Story:

• Olympic figure skaters advocate for allowing same-sex couples in ice dancing events; current International Skating Union rules require one man and one woman per team.
• Advocates argue this change would make the sport more accessible and equitable, given the gender imbalance in talent pools.
• Some countries have adopted inclusive rules domestically, but international change faces resistance from conservative members.

Notable Quotes:

• “If you had more availability, perhaps you could find your perfect partner without having to represent Azerbaijan.” — Caitlin Weaver, Olympic Ice Dancer [04:13]
• “Getting the rule change internationally requires approval by conservative member countries who see two women or two men dancing together as socially progressive.” — Lillian Karabic [04:19]

Timestamps:

• [03:55–04:40] — Full segment coverage

8. Olympic Slalom Preview: Mikaela Shifrin Competes

Main Story:

• American skier Mikaela Shifrin is set to compete in the slalom; she’s dominated World Cup races this season but has not yet medaled at these Olympics.

Timestamps:

• [04:40–04:56] — Brief mention

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode maintains a brisk and factual tone, consistent with NPR’s concise news format.
• Human rights and social equity topics feature prominently, from peacekeeping critiques to gender balance in sports.
• Weather emergencies — from avalanches to wildfires — highlight climate and safety concerns.

Notable Quotes

• “Yesterday’s talks were hard and that Russia is dragging them out.” — Korva Coleman [00:24]
• “Indonesia’s involvement in Gaza has faced criticism from human rights groups, saying this could undermine the country’s long standing support of Palestinian independence.” — Katarina Barton [01:00]
• “The Trump administration sees it as a major tool in its immigration agenda. Critics of the program are warning that 287g powers heighten the risk of racial profiling and civil rights violations by local police who get little training in complex immigration law.” — Jacqueline Diaz [01:51]
• “It’s particularly notable just because we’ve had so few this year.” — James White [02:38]
• “If you had more availability, perhaps you could find your perfect partner without having to represent Azerbaijan.” — Caitlin Weaver [04:13]

Summary Table of Segments & Timestamps

| Topic | Speaker/Reporter | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|-------------| | Geneva US/Ukraine/Russia Talks | Korva Coleman | 00:18–00:48 | | Indonesia’s Gaza Peacekeepers | Katarina Barton | 00:48–01:19 | | Surge in ICE-Local Police Agreements (287g) | Jacqueline Diaz | 01:19–02:14 | | Northern California’s Winter Storm | Jane Vaughn, James White | 02:14–02:50 | | Avalanche in Northern California | Korva Coleman | 02:56–03:18 | | Oklahoma-Kansas Wildfire | Korva Coleman | 03:18–03:35 | | Olympic Figure Skating: Same-Sex Couples Advocacy | Lillian Karabic, Weaver | 03:55–04:40 | | Olympic Slalom: Mikaela Shifrin | Korva Coleman | 04:40–04:56 |

This NPR News Now episode efficiently covers urgent global and domestic developments, with sharp, concise reporting and a focus on both immediate crises and evolving social issues.