NPR News Now: February 18, 2026, 8AM EST

Episode Overview

This rapid-fire episode provides listeners with the latest early-morning headlines from the U.S. and around the world. Key themes this hour included the partial success of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, U.S. immigration controversies, a developing winter storm tragedy in Northern California, a promising new drug trial for preeclampsia in South Africa, and highlights from the Winter Olympics in Italy.

1. Russia–Ukraine Peace Talks: Tense Progress

[00:15–01:10]

• Outcome of Geneva Talks:
  U.S.-sponsored negotiations between Russia and Ukraine ended earlier than planned, though all sides indicated some progress.
• Details Scarce:
  • Russian lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky described the talks as “difficult and businesslike,” with no explanation for the abrupt halt.
  • Both Ukraine and White House envoy Steve Witkoff acknowledged progress but shared no specifics.
  • Key sticking points include Russia’s ultimatums and Ukraine’s demand for U.S. security guarantees.
• Political Pressure:
  President Trump told reporters that "the onus was on Kyiv to make concessions, saying Ukraine better come to the table fast.” (Charles Maynes, 00:58)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Negotiations have bogged down over Russian ultimatums, Ukraine’s surrendered territory... as well as Ukraine’s demands for ironclad security guarantees from the US.” —Charles Maynes, [00:47]

2. Immigration: Judicial Intervention in a High-Profile Case

[01:10–02:02]

• Federal Court Order:
  A federal judge ruled that immigration officers cannot detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported to El Salvador last year.
• Complex Legal Struggle:
  • Judge Polazzini, seeing no evidence of an imminent deportation plan, ordered Garcia remain free during legal proceedings.
  • Garcia previously spent time in a Salvadoran prison due to the error, then was returned to the U.S., where he faces federal human smuggling charges (which he denies).
  • The Trump administration floated deporting him to African countries where he has no ties, but has not yet acted on it.
• Notable Quote:
  • “To avoid his indefinite detention, she ordered that he must remain out of detention while his various cases play out in court.” —Jimena Bustillo, [01:32]

3. DHS Shutdown & Protest Fallout

[02:02–02:18]

• Agency Closure:
  The Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down, as lawmakers clash over immigration operations.
• Context:
  • Tensions heightened after federal agents shot and killed two American protesters in Minneapolis last month.
  • Details on internal negotiations are scarce.

4. Northern California Avalanche Disaster

[02:18–03:11]

• Major Winter Storm:
  Northern California is grappling with its first big winter storm of the season, causing avalanches in high elevations.
• Rescue Operations:
  • Six skiers rescued from an avalanche; at least nine are still missing.
  • Affected skiers were staying in remote backcountry huts.
• Expert Perspective:
  Brian Schwartz (Sierra Avalanche Center) describes rescue challenges:

  “The storm is ongoing. You know, it’s still snowing anywhere from 2 to 4 inches an hour right now. And that avalanche path is reloading with new snow very rapidly.” —Brian Schwartz, [02:49]

• Local Response:
  Blackbird Mountain Guides confirmed responding to the incident and are in contact with affected clients.

5. Preeclampsia Drug Trial in South Africa

[03:11–04:07]

• Serious Threat:
  Preeclampsia—characterized by dangerously high blood pressure—is a leading cause of maternal and infant mortality.
• Innovative Research:
  Kathy Kluver (Stellenbosch University) and her team are testing a drug that appears to lower maternal blood pressure without compromising blood flow to the fetus.
• Hopeful Results:

  “We were like, we don’t believe this, like, this is impossible.” —Kathy Kluver, [03:55]

• Ongoing Questions:
  Researchers need more data to confirm efficacy and whether the drug can help pregnancies last longer.

6. Winter Olympics: U.S. Skiers Shine

[04:07–04:47]

• Team Silver for U.S.:
  Two U.S. skiers, including Ben Ogden from Vermont, earned silver in the men’s cross-country team event.
• Notable Competition:
  The Americans pushed the legendary Norwegian team, led by Johannes Klebo, in a fiercely contested race.
• Commentary:

  “Really a sign of new U.S. strength capturing silver here... grabbing silver, a remarkable feat.” —Brian Mann, [04:36]

Notable Moments (With Timestamps)

• Russia–Ukraine Progress & Tensions:
  “Negotiations have bogged down...” —Charles Maynes, [00:47]
• Judicial Release for Abrego Garcia:
  “...he must remain out of detention...” —Jimena Bustillo, [01:32]
• Avalanche Rescue Conditions:
  “It’s still snowing anywhere from 2 to 4 inches an hour...” —Brian Schwartz, [02:49]
• Preeclampsia Drug Breakthrough:
  “We were like, we don’t believe this...” —Kathy Kluver, [03:55]
• Olympic Silver Medal Significance:
  “Really a sign of new U.S. strength capturing silver here...” —Brian Mann, [04:36]

Episode Tone & Conclusion

This edition of NPR News Now is brisk, serious, and information-dense, with a focus on global diplomacy, legal battles in the U.S., unfolding weather disasters, medical innovation, and a touch of Olympic hope. The reporting is factual yet empathetic, especially in catastrophe coverage and medical advances, offering both gravity and glimmers of progress.