NPR News Now — February 19, 2026, 11AM EST

Overview

This episode provides a rapid-fire update on major news stories across U.S. politics, international developments, royal family controversies, economic updates, sports highlights, and regulatory moves affecting both national landmarks and commercial driving schools. The tone remains brisk and factual, focusing on headline summaries.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s “Board of Peace” and Gaza Reconstruction

• U.S. Commitment: President Donald Trump convenes the inaugural meeting of his so-called "Board of Peace," pledging a U.S. contribution of $10 billion to rebuild Gaza, and expects other countries to follow suit.
• Prestigious Gathering: Representatives from 40+ countries attended at the U.S. Institute of Peace (now renamed after Trump), including close Trump allies (leaders of Hungary and Argentina) and the head of FIFA. Most Western European allies attended only as observers.
  • Notable Quote:

    “This is the most prestigious board ever put together. You know, I’ve seen some great corporate boards. I’ve seen some great boards, period. It’s peanuts compared to this board.”
    — President Donald Trump, [00:47]

• Diplomatic Nuances: While Trump lauds the board’s makeup, some key Western allies opt for a lower-level presence.

2. Middle East Military Buildup & Iran Policy

• U.S. Military Movements: Reports indicate the U.S. is moving about 50 additional fighter jets closer to Iran, and Trump confirms the deployment of a second aircraft carrier.
• Policy Tensions: Trump voices support for a new nuclear deal with Iran but also hints at endorsing regime change, suggesting mixed signals about U.S. intentions.
  • Notable Quote:

    “He says he favors a nuclear deal with Iran, which would necessitate more negotiations. Yet he’s also voiced support for regime change in that country, which would likely require a major U.S. military operation.”
    — Greg Myhre, [01:40]

• Iran’s Response: Iran warns it will retaliate if attacked by the U.S. or Israel.

3. Prince Andrew Arrested

• Royal Controversy: Britain’s King Charles expresses “deep concern” over the arrest of his brother, the former Prince Andrew, for alleged misconduct involving Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Notable Quote:

    “King Charles says the law must take its course and that he is calling for a full, fair and proper process.”
    — Korva Coleman, [02:16]

• Legal Links: Arrest tied to new evidence from the latest batch of Epstein-related files; allegations include Andrew passing secret government information.
• Public Stance: Andrew maintains strenuous denial of wrongdoing.

4. Wall Street and Economic News

• Markets Down: The Dow drops 177–180 points during the hour, NASDAQ falls around 40 points.
• Other Business Updates: Ongoing lawsuit and controversy around presidentially-backed construction at the White House.

5. White House Ballroom Controversy

• Renovation Approval: Trump secures Fine Arts Commission approval for a new White House ballroom (requiring demolition of the historic east wing). Most public comments are negative; commission is staffed by Trump appointees.
• Legal Hurdles: The project still faces a lawsuit and requires further regulatory approval.

6. Crackdown on Commercial Driving Schools

• Mass Closures: The Transportation Department mandates closure of 550+ commercial driving schools for using unqualified instructors, poor testing, and questionable licensing (including to some migrants).
• Safety Emphasis: The emphasis is on preventing unqualified drivers from obtaining commercial trucking licenses.

7. Winter Olympics: Women’s Figure Skating

• Medal Prospects: American Alyssa Liu in third place after short program, first U.S. woman in top three since 2006. Teammates Isabel Levito (8th) and Amber Glenn (13th) still have chances, with 24 competitors in total.
  • Notable Quote:

    “She’s the first US woman to place in the top three since 2006 and carries the country’s hopes of winning the first medal in this event since then.”
    — Rachel Treisman, [04:19]

• Team Medal Recap: Glenn and Liu already have gold from the team event.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on Board of Peace:

  “It’s peanuts compared to this board.”
  — President Donald Trump, [00:47]

• King Charles on Prince Andrew’s Arrest:

  “The law must take its course and that he is calling for a full, fair and proper process.”
  — Korva Coleman, [02:16]

• On Figure Skating:

  “She’s the first US woman to place in the top three since 2006 and carries the country’s hopes…”
  — Rachel Treisman, [04:19]

Timestamps and Segments

• [00:20] Trump’s Board of Peace meeting and U.S. $10B Gaza commitment
• [01:16] Trump’s departure to Georgia, Greene’s political break, U.S.–Iran tensions and military buildup
• [02:16] Prince Andrew’s arrest and King Charles’s response
• [03:02] Latest Wall Street update and White House ballroom controversy
• [03:50] Crackdown on commercial driving schools
• [04:19] Olympics update: Women’s figure skating medal prospects
• [04:51] Closing financial update

Summary Tone: Concise, objective, and urgent—with the quick pivots and authoritative delivery characteristic of NPR newscasts. The episode efficiently covers global and domestic headlines, presenting listeners with rapid yet informed overviews of each major story.