NPR News Now – February 19, 2026, 11PM EST
Host: Giles Snyder
News Highlights and Key Developments
Main Theme
This episode delivers a concise, five-minute roundup of key U.S. and international headlines, covering political, sports, business, and environmental news. The reporting reflects urgent global events and notable U.S. achievements.
Key Segments & Insights
1. U.S. Announces $10 Billion "Board of Peace" for Gaza
[00:16 – 01:17]
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President Trump presided over the inauguration of a new initiative called the "Board of Peace," committing $10 billion to the project.
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Other nations, including Gulf and Central Asian countries, pledged nearly $7 billion to help rebuild Gaza.
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Countries like Indonesia and Morocco are contributing peacekeeping troops and police.
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The Board of Peace will be chaired by Trump even after his presidency.
Notable Quotes:
- Donald Trump [00:58]:
“We will help Gaza. We will straighten it out, we will make it successful, we will make it peaceful and we will do things like that in other spots.”
- Donald Trump [00:58]:
2. U.S. Women's Hockey Team Wins Olympic Gold
[01:17 – 02:12]
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The U.S. women’s hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime, clinching their third all-time Olympic gold.
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Veteran Hilary Knight and rising star Layla Edwards were instrumental.
- Canada initially led after a defensive mistake by Edwards, but she later contributed to the tying goal.
- In overtime, Megan Keller scored the game-winner.
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The match was notable for its intensity and turnaround.
Notable Quotes:
- Hilary Knight [01:58]:
"Great patience and poise with the puck. And then as soon as it was going over to Layla, I was like I better get in front of that net.”
- Hilary Knight [01:58]:
3. Alyssa Lu Breaks 24-Year Drought with Figure Skating Gold
[02:12 – 02:17]
- Alyssa Lu won gold in figure skating, ending a 24-year drought and posting a career-best points total.
4. Wall Street Rattled by U.S.-Iran Tensions
[02:17 – 03:13]
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U.S. stocks fell, with the Dow dropping nearly 270 points.
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The drop followed market anxiety over possible U.S. strikes against Iran, pushing oil prices up by nearly 2%.
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Walmart shares slid despite strong earnings, reflecting concerns about cautious spending by lower-income shoppers.
Notable Quotes:
- Rafael Nam [02:34]:
“Concerns that the U.S. will conduct some kind of military strike against Iran sent jitters across Wall Street.”
- Rafael Nam [02:34]:
5. Northern California Avalanche Recovery Delayed
[03:13 – 03:37]
- Eight skier fatalities confirmed after a Northern California avalanche; one more still missing and presumed dead.
- Recovery and rescue operations delayed due to safety concerns.
- Authorities are investigating potential criminal negligence.
6. D.C. Declares Emergency Over Historic Potomac Sewage Spill
[03:37 – 04:37]
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The mayor of Washington, D.C. declared an emergency after a record-breaking sewage spill into the Potomac River.
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The emergency declaration allows President Trump to allocate federal funds for water infrastructure repairs.
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Repairs are ongoing, with uncertain costs and a spill of 243 million gallons of raw sewage.
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The spill is reportedly contained to a canal, but full repairs remain weeks away.
Notable Quotes:
- Lindsay Appiah, Deputy Mayor [04:08]:
“And we would all love to believe that in any repair it only costs the amount we budgeted or say. But I think that we've all been around long enough to know that there are always unanticipated costs.”
- Lindsay Appiah, Deputy Mayor [04:08]:
7. Exhibit on People Enslaved by George Washington to be Restored
[04:37 – 04:55]
- Restoration work will resume on a National Park Service exhibit about individuals once enslaved by President George Washington.
- A judge ordered reinstatement; the U.S. Attorney's Office is appealing.
Notable Quotes by Segment
| Time | Speaker | Quote | |---------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:58 | Donald Trump | "We will help Gaza. We will straighten it out, we will make it successful..." | | 01:58 | Hilary Knight | "Great patience and poised with the puck...as soon as it was going over to Layla..." | | 02:34 | Rafael Nam | "Concerns that the U.S. will conduct some kind of military strike against Iran..." | | 04:08 | Lindsay Appiah | "...there are always unanticipated costs." |
Timestamped Important Segments
- 00:16: U.S. launches Board of Peace for Gaza
- 01:17: U.S. women’s hockey gold recap
- 02:12: Alyssa Lu wins figure skating gold
- 02:17: Stock market and oil price response to Iran tensions
- 03:13: Avalanche recovery in California
- 03:53: D.C. sewage spill and emergency declaration
- 04:37: George Washington slavery exhibit to be restored
Tone and Delivery
The reporting maintains a straightforward, fact-driven, and urgent tone, representing NPR’s signature news style. Quotes from officials and athletes add color and immediacy to the coverage.
This episode is an essential listen for those seeking a concise briefing on the day’s highest-impact stories in U.S. and world news.
