NPR News Now: February 19, 2026 – 1AM EST

Main Theme:
A concise update on major national and international news stories, including U.S.-Iran tensions, a Los Angeles school district’s layoffs, Olympic men’s hockey, congressional testimony linked to Jeffrey Epstein, a sex discrimination lawsuit, and an unusual Manhattan real estate fraud case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.-Iran Tensions Over Nuclear Program

[00:15–01:07]

• Two rounds of indirect talks have occurred in Geneva regarding Iran’s nuclear program but no breakthrough has been reported.
• U.S. Military Posturing: President Trump confirms deployment of a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, further heightening military presence.
  • Each carrier brings approximately 75 planes, creating a large concentration of U.S. military force in the region.
  • No buildup of ground troops reported; current military moves are “well beyond what’s needed for leverage against Iran.”
• Upcoming Developments: Iran is expected to submit a written proposal to resolve the standoff.

Notable Quote:

“This is becoming a very large force with a concentration of planes and ships that can carry out airstrikes. We should note there's no buildup of US Ground troops anywhere in the region. These pieces are all still moving into place, but it's well beyond what's needed for leverage against Iran.”
—Greg Myy, [00:37]

2. Los Angeles Unified School District Approves Layoffs

[01:07–02:17]

• The LAUSD board voted 4-3 to authorize as many as 3,200 layoffs (approx. 1% of workforce), though likely around 650 will occur.
• Roles Impacted: Teachers are spared; cuts may include bus drivers, central office staff, and administrators.
• Reasoning: Superintendent Alberto Carvalho attributes the layoffs partly to hiring surges during the pandemic funded by now-expired federal relief.
• Financial Deficit: Deficit for 2025–26 is $877 million; next year projected over $400 million. The December report warns of a “significant structural imbalance, not a temporary dip.”

Notable Quote:

“The reduction in force would not affect teachers, but could cut bus drivers, central office staff and administrators… the numbers, quote, signal a significant structural imbalance, not a temporary dip.”
—Sequoia Carrillo, [01:29]

3. U.S. Men’s Hockey Advances to Olympic Semifinal

[02:17–03:11]

• USA defeated Sweden 2–1 in overtime during the Olympic quarterfinals.
• Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made vital saves (28 out of 29 shots).
• Game tied by Sweden with 91 seconds left; in 3-on-3 overtime, defenseman Quinn Hughes scored the game-winning sudden death goal.
• Team USA now guaranteed to compete for a medal, facing Slovakia in the semifinal.

Notable Quote:

“For five terrifying minutes, the American dreams of a men’s hockey medal at this Olympics were one goal away from being dashed… defenseman Quinn Hughes scored a sudden death goal and kept Team USA’s hopes alive.”
—Becky Sullivan, [02:29]

4. Jeffery Epstein Fallout: Les Wexner Testifies

[03:11–03:38]

• Retail billionaire Les Wexner told Congress he was “duped by a world class conman” (referring to his links with Jeffrey Epstein) in a six-hour interview following a subpoena.
• Wexner stated he has “nothing to hide.”

5. EEOC Sues Coca Cola Bottler Over Sex Discrimination

[03:38–04:34]

• Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) lawsuit targets Coca Cola Beverages Northeast (not the main Coca Cola Company).
• Allegation: Only female employees were invited to a 2024 networking event at a Connecticut casino, excluding men, which the EEOC says violates federal law.
• The company contests the charge, claiming the EEOC did not conduct a full investigation and expects vindication in court.
• Note: Pursuing discrimination cases involving white men has become a focus for the EEOC under President Trump.

Notable Quote:

“The EEOC says excluding men violates federal law. And in a statement, the company says the EEOC did not conduct a full investigation and expects to be vindicated in court.”
—Andrea Hsu, [03:53]

6. Manhattan Hotel Real Estate Fraud

[04:34–04:55]

• Mickey Barretto, who lived rent-free in the New Yorker hotel and falsely claimed to own it, pleaded guilty to fraud.
• He admitted forging property records; gets six months in prison (already served) and five years of probation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Military Escalation: “This is becoming a very large force... it's well beyond what's needed for leverage against Iran.” —Greg Myy, [00:37]
• School Financial Crisis: “The numbers, quote, signal a significant structural imbalance, not a temporary dip.” —Sequoia Carrillo, [01:29]
• Olympic Under Pressure: “For five terrifying minutes, the American dreams of a men’s hockey medal ... were one goal away from being dashed.” —Becky Sullivan, [02:29]
• Workplace Equity Litigation: “Pursuing cases of discrimination against white men has become a focus of the EEOC under President Trump.” —Andrea Hsu, [03:53]

Timeline of Key Segments

• U.S.-Iran Tensions & Military Moves: [00:15–01:07]
• LAUSD Layoffs & Financial Crisis: [01:07–02:17]
• Olympic Hockey Quarterfinal: [02:17–03:11]
• Les Wexner on Epstein Links: [03:11–03:38]
• Coca Cola Bottler Discrimination Lawsuit: [03:38–04:34]
• Manhattan Hotel Fraud Guilty Plea: [04:34–04:55]

Tone:
Straightforward, professional news reporting with concise, factual updates; urgency and clarity in recounting rapidly evolving stories.