NPR News Now – February 19, 2026, 4AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder

Episode Overview

This five-minute episode delivers concise updates on top global and national news. Today's headlines spotlight ongoing US-Iran tensions and military posturing, the stagnant progress in US-brokered Ukraine–Russia peace talks, dramatic turns in Olympic men’s ice hockey, and two major international incidents: a deadly avalanche in California and a politically charged killing in France. The episode closes with financial market updates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Iran Tensions and Military Movements

Discussion [00:16–01:07]

• Indirect Nuclear Talks:
  The US and Iran have held two recent rounds of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, with no breakthrough reported.
• Military Escalation:
  President Trump orders a second US aircraft carrier (USS Gerald R. Ford) to the Mediterranean, moving from the Caribbean.
  • Each carrier carries about 75 planes, signaling significant force buildup.
  • No current buildup of US ground troops.
  • The move is seen as more than simple leverage against Iran.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Myy (NPR):
  “...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.” [00:43]

2. Ukraine–Russia Peace Talks Stalled

Discussion [01:07–02:17]

• Stalled Negotiations:
  The US-brokered talks in Geneva (third round, after Abu Dhabi meetings) make no headway.
• Zelensky's Claims:
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of prolonging talks to aid its invasion efforts.
• US Lawmakers in Odessa:
  A U.S. Senate delegation, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen and including Richard Blumenthal, visits Odessa, highlighting attacks on American businesses in Ukraine.
• Push for Sanctions:
  Call for stronger sanctions, especially targeting countries buying Russian gas.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Blumenthal:
  “It's open season on American business. There are about 600 major businesses here. Nearly half of them have been directly and purposefully attacked. The American people deserve to know that Putin is targeting American businesses.” [01:50]
• Michelle Kellerman (NPR):
  “He's also pushing for more sanctions, saying countries that are buying Russian gas should be given, quote, strong incentives to stop.” [02:07]

3. Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Drama

Discussion [02:17–03:15]

• Quarterfinal Thrills:
  Both US and Canadian men’s ice hockey teams forced into overtime in the knockout rounds, maintaining hopes for a classic gold medal match-up.
• Game Details:
  • US vs Sweden: Americans give up a last-minute goal but win in overtime (Quinn Hughes scores winner).
  • Canada vs Czechia: Canada rebounds from near-elimination to win in overtime.
• Next Steps:
  Both teams advance to Friday's semifinals.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Futterman (NPR):
  “The dream gold medal match of the US vs Canada was on the brink twice on Wednesday. In the end, both the Americans and Canadians survived, but each had to do it in overtime.” [02:29]

4. Major International Incidents

A. California Avalanche

Discussion [03:15–03:35]

• Authorities report finding bodies of eight backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe, three of whom were discovered by survivors of the avalanche. One skier is still missing.

B. Political Violence in France

Discussion [03:35–04:39]

• Incident:
  The killing of Quentin de Ranck, a far-right activist, during clashes in Lyon is escalating political tensions in France.
• Arrests and Blame:
  French authorities have arrested 11 suspects, including a parliamentary assistant linked to a hard-left MP.
• Political Fallout:
  The Macron government and moderate parties blame leftist rhetoric for the violence, heightening divisions before upcoming elections.
• Opposition Leader's Response:
  Jean Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed, condemns the violence but brings up previous far-right attacks.

Notable Quotes:

• Eleanor Beardsley (NPR):
  “The killing is being blamed on a left wing anti fascist youth group. Macron's centrist government and even mainstream left socialists are blaming rhetoric from the hard left France Unbowed party for fueling the violence that led to the 23 year old's death.” [03:52]

5. Financial Markets

Discussion [04:39–04:55]

• European markets open with declines after Asian gains.
• Japan’s Nikkei closes up 0.5%; South Korean stocks jump more than 3%.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamp Highlights

• Greg Myy (on US military buildup): “...this is becoming a very large force with a concentration of planes and ships that can carry out airstrikes...” [00:43]
• Richard Blumenthal (on attacks on American business in Ukraine): “It's open season on American business...” [01:50]
• Steve Futterman (on Olympic drama): “The dream gold medal match...was on the brink twice on Wednesday. In the end, both...survived, but each had to do it in overtime.” [02:29]
• Eleanor Beardsley (on French political fallout): “The incident is becoming a political crisis that some are calling France's Charlie Kirk moment.” [03:52]

Episode Flow: Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start | End | |------------------------------------------|--------|--------| | US-Iran nuclear talks, military posture | 00:16 | 01:07 | | Ukraine–Russia negotiations, Odessa | 01:07 | 02:17 | | Olympics men's ice hockey drama | 02:17 | 03:15 | | California avalanche, missing skier | 03:15 | 03:35 | | Political killing in France | 03:35 | 04:39 | | Global financial markets update | 04:39 | 04:55 |

Summary prepared to provide a fast yet detailed understanding of today’s NPR News Now episode for listeners and non-listeners alike.