NPR News Now — February 19, 2026, 5PM EST

Brief Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers the latest headlines from national and international news, including the arrest of former Prince Andrew, Team USA’s gold in women’s ice hockey, economic updates on the U.S. trade deficit, a notable automotive recall from Nissan, developments at the White House, and NASA’s critique of the Starliner mission. In just five minutes, listeners receive a snapshot of major stories, summarized for quick consumption.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Former Prince Andrew Arrested and Released in UK-Epstein Probe

• [00:16–01:18]

• Former Prince Andrew was arrested in eastern England on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Investigation centers on whether he passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein.

• Police released him from custody, but he remains under investigation.

• UK authorities are reviewing Andrew’s correspondence with Epstein, after new documents emerged from the U.S. Justice Department.

• Andrew previously settled a lawsuit with one of Epstein’s victims but continues to deny wrongdoing.

• Notable insight: The misconduct charge carries a possible life sentence; details are still emerging.

  “Photos show a distressed looking Andrew hunched in the backseat of a car being driven away from the station.”
  — Lauren Frere, NPR News, London [00:38]

2. U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Wins Olympic Gold

• [01:18–02:06]

• Team USA triumphed over Canada in a dramatic overtime finish, winning 2–1 at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

• The U.S. scored the game-tying goal with just over two minutes left, forcing overtime and eventually clinching the gold medal.

• Despite being outplayed, the Americans’ strategic decision to pull their goalie paid off. Canada earns silver for the third time.

  "Canada held the high scoring US offense scoreless until 2 minutes, 4 seconds were left in the game. … And in overtime, the U.S. wins."
  — Steve Futterman, NPR News, Milan [01:30]

  "The US Rules Olympic women's ice hockey."
  — Steve Futterman, [01:52]

3. U.S. Trade Deficit and Economic Snapshot

• [02:06–02:58]

• The U.S. trade gap widened sharply in December 2025, surpassing $70 billion, despite President Trump’s heightened tariffs.

• The 2025 overall deficit was just over $900 billion, a negligible decrease from the previous year (only 0.2%).

• New unemployment benefit claims dipped, signaling hiring is slow but layoffs are also minimal.

• Walmart’s strong quarterly results reflect cautious consumer spending, even among upscale shoppers.

  “For all of 2025, the trade deficit was just over $900 billion. That’s down from the previous year, but only by about 2/10 of 1%.”
  — Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington [02:19]

4. Market and Policy Briefs

• [02:58–03:49]
• Wall Street closed down across major indexes: Dow (-267), NASDAQ (-70), S&P 500 (-19).
• President Trump’s appointees on the federal Commission of Fine Arts approved plans for a large ballroom on the former White House East Wing site. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is suing to block construction.

5. Major Nissan Recall

• [03:49–04:31]

• Nissan announced a recall of nearly 645,000 Rogue SUVs due to two separate engine defects:

  • Loss of drive power and broken throttle gears.
  • Engine bearing failures that may cause hot oil discharge and fire risk.

• The recall affects nearly all U.S. Rogues manufactured in recent years.

• Dealers will update software and replace components as necessary.

  “The Rogue is built at Nissan's flagship American factory outside Nashville... This recall affects virtually all Rogues made and sold in the United States in the last few years.”
  — Blake Farmer, NPR News, Nashville [04:11–04:25]

6. NASA Criticizes Boeing over Starliner Mission

• [04:31–04:55]

• NASA’s administrator issued strong criticism of Boeing and agency leadership after Starliner left two astronauts aboard the ISS for nearly nine months.

• A newly released 300-page report details serious technical and oversight failures tied to the spacecraft’s first crewed flight in 2024.

  “NASA released a 300 page report detailing technical and oversight failures tied to Starliner's first crewed flight in 2024.”
  — NPR News, Washington [04:48]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Photos show a distressed looking Andrew hunched in the backseat of a car…”
  — Lauren Frere [00:38]
• “Canada held the high scoring US offense scoreless until 2 minutes, 4 seconds were left in the game. … And in overtime, the U.S. wins.”
  — Steve Futterman [01:30]
• “The US Rules Olympic women's ice hockey.”
  — Steve Futterman [01:52]
• "For all of 2025, the trade deficit was just over $900 billion. That's down from the previous year, but only by about 2/10 of 1%."
  — Scott Horsley [02:19]
• “This recall affects virtually all Rogues made and sold in the United States in the last few years.”
  — Blake Farmer [04:25]
• "NASA released a 300 page report detailing technical and oversight failures tied to Starliner's first crewed flight in 2024.”
  — NPR News [04:48]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:16–01:18: Prince Andrew arrested/released in Epstein information leak probe
• 01:18–02:06: U.S. women's hockey team wins Olympic gold
• 02:06–02:58: Economic news: Trade deficit, unemployment claims, Walmart, stocks
• 02:58–03:49: Market close, White House construction plans, Nissan recall begins
• 03:49–04:31: Details on Nissan Rogue recall
• 04:31–04:55: NASA critiques Boeing over Starliner mission report

This concise, punchy news episode provides listeners with the essentials on major breaking stories, ranging from royal scandals and Olympic triumphs to economic and safety updates, true to the NPR News Now format.