NPR News Now: 6AM EST, February 19, 2026

Host: Korva Coleman
Runtime: ~5 minutes
Theme: Morning briefing on top global and U.S. news stories

Main Theme

This episode delivers concise updates on major developing news around the world, focusing on high-profile arrests in the UK, U.S. political events, a social media trial, international political developments, and the Winter Olympics in Italy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Former Prince Andrew Arrested in UK Epstein Investigation

• [00:15–01:11]
  • UK police have arrested a man in his 60s for "misconduct in public office." UK media widely report this is former Prince Andrew, King Charles’ brother.
  • Investigation centers on allegations that Andrew may have shared confidential government material with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK Trade envoy.
  • Context: Andrew lost his royal title over his ties to Epstein and had previously settled a lawsuit from one of Epstein’s victims.
  • Noteworthy: The arrest took place at Sandringham Estate, where Andrew has lived since being evicted from Windsor Castle.
  • Memorable moment: Lauren Frayer highlights, "Today happens to be Andrew's 66th birthday." (01:07)

2. President Trump’s Black History Month White House Reception

• [01:11–02:13]
  • President Trump hosted a reception to honor Black History Month, amid backlash over a recent racist social media post.
  • He paid tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away that week.
  • Notable Quote:
    • President Trump: “Jesse was a piece of work, I want to tell you. He was a piece of work, but he was a good man. He was a real hero. And I just want to pay my highest respects to Reverend Jesse Jackson.” (01:30–01:44)
  • The event also celebrated Trump’s claimed achievements for the African American community (support for HBCUs, tax cuts, veterans).
  • Controversy: Trump recently posted, then deleted, a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, sparking criticism for whitewashing African American history.

3. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Testimony in LA Social Media Case

• [02:13–03:11]
  • Zuckerberg testified about difficulties in enforcing age restrictions on Instagram (minimum age: 13).
  • Internal Meta data: 30% of Instagram users ages 10–12, highlighting the challenge of underage access.
  • Zuckerberg faced tough questions regarding old emails/memos and acknowledged his struggle with public speaking.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Mark Zuckerberg: “I think I'm actually well known to be very bad at this.” (02:53)
  • The trial is closely watched, linked to 1600 similar cases, and is expected to last four more weeks.

4. International Briefs

• [03:11–04:06]
  • President Trump meeting with his Board of Peace, plans to announce $5 billion contributed for rebuilding Gaza.
    • Indonesia intends to send troops as part of a stabilization force in Gaza.
  • South Korea: Former President Yoon Song-yeol sentenced to life in prison for attempting to impose martial law in late 2024, viewed as an illegal power grab.

5. Winter Olympics in Italy: High Attendance & Engagement

• [04:06–04:50]
  • Milan Cortina Olympics experiencing strong ticket sales and streaming engagement.
    • Top sports: ice hockey, biathlon, figure skating.
  • U.S. Figure skating team captain Danny O’Shea comments on crowd energy:
    • Notable Quote:
      • Danny O’Shea: “Bring as much joy to the fans and the crowd as you can. And when you go out there with that kind of attitude, the pressure kind of slips away.” (04:17–04:25)
  • 1.3 million tickets sold, some events (like ski mountaineering) sold out.
  • Over half of Italy’s population is tuning in, surpassing Beijing 2022 viewership.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:07 | Lauren Frayer (NPR) | “Today happens to be Andrew’s 66th birthday.” | | 01:30–44 | President Donald Trump | “Jesse was a piece of work... but he was a real hero... pay my highest respects.”| | 02:53 | Mark Zuckerberg (Meta) | “I think I’m actually well known to be very bad at this.” | | 04:17–25 | Danny O’Shea (US skater) | “Bring as much joy to the fans and... the pressure kind of slips away.” |

Timestamps for Highlights

• [00:15] Korva Coleman introduces Prince Andrew's arrest.
• [01:23] Trump honors Jesse Jackson at White House event.
• [02:30] Mark Zuckerberg testifies on Instagram age policy enforcement.
• [03:11] International briefs: Gaza, South Korea.
• [04:06] Ping Huang reports on the Winter Olympics’ ticket sales and viewer engagement.

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers a fast, authoritative rundown of international headlines: a royal arrest in the UK, Trump’s controversial Black History Month remarks, tough questions for Zuckerberg over kids on Instagram, big international developments, and high drama at the Winter Olympics—all distilled for busy listeners seeking news without fluff.