NPR News Now: 02-19-2026 8AM EST – Episode Summary

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major global and national news stories as of February 19, 2026. Coverage spans international affairs—such as the arrest of Britain’s Prince Andrew and U.S.-led efforts for Gaza—along with domestic news about nurses’ protests, a landmark social media lawsuit, a tragic avalanche, Hollywood’s response to AI technology, and a sweeping crackdown on commercial driving schools.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Prince Andrew Arrested in the UK – Possible U.S. Implications

• [00:17] King Charles confirmed the arrest of his brother, former Prince Andrew, by British police for "misconduct in public office."
• The U.S. Department of Justice released documents implicating Andrew in leaking confidential information to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
• Quote: “Britain’s King Charles has confirmed his brother, the former Prince Andrew, has been arrested.” — Korva Coleman (00:17)

2. President Trump’s "Board of Peace" Meeting Focuses on Gaza

• [00:46] President Trump is hosting the first meeting of his new Board of Peace with over 40 nations in attendance.
  • The group pledges $5 billion for rebuilding Gaza and thousands of troops for a stabilization mission.
  • Noteworthy participating countries: Armenia, Croatia, Hungary, Israel, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UK, and others.
  • Jared Kushner previously revealed the administration’s economic plans for Gaza (luxury development projects)—causing questions about current residents.
• Quote: “President Trump is expected to announce that members of the Board of peace have contributed $5 billion toward rebuilding Gaza and have committed thousands of troops...” — Franco Ordonez (00:46)
• Quote: “What is unclear is what happens to the people who have homes there now.” — Franco Ordonez (01:25)

3. Nurses Nationwide Protest Federal Immigration Enforcement

• [01:30] National Nurses United (NNU), the largest nurses’ union, holds protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across multiple states.
  • NNU demands that Congress abolish ICE and redirect funds to health care programs (Medicare/Medicaid).
  • Nurses emphasize that “hospitals are places of sanctuary” and warn that ICE presence deters care-seeking.
  • Protests are organized to minimize impact on patient care (before/after shifts).
• Quote: “Hospitals are places of sanctuary, and to nurses, nobody is illegal and nobody should put off seeking care because of the threat of ICE.” — Pomay Neal, RN (02:05)

4. Landmark Lawsuit: Meta Faces Claims Over Children and Social Media Harm

• [02:26] In Los Angeles, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in a civil suit alleging platforms target children under 13, causing widespread mental health issues.
  • The case is consolidated with 1,600 similar suits from parents and school districts.
  • Billions of dollars and future regulation of social media platforms are at stake.
• Quote: “Depending on how this verdict in Los Angeles comes down, you know that could potentially shape outcomes in all these other cases, meaning there’s billions of dollars... and potentially major changes to the social media landscape.” — Bobby Allen (02:51)

5. Avalanche Tragedy in Northern California

• [03:09] Authorities have recovered the bodies of eight missing backcountry skiers after a devastating avalanche; one remains missing.
• Brief but significant coverage highlighting the dangers of extreme winter conditions.

6. Hollywood and Tech Clash Over AI Video Tool “Sea Dance 2.0”

• [03:38] Netflix and other major studios are threatening legal action against ByteDance, creator of the AI tool, for copyright infringement.
  • The tool generates hyper-realistic videos of characters from hit shows (e.g., “Bridgerton”, “Squid Game”).
  • A viral video resembling Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting has intensified industry backlash.
  • ByteDance claims it respects IP rights but provides no specifics.
• Quote: “Netflix accuses ByteDance of allowing its latest AI video creation tool, Sea Dance 2.0, to generate hyper realistic imitations of characters from such Netflix owned shows...” — Chloe Veltman (03:42)

7. Mass Closure of Commercial Driving Schools

• [04:27] The U.S. Transportation Department will shut down more than 550 commercial driving schools for using unqualified instructors and improper testing practices.
  • Some schools allegedly issued licenses to immigrants who did not qualify.
• Signifies a major federal effort to improve road safety and standardize driver training.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On King Charles confirming Prince Andrew’s arrest:
  “Britain’s King Charles has confirmed his brother, the former Prince Andrew, has been arrested.” — Korva Coleman (00:17)

• On the Gaza reconstruction plan:
  “President Trump is expected to announce that members of the Board of peace have contributed $5 billion toward rebuilding Gaza and have committed thousands of troops to an international stabilization force for the territory.” — Franco Ordonez (00:46)

• On priorities of protesting nurses:
  “Hospitals are places of sanctuary, and to nurses, nobody is illegal and nobody should put off seeking care because of the threat of ICE.” — Pomay Neal, RN (02:05)

• On the significance of the Meta lawsuit:
  “Depending on how this verdict in Los Angeles comes down, you know that could potentially shape outcomes in all these other cases, meaning there’s billions of dollars in monetary damages on the line and potentially major changes to the social media landscape.” — Bobby Allen (02:51)

• On the Hollywood backlash to AI-generated content:
  “Netflix accuses ByteDance of allowing its latest AI video creation tool, Sea Dance 2.0, to generate hyper realistic imitations of characters from such Netflix owned shows as Bridgerton and Squid Game.” — Chloe Veltman (03:42)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:17 – King Charles confirms Prince Andrew’s arrest
• 00:46 – Trump’s Board of Peace and Gaza rebuilding
• 01:30 – Nationwide nurses’ protests against ICE
• 02:26 – Meta faces lawsuit over social media and children
• 03:09 – Avalanche tragedy in northern California
• 03:38 – AI video tool sparks Hollywood legal threats
• 04:27 – Mass closure of U.S. commercial driving schools

This episode provides a rapid yet substantive tour of leading stories of the day—underscoring shifting geopolitics, U.S. domestic policy tensions, technological disruption, and renewed social activism.