NPR News Now – February 19, 2026, 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: The episode delivers concise, up-to-date reporting on global and U.S. breaking news—highlighting major political, economic, and sports developments this morning.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Arrest of Former Prince Andrew in Britain

• [00:18 - 00:57]

  • King Charles expresses “deep concern” after his brother, former Prince Andrew, is arrested.

  • The arrest is linked to alleged misconduct during Andrew’s time as a British trade envoy, involving new evidence from U.S. Justice Department files about Jeffrey Epstein.

  • NPR’s Lauren Frayer reports the evidence alleges Andrew passed secret government information.

  • Andrew denies any wrongdoing, stating he "strenuously denies any wrongdoing" despite settling a lawsuit connected to Epstein’s victims.

    “We’ve long known that Andrew was good friends with Epstein. He admits that he settled a lawsuit with one of Epstein’s underage victims. He has said he strenuously denies any wrongdoing…” — Lauren Frayer ([00:35])

2. President Trump’s “Board of Peace” Meeting

• [00:57 - 02:01]

  • President Trump convenes a high-profile “Board of Peace” meeting at the newly renamed US Institute of Peace.

  • Expected announcements: over $5 billion raised for Gaza; updates on humanitarian efforts and formation of an international stabilization force.

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witko to address the gathering, with focus on Iran and Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

  • Indonesia is so far the only country committing troops to the proposed international force.

    “Trump says he’s raised over $5 billion from Board of Peace members, though officials haven’t given further details…” — Michelle Kellerman ([01:50])

3. Trump’s Visit to Georgia & Political Fallout

• [02:01 - 02:26]
  • After the Board of Peace meeting, President Trump heads to Georgia to visit the district formerly represented by Marjorie Taylor Greene.
  • Greene had publicly broken with Trump over the slow release of Epstein files.

4. U.S. Labor Union Membership Update

• [02:26 - 03:11]

  • Labor Department data: 14.5 million U.S. workers were union members in 2025, about 10% of the workforce—a slight increase.

  • The rise is attributed partly to federal workers joining unions amidst government restructuring under Trump.

  • Public support for unions remains high (near a 60-year peak) but overall union density is still half of its 1980s level.

    “In a time of fear and uncertainty and hardship, workers are realizing that they are better off in a union.” — Heidi Schierholz, Economic Policy Institute ([02:49])

5. Market Update & Other Headlines

• [03:11 - 04:44]
  • Markets: Dow futures down in pre-market trading.
  • Meta Lawsuit: Mark Zuckerberg testifies in Los Angeles, defending Meta (Instagram) against allegations of targeting users under 13.

    “Zuckerberg told the jury it is difficult to enforce a minimum age policy for Instagram.” ([03:23])

  • South Korea: Former president Yoon Song Yeol sentenced to life for attempting to impose martial law in 2024.
  • 2026 Milan Winter Olympics:
    • U.S. speed skater Jordan Stolz pursues a historic third gold in the 1500m, having already set two Olympic records.

      “Guaranteed the last lap. He might even be down by 20 meters with a lap to go. And I keep watching him come back. A lot of it is just his power and strength.” — Eric Heiden ([04:15])

    • Women’s ice hockey gold medal game: Team USA vs. Canada later today.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lauren Frayer (on Prince Andrew):
  “He has said he strenuously denies any wrongdoing, though. And now he’s been arrested in response to evidence allegedly found in those latest documents…” ([00:35])

• Michelle Kellerman (on Trump’s Gaza Fundraising):
  “Trump says he’s raised over $5 billion from Board of Peace members, though officials haven’t given further details…” ([01:50])

• Heidi Schierholz (on union growth):
  “In a time of fear and uncertainty and hardship, workers are realizing that they are better off in a union.” ([02:49])

• Eric Heiden (on Jordan Stolz’s skating):
  “Guaranteed the last lap. He might even be down by 20 meters with a lap to go. And I keep watching him come back.” ([04:15])

Important Timestamps

• 00:18–00:57: Prince Andrew arrest & Epstein evidence
• 01:15–02:01: Trump’s Board of Peace meeting & Gaza fundraising
• 02:26–03:11: Labor union report & analysis
• 03:11–04:44: Market update, Meta lawsuit, S. Korea sentencing, Olympics highlights

Summary:
This NPR News Now episode provides critical updates on high-profile legal, political, economic, and sports stories. Highlights include Prince Andrew’s arrest tied to the Epstein scandal, President Trump’s unprecedented international peace efforts and billion-dollar Gaza fundraising, steady although limited growth in U.S. union membership, Meta’s legal woes over child safety, and standout Olympic performances. Packed into five minutes, the episode offers listeners a clear snapshot of the latest headlines and contextual insights.