NPR News Now - February 19, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Length: 5 minutes
Overview:
This NPR News Now segment delivers concise highlights on major political, judicial, and cultural developments from around the country, focusing on a new Trump administration immigration policy, political maneuvering in Georgia, a notable judicial nomination, market news, a high-profile Broadway production, and controversy over new White House construction plans.

Key News Highlights

New Trump Administration Immigration Policy

[00:15–01:14]

• Topic: Refugees in the U.S. may face detention if lacking green cards within a year.

• Report by: Jimena Bus (NPR)

• Details:

  • Homeland Security announced refugees arriving in the U.S. must obtain their green card within one year.
  • Non-compliance could result in detention during application review and possible deportation.
  • Refugee resettlement groups warn “thousands could be affected, mostly those who entered under the Biden administration.”
  • Last year, the Trump administration cut funding to resettlement organizations aiding in green card applications.

• Notable Quote:

  “This new policy makes not having the green card a reason for deportation and states that refugees may be placed in detention while their applications are being reviewed.”
  — Jimena Bus [00:41]

Trump Campaigns in Georgia and Endorses Clay Fuller

[01:14–02:10]

• Topic: Trump campaigns for economic issues and endorses Clay Fuller in a high-profile Congressional race.
• Report by: Sarah Kalis (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
• Context:
  • Trump visited NW Georgia, supporting Clay Fuller for former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat.
  • Voters weigh Trump’s endorsement, but it’s not the only factor in their decision.
• Vox Pop:
  • Local voter Clay Cooper shares his view:

    “I don’t just kind of blindly follow what he says.”
    — Clay Cooper [01:47]

• Insight:
  • The race is seen as a test of Trump’s ability to maintain his MAGA coalition after Greene’s public split.
  • Special election runs through March 10.

President Trump Nominates Former Lawyer to Appeals Court

[02:10–03:06]

• Topic: Judicial nomination of Justin Smith, Trump’s former personal attorney, for the U.S. Court of Appeals (8th Circuit).

• Report by: Nina Totenberg (NPR)

• Highlights:

  • Smith represented Trump in challenging a $5 million sexual assault verdict (E. Jean Carroll case); now appealing to the Supreme Court.
  • Smith credited with playing “a major role in persuading the supreme court to grant Trump substantial immunity from criminal prosecution after leaving office.”
  • Smith’s Missouri law firm founded by Trump’s current solicitor general, D. Jon Sauer.

• Notable Quote:

  “…the nominee had also played a major role in persuading the supreme court to grant Trump substantial immunity from criminal prosecution after leaving office.”
  — Nina Totenberg [02:39]

Markets & Business Recap

[03:06–03:21]

• Market Update:
  • Dow down 267 points; Nasdaq fell 70.
• Auto Recall:
  • Nissan recalls over 500,000 turbocharged Rogue SUVs due to engine and transmission defects that may lead to sudden issues.

Broadway: Marvel Stars Tackle Shakespeare

[03:21–04:30]

• Topic: Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell headline “Much Ado About Nothing” on Broadway.

• Report by: Jeff London (NPR)

• Highlights:

  • Both are acclaimed stage actors; their London performance received rave reviews and sold out.
  • Directed by Tony Award winner Jamie Lloyd, known for “Sunset Boulevard.”
  • No specific Broadway theater or opening date announced yet.
  • High-profile casts have driven previous Shakespeare revivals (e.g., Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal’s “Othello”).

• Notable Quote:

  “Shakespeare with big stars has proven a good draw on Broadway.”
  — Jeff London [04:09]

White House Ballroom Expansion Approved

[04:30–04:57]

• Topic: Federal panel approves a new ballroom on the site of the former White House East Wing.
• Highlights:
  • Commission of Fine Arts, filled with Trump appointees, signs off on the plan.
  • East Wing was demolished under Trump.
  • National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued in federal court to block the construction.

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• [00:41] — Jimena Bus details new grounds for refugee detention: “...not having the green card a reason for deportation...”
• [01:47] — Clay Cooper voices nuanced view of Trump endorsements: “I don’t just kind of blindly follow what he says.”
• [02:39] — Nina Totenberg on nominee Justin Smith’s pivotal legal role for Trump.
• [04:09] — Jeff London on the Broadway box office power of star-studded Shakespeare.

For Reference

• Special election for Greene’s former seat: Voting through March 10.
• No announced date/venue for “Much Ado About Nothing” on Broadway.

Tone:
Straightforward, factual, with brief moments of local color and expert analysis.

End of Summary