NPR News Now: 10AM EST - February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

This fast-paced, five-minute episode delivers a concise update on the key news stories of the morning, spanning economic updates, U.S. immigration policy, major wildfires, royal scandals in the U.K., Olympic highlights, and a landmark Supreme Court decision.

Key News Highlights

1. U.S. Economic Growth Slows ([00:19]–[01:11])

• GDP Growth: The Commerce Department reported that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 1.4% in Q4, significantly lower than the 4.4% growth in the prior quarter.
• Reason for Slowdown: A six-week government shutdown was cited as a major factor, though the report suggests the lost output is expected to be recovered over time.
• Consumer Spending & Inflation: While consumer spending and business investment continued to drive the economy, spending growth slowed during the holiday season.
  • Consumer prices in December increased 2.9% year-over-year; core inflation (excluding volatile food and energy) was 3%.
• Quote:
  • “The nation’s gross domestic product grew at an annual pace of 1.4% in October, November and December, compared to a rate of 4.4% the previous quarter. Part of that downshift was caused by the six week government shutdown.” — Scott Horsley ([00:32])

2. Federal Immigration Forces Draw Down in Minnesota ([01:11]–[01:41])

• Scaling Back Agents: Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, announced plans to reduce the number of federal immigration agents in Minnesota from 3,000 to approximately 150 by next week.
• Context: The surge began after federal agents shot and killed two Minneapolis protesters last month.
• Security Measures: A small team will remain to back up ICE agents if needed, but will be withdrawn if local law enforcement follows through on commitments.
• Quote:
  • “We do have a small team of security forces to back up ICE agents in case things get out of hand and if law enforcement continues to respond like they’ve committed to, then we’ll pull that small force out.” — Tom Homan ([01:29])

3. Oklahoma-Kansas Ranger Road Fire ([01:41]–[02:25])

• Fire Extent & Impact: The Ranger Road fire has scorched nearly 450 square miles—an area comparable to the size of Los Angeles. Currently, it is only 20% contained and has crossed the border into Kansas.
• State Actions: Four counties in Oklahoma are under a state of emergency, ordered by Governor Kevin Stitt.
• Notable Data: Emphasized the scale and difficulty in battling this blaze.

4. Former Prince Andrew Arrested ([02:25]–[03:10])

• Arrest & Release: Former Prince Andrew spent 11 hours in custody after being arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office, a charge carrying up to life imprisonment.
• Ongoing Investigation: Police searches continue, focusing on Andrew’s correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein to determine potential abuse of his position as UK Trade envoy.
• Media Response: British newspapers widely published photos of Andrew leaving the police station.
• Quote:
  • “Police say Andrew is still under investigation and is yet to be charged or exonerated. Meanwhile, British police are continuing to search royal residences, rifling through correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein to determine whether the former prince, who remains eighth in line to the throne, abused his role as a UK Trade envoy by passing confidential information to the late sex offender.” — Fatima Al Kassab ([02:25])

5. Olympic Hockey Update ([03:10]–[04:09])

• US Women's Ice Hockey: The team captured gold, bringing renewed excitement.
• US Men’s Upcoming Semifinal: After a dramatic win against Sweden, the men's team faces Slovakia for a chance at their first gold medal game since 2010.
• Historical Reference: The last U.S. men’s gold was in 1980, the "Miracle on Ice."
• Possible US–Canada Final: Canada is set to play Finland, opening the door for a potential rematch with the U.S.
• Quote:
  • “If the Americans win, the men will advance to their first Olympic gold medal game since the memorable 2010 final where the US lost to Canada in overtime.” — Steve Futterman ([03:29])

6. Alyssa Liu Wins Skating Gold ([04:09])

• Historic Win: Alyssa Liu becomes the first American woman in over 20 years to win the Olympic gold medal in women’s individual skating.

7. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Global Tariffs ([04:15]–[04:45])

• Ruling Details: The Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s global tariffs, stating the emergency law used to enact them is unconstitutional.
• Impact: This delivers a significant blow to the president’s economic policy agenda.
• Quote:
  • “The Supreme Court decision has dealt a major blow to the president’s signature economic policy.” — Korva Coleman ([04:38])

Notable Quotes

• “The nation’s gross domestic product grew at an annual pace of 1.4% in October, November and December, compared to a rate of 4.4% the previous quarter.” — Scott Horsley ([00:32])
• “We do have a small team of security forces to back up ICE agents in case things get out of hand and if law enforcement continues to respond like they’ve committed to, then we’ll pull that small force out.” — Tom Homan ([01:29])
• “Andrew spent 11 hours in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which carries up to life in prison. Police say Andrew is still under investigation and is yet to be charged or exonerated.” — Fatima Al Kassab ([02:25])
• “If the Americans win, the men will advance to their first Olympic gold medal game since the memorable 2010 final where the US lost to Canada in overtime.” — Steve Futterman ([03:29])
• “The Supreme Court decision has dealt a major blow to the president’s signature economic policy.” — Korva Coleman ([04:38])

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:19] – U.S. Economic Update
• [01:11] – Federal Immigration Drawdown in Minnesota
• [01:41] – Oklahoma-Kansas Ranger Road Fire
• [02:25] – Former Prince Andrew Investigation
• [03:10] – Wall Street Update and Olympic Hockey News
• [04:09] – Alyssa Liu’s Skating Gold & Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Tone and Style

The episode maintains NPR’s signature brisk yet thorough delivery, providing context, expert analysis, and a global lens while remaining impartial and succinct.

This summary offers a comprehensive guide for listeners who missed the episode, capturing all significant developments, memorable moments, and the overall atmosphere of this fast-paced news briefing.