NPR News Now: Five-Minute News Summary

Date: February 20, 2026, 2AM EST
Host: Giles Snyder

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise update on major global and domestic headlines, focusing on legal developments related to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, the reopening of investigations at Epstein's ranch, notable moments from the Winter Olympics, a tragic avalanche in California, a surprising ancient medical discovery, and a quick financial market check-in.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Prince Andrew Arrest and Epstein Case Updates

[00:16 – 01:54]

• Arrest of Prince Andrew:
  Former Prince Andrew (Andrew Mountbatten Windsor) was arrested by British police and questioned for 11 hours before being released. He is under investigation for allegedly sharing confidential government documents with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a trade envoy.

• Survivor Reactions:
  Liz Stein, an anti-trafficking advocate and Epstein survivor, described the UK authorities’ actions as "monumental," highlighting British government leaders’ explicit support for justice and victim prioritization.

  • Quote:

    "I think that when we see the British prime minister saying that nobody is above the law when he's referring to Andrew and we're seeing King Charles say things like the law must take its course and victims come first, I think that we have we definitely have faith."
    — Liz Stein, [00:36]

• Comparisons to U.S. Response:
  Stein noted greater confidence in the UK justice system compared to the US.

2. Reopening of Epstein Ranch Investigation (New Mexico)

[01:54 – 02:05]

• New Mexico AG Action:
  The New Mexico Attorney General’s office is reopening its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch after new revelations from unsealed federal files.

• State Leadership Response:
  Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham emphasized the state’s commitment to transparency and action in the face of federal agencies’ inaction.

  • Quote:

    "If the FBI and the DOJ won't do it, we'll do it. And we will be transparent."
    — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, [01:48]

• Collaboration:
  The Attorney General's office will coordinate with the new state legislature’s Epstein Truth Commission.

3. Obituary: Actor Eric Dane

[02:05 – 02:30]

• Eric Dane’s Passing:
  The actor, widely known for his “McSteamy” role on Grey’s Anatomy, died at age 53 following an ALS diagnosis revealed less than a year ago.

4. Winter Olympics Highlights

[02:30 – 03:03]

• Women’s Figure Skating Gold:
  Alyssa Liu wins gold, becoming the first U.S. woman to secure individual skating gold since 2002.

  • Liu performed to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite,” delivering a “buoyant free skate” that brought the Milan crowd to its feet.
  • Amber Glenn, teammate, improved from 13th to fifth.
  • Quote:

    “Liu and and her striped ponytail soared across the ice and got the Milan crowd on its feet.”
    — Rachel Treisman, [02:37]

• Team Golds:
  Both Liu and Glenn also earned gold in the team event.

• Women's Ice Hockey:
  U.S. women’s team wins its third gold medal, defeating Canada 2-1.

5. California Avalanche Response

[03:03 – 03:56]

• Avalanche Tragedy:
  Search and recovery efforts for nine victims in Northern California continue after a deadly avalanche. Eight confirmed dead, one still missing; criminal negligence investigation is ongoing. Six survivors were rescued.

6. Ancient Medical Recipe Discovery

[03:56 – 04:42]

• Scientific Find:
  Researchers analyzed ancient Roman medical bottles, one of which revealed human feces as an ingredient — likely used for treating infections and inflammation, supplemented by aromatic compounds to mask odor.

  • Quote:

    “It turned out to be feces, human feces.”
    — Ari Daniel, [04:14]

• Modern Parallels:
  Some contemporary doctors use fecal transplants to treat tough bacterial gut infections.

7. Financial Markets Update

[04:42 – 04:54]

• Asian Markets:
  Stocks in Asia are down, with Japan’s Nikkei dropping more than 1%.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Liz Stein on survivor justice:

  “We definitely have faith.” [00:36]

• Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on state action:

  “If the FBI and the DOJ won't do it, we'll do it.” [01:48]

• Olympics energy:

  “Alyssa Liu and her striped ponytail soared across the ice and got the Milan crowd on its feet.” [02:37]

• Ancient medicine surprise:

  “It turned out to be feces, human feces.” [04:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|-----------| | Prince Andrew Case & Survivor Reactions | 00:16–01:28| | NM Epstein Ranch Investigation | 01:28–02:05| | Eric Dane Obituary | 02:05–02:30| | Olympic Highlights: Skating & Hockey | 02:30–03:03| | California Avalanche Update | 03:03–03:56| | Ancient Medical Discovery | 03:56–04:42| | Asian Markets Update | 04:42–04:54|

This summary covers all the central updates and moments from the episode, delivering a clear, chronological, and accessible recap for listeners who missed the broadcast.