NPR News Now — February 20, 2026, 6AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Top national and international news headlines, with a focus on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, domestic immigration policy changes, high-profile missing persons, sports highlights from the Olympics, and updates from the U.K.

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now update delivers a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of unfolding major news stories as of the morning of February 20, 2026. Key topics include escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, new U.S. refugee policies, the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, a developing story involving former British Prince Andrew, highlights from the Winter Olympics, and Wall Street’s early movements.

Key News Highlights and Insights

1. U.S. Military Tensions Rise in the Middle East (00:13)

• Deployment Update:
  The USS Gerald R. Ford, a second U.S. aircraft carrier, moves closer to the Middle East amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions.
• Diplomacy with Iran:
  President Donald Trump issues an ultimatum to Iran, giving about two weeks for a nuclear deal, signaling escalation.
• Presidential Statement:

  "We're going to make a deal or are we going to get a deal? One way or the other... but we're either going to get a deal or it's going to be unfortunate for them."
  — Donald Trump, 00:34-00:39

• Iran’s Response:
  Iran, via its ambassador to the U.N., asserts it is not seeking war but will retaliate decisively if attacked by the U.S.
• Gaza Reconstruction:
  President Trump pledges $10 billion from the U.S. toward rebuilding Gaza.

2. Trump Administration's New Refugee Policy (01:22)

• Policy Details:
  Refugees legally in the U.S. could face detention or deportation if they haven’t obtained green cards within a year of arrival—tightening existing requirements.
• Impact:
  Potentially affects thousands, primarily those who entered during the Biden administration.
• Support Reduced:
  Previous cuts in funding to refugee aid organizations make navigating green card requirements more challenging.
• Expert Insight:

  "The new policy from the Homeland Security Department says immigrants who came to the US as refugees could be detained if they do not have their green cards within a year of arriving..."
  — Jimena Bustillo, 01:22
  "Refugees may be placed in detention while their applications are being reviewed."
  — Jimena Bustillo, 01:38

3. Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie (02:00)

• Background:
  Mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie missing since January 31; believed abducted from her Tucson home.
• Forensic Efforts:
  Federal and state officials are turning to genetic genealogy after CODIS (the federal DNA database) provided no leads.
• Process Explained:

  "Usually it's a distant relative, like a second or third cousin."
  — Kelly Knight, Forensics Expert, 02:48

• Cautions on Investigation:

  "But Knight says this isn't a magic wand. It's a very labor intensive process which takes old fashioned investigative work. And that... can take time."
  — Bill Chappell and Kelly Knight, 02:56-03:01

4. Financial Markets Update (03:08)

• Pre-market Trading:
  Dow and Nasdaq futures are trending higher before market open.

5. Former Prince Andrew Released from Custody (03:18)

• Context:
  British police release Andrew Mountbatten Windsor after detainment related to alleged leaks of sensitive info to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
• Ongoing Investigation:
  Authorities continue to investigate; King Charles comments that "the law must take its course" regarding his brother.

6. Winter Olympics — U.S. Figure Skating Gold (03:54)

• Alyssa Liu Makes History:
  First U.S. woman to win an individual figure skating gold medal in more than 20 years.
• Looking Ahead:
  Liu expresses excitement for the Olympic exhibition gala, where skaters can "take risks without a medal on the line."
• Other U.S. Skaters:
  Ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates join the exhibition, along with Ilya Malinin.
• Quote:

  "Liu says she has a new program and a new dress."
  — Rachel Treisman, 04:14

7. U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Victory (04:33)

• Olympic Gold:
  U.S. defeats Canada 2–1 in overtime.
• Game-changers:
  Captain Hilary Knight ties the score in the third period, followed by Defenseman Megan Keller’s overtime-winning goal.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On U.S.-Iran Stakes:

  "We're either going to get a deal or it's going to be unfortunate for them."
  — Donald Trump, 00:39

• On Forensic Genealogy in Investigations:

  "Usually it's a distant relative, like a second or third cousin."
  — Kelly Knight, 02:48

• On Refugee Policy Shifts:

  "The new policy... says immigrants who came to the US as refugees could be detained if they do not have their green cards within a year."
  — Jimena Bustillo, 01:22

Additional Highlights

• No updates in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, but hope remains with ongoing DNA investigations.
• British monarchy in the news, with former Prince Andrew's legal troubles continuing to draw royal comments.
• U.S. triumphs in both figure skating and women’s ice hockey shape the U.S. Olympic narrative heading into the closing ceremonies.

This episode succinctly delivers urgent and layered stories relevant to U.S. foreign policy, domestic changes, criminal investigations, and sporting pride—making for a brisk yet information-rich news briefing.