NPR News Now – 7AM EST, February 20, 2026

Host: Korva Coleman | Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now segment delivers concise updates on breaking national stories: new revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, President Trump's campaign efforts in Georgia, a major wildfire emergency spreading across state lines, presidential claims about UFOs and classified material, and the passing of actor Eric Dane. Each story is summarized by NPR correspondents, incorporating on-air quotes from sources and officials.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. DOJ Epstein Files: Abuse at a Michigan Arts Camp

• [00:13 – 01:19]
• Newly released Department of Justice files provide more detail about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's predatory activities in the 1990s at Interlaken Center for the Arts, Michigan.
  • Epstein donated over $400,000 to the camp, using an on-campus lodge during summers, 1994–2000.
  • Tactics included approaching young girls with a small dog as an "icebreaker."
  • One survivor, speaking to NPR anonymously, described "grooming behavior" at the lodge.
  • The campus atmosphere at the time was characterized as “open and welcoming,” which aided their access.
  • Quote:

    “She said she experienced, quote, grooming behavior while unsupervised at Epstein’s lodge.”
    — Eva Berger, NPR ([00:44])

  • In retrospect, staff acknowledges lapses in vigilance:

    “In hindsight, mistakes may have been made.”
    — Korva Coleman ([01:09])

  • The facility has since adopted tighter security measures.

2. Georgia Special Election: Trump’s Influence Tested

• [01:19 – 02:16]
• Special election is underway to replace Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, with 18 candidates in the running.
  • Former president Donald Trump campaigns in NW Georgia and endorses Clay Fuller, a district attorney.
  • Local voters are not uniformly swayed by Trump's endorsement.
    • Quote:

      "I don't just kind of blindly follow what he says."
      — Clay Cooper, Georgia voter ([01:54])

  • The race highlights the test for Trump's continued ability to unify his MAGA coalition, especially following his public split with Greene.
  • Voting concludes on March 10.

3. Ranger Road Wildfire: Multi-State Emergency

• [02:16 – 03:03]
• The Ranger Road wildfire, originating in rural Oklahoma, has spread into Kansas—scorching nearly 450 square miles, just 15% contained.
  • Multiple towns have evacuated amid challenging containment conditions.
  • Governor Kevin Stitt describes state and federal response:
    • Brought in “air assets” and deployed all state forestry resources.
    • Conditions made worse by 59 mph winds and low humidity.
    • Quote:

      “We have all of forestry, all the state assets right now are trying to suppress them. But… we had 59 mile an hour gusty winds… so we’re trying to get on top of them right now.”
      — Gov. Kevin Stitt ([02:39])

  • Forecasts expect winds to abate, but critical fire weather warnings remain in effect for parts of OK, TX, and NM.

4. Trump Orders Release of UFO Files

• [03:03 – 04:09]
• Trump directs the Pentagon and federal agencies to release all material on UFOs/Extraterrestrials, citing public interest.
  • Claims former President Obama disclosed classified info about aliens, which Obama denies.
  • References past incidents where Trump himself declassified a spy satellite image after publicizing it.
  • No new evidence of extraterrestrials reported.

5. Eric Dane Dies at 53: Tribute to the Actor’s Career & Advocacy

• [04:09 – 04:54]
• Eric Dane, known for roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, dies after a widely covered ALS diagnosis.
  • On Grey’s Anatomy: Played Dr. Mark Sloan ("McSteamy").
  • Quote (character joke):

    Korva Coleman: “Looks steamy, right?”
    Kevin Stitt: “Is that what you're calling me now?”
    Korva Coleman: “Look steamy?”
    – Light moment at ([04:13–04:16])

  • On Euphoria: Played a “deeply troubled father living a double life.”
  • Dane was from San Francisco; also starred in The Last Ship and X-Men: The Last Stand.
  • Became an ALS advocate, urging renewal of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act.
  • Quote:

    “He became an advocate, pushing to renew the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act that's set to expire this year.”
    — Mandalit del Barco, NPR ([04:46])

Memorable Moments

• The news report on Epstein spotlights the difficulty of recognizing and preventing predatory behavior in seemingly safe environments.
• Voter skepticism in Georgia implies a shift in the strength of Trump’s endorsements ([01:54]).
• Somber but respectful tribute to Eric Dane includes a brief, lighthearted banter between correspondents recalling his “McSteamy” nickname ([04:13-04:16]).

Useful Timestamps Index

• [00:13] – Epstein Files & Michigan Arts Camp abuse
• [01:19] – Georgia special election and Trump’s endorsement
• [02:16] – Ranger Road wildfire ravages Oklahoma and Kansas
• [03:03] – Trump calls for release of UFO/alien files
• [04:09] – Eric Dane’s death, career highlights, and ALS advocacy

For further reporting and updates, visit npr.org.