February 20, 2026

US force building in Middle East; more gold at Olympics

19 minutes

On today's episode:

Pentagon sending largest force of warships and aircraft to the Middle East in two decades. Trump warns of 'bad things' if Iran doesn't make a deal.

Trump gets pledges for Gaza reconstruction and troop commitments at inaugural Board of Peace talks.

Police continue to search Mountbatten-Windsor's former stately home, a day after his arrest.

Former Prince Andrew arrested and held for hours on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein.

Crews hope to resume recovery of 8 bodies from California avalanche after days of dangerous weather.

Osaka city stunned by anonymous gold bar gift worth $3.6M to fix aging water pipes.

Slavery exhibit removed by Trump administration is returning to Independence Mall in Philadelphia.

Large banner featuring Trump's face is displayed on Justice Department headquarters.

US pays about $160 million of the nearly $4 billion it owes the United Nations.

US trade deficit declined in 2025, but gap for goods hits a record despite Trump tariffs.

As political pressure prompts exodus of Minnesota prosecutors, some defendants catch a break.

Iran and the US lean into gunboat diplomacy as nuclear talks hang in balance.

US fine arts commission is expected to vote to advance Trump’s White House ballroom proposal.

New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein's former Zorro Ranch.

Police in Idaho search for suspect who stole ambulance, drove into building that houses DHS offices.

Shooter killed ex-wife and a son in Rhode Island ice rink attack, police say.

U.S. stocks slip as AI fears keep rumbling and oil prices climb.

United States wins 3rd Olympic gold in women's hockey, beating Canada 2-1 on Megan Keller's OT goal. Alysa Liu dazzles to win figure skating gold, ending a 24-year Olympic drought for US women. An MVP candidate dazzles as the NBA returns and a suspended start at Riviera in golf.

Without nationwide rules, South Carolina lawmakers move to keep college athlete payments secret.

Austrian court convicts man whose girlfriend died as they climbed the country's highest mountain.

Toxic gas leak at mine in Nigeria kills 37 people.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

Theme music

The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX

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