Today's Top Stories from NBC News

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026

In today's newsletter: Britain's royal family faces grave crisis amid declining popularity. U.S. athletes chase down a record medal haul at the Olympics. And Homeland Security wants to buy a $70 million luxury jet for deportations.

Here's what to know today.

▼ The Lead

U.K. monarchy faces grave crisis amid Andrew's arrest and declining popularity

(AFP / Getty Images)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released from police custody "under investigation," police said, after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in office.

If charged and convicted, the former prince faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Andrew is the most high-profile figure to face criminal accusations in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and his arrest is the first of a royal family member in centuries.

His arrest also poses a serious reputational and constitutional risk for the monarchy, whose popularity has declined following the death of the beloved Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Last year, support for the institution fell to a historic low, with just 51% of Britons saying it was "very important" or "quite important" to continue having a monarchy, according to polling by the National Centre for Social Research.

King Charles III's response to his brother's arrest — quick, personal and directly addressing the British public — telegraphed just how serious this crisis is for Britain's 1,000-year-old royal family.

He said there must be a "full, fair and proper" investigation, adding that the probe would have "our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."

The implications of the arrest have rippled across the pond. U.K. police said they are in touch with overseas law enforcement about the Justice Department's millions of Epstein documents.

Here's what else we know.

More on the Epstein files:

Andrew's arrest was the culmination of a saga decades in the making. See the full timeline of his dealings with Epstein — and the royal fallout.

Billionaire Les Wexner's ties to the convicted sex offender have upended his legacy and put Ohio's political leaders under scrutiny.

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Kristen Welker on major retirements in Congress

The "Meet the Press" moderator outlines how open seats are creating both opportunities and challenges on Capitol Hill.

Become an NBC News subscriber to access this exclusive video briefing →

Alysa Liu became the first American woman to win gold in singles figure skating in more than two decades, capping a personal comeback after she walked away from the sport in 2022.

"Being able to do it my way on the big stage like this has been my dream," the 20-year-old told NBC News. "I'm the luckiest girl ever. And I'm really grateful."

Teammate Amber Glenn finished just off the podium in fifth place after her high-scoring free skate.

Yesterday was also a triumphant day for U.S. women's hockey, who beat their Canadian rivals in overtime for the team's first gold medal since 2018. Captain Hilary Knight set an all-time U.S. goal-scoring record with her 15th career goal. See what she told our team in our Sports Desk newsletter.

Will we see a similar gold medal matchup in men's hockey? The answer lies in today's semifinals, where Canada will face Finland and the U.S. takes on Slovakia. Plus, curling, freestyle skiing and speed skating all have medal events.

The United States now has nine gold medals in these Games — just one gold shy of their record winter haul of 10 from the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

Follow live updates on our blog.

Inside a luxury jet DHS wants to buy for deportations

An executive jet the Department of Homeland Security has told the White House it needs for deportation flights and Kristi Noem's travel features a bedroom with a queen bed, showers, a kitchen and even a bar, according to images obtained by NBC News.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking approval to purchase the luxury jet for $70 million, according to officials involved.

The request has prompted some DHS officials to privately question whether it is a necessary expense to support President Donald Trump's mass deportations policy.

The aircraft has space for a maximum of 18 passengers, according to marketing materials. Typically, ICE carries 50-100 detainees on deportation flights and uses charter planes rather than military or purchased jets.

Read our full exclusive reporting and see images of the jet here.

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▼ Read All About It

Eric Dane, who starred in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," died at 53, his family said. In April, the actor said he had been diagnosed with ALS.

Trump said he's directing the Defense Department and other agencies to release files related to "alien and extraterrestrial life."

Why Republican Dan Crenshaw is fighting a primary in Texas without Donald Trump's backing.

Authorities will use genetic genealogy to analyze DNA found at Nancy Guthrie's home as the investigation into her possible abduction stretches into its third week.

Punch, a baby Japanese monkey, received an outpouring of love online after videos of him clutching a small orangutan plushie went viral.

The families of the California avalanche victims say they're mourning their deaths and grappling with unanswered questions about the tragedy.

▼ Staff Pick

Black activists fought for slavery exhibits 24 years ago. The fight returned under Trump.

In 2002, a group of Philadelphians saw plans for the President's House — a monument to two presidents who resided on 6th and Market Streets — and noticed it excluded any mention of the enslavement of nine people there, under President George Washington.

The Avenging The Ancestors Coalition led an eight-year effort to include more than a dozen placards about slavery at the President's House, a site managed by the City of Philadelphia and the National Parks Service. Opening in 2010, it was one of the first federal sites to address the ills of slavery.

Last month the park service removed the panels, citing an executive order by Trump. Photographer Hannah Beier documented a rally in the city last week for a story by Claretta Bellamy, after a federal judge ruled the signs were wrongly removed.

— Michelle Garcia, senior editor, news

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Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown. Today's newsletter was curated for you by Kayla Hayempour, with contributions from Rufina Chow.

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