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Trump did what today?

2/20/2026

What worked and what didn't with a cellphone ban at a Kentucky school

  • Kentucky schools now have a cellphone ban during class to help students focus.
  • Some students dislike the ban and find ways to get around it, like using spare phones.
  • Teachers report better class engagement and more conversations among students.
  • Not all students respect the rules, but some claim they are more productive in class.
  • The school uses Yondr pouches to keep phones locked away, easing the transition.

Scientists worry about lasting damage from Potomac sewage spill

  • A sewage pipe broke in Maryland, spilling over 200 million gallons of waste into the Potomac River.
  • The spill could harm wildlife and contaminate areas all the way to the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Research indicates that pollution from sewage has long-term effects on the ecosystem.
  • DC Water is working to fix the broken pipe and divert the sewage away.
  • The incident has raised concerns about aging infrastructure and the impact of climate change.

U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu said she didn't care if she medaled. She won gold

  • Alysa Liu won gold in Olympic figure skating, the first U.S. woman to do so in over 20 years.
  • She focused on enjoying her performance rather than winning a medal.
  • Liu's free skate was energetic and confident, winning the crowd's support.
  • She expressed happiness over her performance rather than the medal itself.
  • Other skaters, like Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai, won silver and bronze, respectively.

Eric Dane, 'Grey's Anatomy' star and ALS awareness advocate, dies at 53

  • Actor Eric Dane, known for 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria,' died from ALS at age 53.
  • He became an advocate for ALS research and awareness after his diagnosis.
  • Dane was surrounded by family in his final days and expressed gratitude for his fans.
  • He gained fame as McSteamy on 'Grey's Anatomy' and later starred in 'Euphoria'.
  • His memoir, documenting his life and experiences, is set to be released in 2026.

How Epstein and Maxwell used an elite Midwest arts school to prey on girls

  • Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell targeted a prestigious arts school for young artists.
  • They used donations to gain access and recruit young victims.
  • The school’s open atmosphere made supervision and security challenging.
  • Victims reported experiences of grooming and manipulation by Epstein and Maxwell.
  • The school has since tightened security and established stricter policies.

NASA chief blasts Boeing, space agency for failed Starliner astronaut mission

  • NASA's administrator criticized Boeing for the failed Starliner spacecraft test flight.
  • The flight's thrusters malfunctioned, preventing astronauts from docking at the ISS.
  • NASA decided to bring the spacecraft back to Earth without the crew.
  • The incident was classified as a serious mission failure, raising concerns about leadership.
  • Boeing has promised to work with NASA to improve future missions.

What I learned watching every sport at the Winter Olympics

  • The Winter Olympics offer a rich variety of sports, focusing on team games and individual events.
  • Alpine skiing, biathlon, and curling are highlights, showcasing skill and strategy.
  • The author expressed a deep admiration for the athletes and their performances.
  • Failure is part of the experience, but the joy of competition shines through.
  • The need for practice, perseverance, and enjoyment are essential themes of the games.

Are you a social media “addict?” Only time will tell.

  • Recent lawsuits claim major social media platforms are addictive and harmful, especially to kids.
  • These cases may change how addiction is understood and regulated.
  • Experts discuss the impact of social media on mental health and well-being.
  • The outcome of these lawsuits could influence platform policies and user protection.
  • Balancing technology use and mental health is a central theme in the ongoing discussions.

Trump gathers members of Board of Peace for first meeting, with some U.S. allies wary

  • President Trump held the first meeting of the Board of Peace to oversee a ceasefire plan in Gaza.
  • Member states pledged $7 billion for Gaza's reconstruction, with the U.S. contributing $10 billion.
  • The meeting included representatives from over 40 countries amid mixed responses from some nations.
  • Concerns linger about the board's impact on the UN and its authority in global affairs.
  • A crucial element of the ceasefire plan involves disarming Hamas.

A Republican plan to overhaul voting is back. Here's what's new in the bill

  • Republicans have reintroduced the SAVE America Act, which includes stricter voting ID requirements.
  • The bill passed the House but faces challenges in the Senate.
  • It requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID when voting.
  • Critics argue it will disenfranchise millions of voters without easy documentation access.
  • The bill's success will depend on overcoming Democratic disapproval and filibuster rules.

Trump says he doesn't know if aliens are real but directs government to release files on UFOs

  • President Trump announced a directive to release UFO and extraterrestrial-related government files.
  • He made the announcement after Obama's comments on possible alien life sparked public interest.
  • Trump emphasizes the need for transparency on UFO incidents and government knowledge.
  • The Pentagon has made efforts to improve transparency on this topic in recent years.
  • Public curiosity about extraterrestrial life continues to grow, posing ethical questions.

Israeli settlers kill 19-year-old Palestinian American, officials and witnesses say

  • Israeli settlers shot and killed a Palestinian American man during a village attack in the West Bank.
  • The incident caused outrage amid ongoing violence in the region.
  • Witnesses reported that armed settlers were emboldened by the presence of Israeli forces.
  • Israel's military acknowledged using crowd control methods but denied firing during the clashes.
  • The situation highlights the escalating tensions and violence between settlers and Palestinians.

Home Page Tiny Desk Carousel

  • The Tiny Desk Concert series features live musical performances.
  • Artists from various genres perform intimate sets at NPR's headquarters.
  • The concerts showcase emerging talent and established musicians alike.
  • Each performance is filmed for broadcast and online sharing.
  • Fans enjoy the unique atmosphere and connection with artists in a cozy setting.

Dear Life Kit: I officiated their wedding. Now I think they should get a divorce

  • A reader seeks advice about a troubled couple they are close to.
  • They are torn between helping the friends and suggesting divorce.
  • Experts advise to avoid triangulation and respect boundaries in friendships.
  • It's important to encourage open communication between the couple rather than intervening.
  • Supporting friends doesn't mean fixing their problems; sometimes, listening is enough.

How to turn an acquaintance into a friend — and make the friendship stick

  • To build friendships, suggest specific plans rather than vague ones.
  • Focus on activities that create memorable experiences together.
  • Identify people you feel a connection with and prioritize spending time with them.
  • Utilize a friendship intuition to gauge compatibility and connection.
  • Maintain frequency and commitment to keep friendships alive over time.

How to find your singing voice

  • Singing is a skill that can be developed with practice and techniques.
  • Stretch your speaking voice and focus on breath control to improve singing.
  • Explore your vocal range and find a style that suits your personality.
  • Use apps and tutorials to guide and enhance your practice sessions.
  • Joining a choir or group can provide support and motivation in your singing journey.

You're Probably Not As Open-Minded As You Think. Here's How To Practice

  • Most people overestimate their open-mindedness due to implicit biases.
  • Curiosity and intentionality are key traits for developing open-mindedness.
  • Listening to diverse perspectives can help challenge and reshape beliefs.
  • Surrounding yourself with different viewpoints enriches understanding.
  • Be patient with yourself as you navigate new ideas and embrace curiosity.

Want to listen better? Turn down your thoughts and tune in to others

  • Listen actively by being silent and giving others time to share their thoughts.
  • Summarize what the speaker says to show that you are engaged.
  • Practice patience while allowing the other person to communicate fully.
  • Be attentive and curious to create a deeper understanding in conversations.
  • Recognize that listening is a powerful act that can create connection and empathy.

How Do I Get This Out? Your Guide To Stain Removal

  • Act quickly on stains; they are easier to remove immediately.
  • Identify the type of stain and apply the correct treatment, like dish soap for oil stains.
  • Keep a stain kit with common household remedies to tackle spills.
  • Be patient; stubborn stains may require multiple treatments to fully remove.
  • Avoid putting stained items in the dryer, as heat can set the stain.

Why You Feel So Guilty When You're Not Working

  • Many people struggle with guilt when not working due to societal pressures.
  • Recognizing work as a source of identity can make it hard to relax.
  • Setting realistic expectations and learning to say no can help manage guilt.
  • Prioritizing self-care activities is essential for mental well-being.
  • Mindfulness and exposure techniques can reduce anxiety about productivity.