Top world news stories as of February 19, 2026, based on recent broadcasts and reports include severe weather disasters in the US and France, ongoing US political tensions, Winter Games highlights, a Kenyan recruitment scandal, and protests.

US Domestic and Weather Events

  • Storms caused a deadly pileup in Colorado on February 17.[1]
  • Record rainfall triggered flooding and red alerts in western France.[3]
  • A Rhode Island skating rink shooting killed at least two on February 16.[1]
  • Search for missing Nancy Guthrie entered its third week as of February 15, with a glove recovered near her home lacking a DNA match.[1]
  • Partial US government shutdown standoff continued as of February 15.[1]

Winter Games 2026 Updates

  • USA women’s hockey team featured in day 10 recap on February 16.[1]
  • USA curling team defeated Sweden in a stunning upset on February 15.[1]
  • Team USA speedskater Jordan Stolz won a second gold medal on February 14.[1]

Political and Security Developments

  • Armed man in tactical vest ran toward the US Capitol on February 17.[1]
  • Hollywood mogul to sell agency over Epstein connection, reported February 14.[1]
  • In Kenya, over 1,000 citizens were recruited to fight for Russia in the Ukraine war; 28 remain missing, with one death confirmed (Eric Corinko); government probes recruitment via Uganda, DRC, South Africa, implicating an agency and two medical facilities.[2]
  • Kenyan opposition protests faced police tear gas and live bullets in Kitangela and Nasha; former Chief Justice David Maraga criticized crackdowns, while officials alleged incitement from Machakos and Nairobi; pressure mounts for arrests over Russia recruitment facilitation.[2]
  • Nairobi President Ruto and Governor Sakaja toured the city and announced joint framework amid opposition tensions.[2]

Earlier Context (January-February 2026)

Stories from prior weeks include US political friction over Minnesota immigration raids and shootings, Trump threats on Greenland and Minnesota, Iran tensions and protests, and Winter Games prep.[1]

These summaries draw from the most recent available broadcasts up to February 17-19; real-time developments may have progressed since.[1][2][3]