NPR News Now – February 14, 2026, 10AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: February 14, 2026

Overview

This episode delivers a brisk, five-minute rundown of the latest major news stories in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on the federal partial government shutdown over immigration policy, international security cooperation, legal challenges around college admissions, policy changes at public libraries, Winter Olympics updates, and business news.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Partial Government Shutdown and Its Fallout

• [00:16 – 01:15]
  • The U.S. federal government has gone into partial shutdown following the expiration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at midnight.
  • Main point of contention: Disagreement between lawmakers on immigration agency tactics.
    • Democrats: Demand for reforms such as removal of masks and requiring judicial warrants for immigration agents. They seek these requirements to be codified into law.
    • White House/President Trump: Emphasizes protecting law enforcement and criticizes Democrats.
      • Quote:
        • President Donald Trump [00:54]: "Look, I know what they want. I know what they can live with. The Democrats have gone crazy. They're radical left lunatics."
    • The administration aims to limit disruptions from the shutdown.
  • Congress is currently in recess and won’t return for a week.
  • Air travel might see disruptions since TSA is under the DHS umbrella.

2. U.S.-Europe Relations & Security at the Munich Conference

• [01:15 – 02:00]
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes the importance of U.S.-European unity amid global challenges, referencing historic cooperation and warning about Western "decline."
    • Quote:
      • Senator Marco Rubio [01:43]: "Our predecessors recognized that decline was a choice and it was a choice they refused to make. This is what we did together once before and this is what President Trump and the United States want to do again now, together with you."
  • Rubio raises concerns about mass migration, erosion of the rules-based order, and calls for U.N. reform.
  • Advises caution for Europe in dealings with China to avoid risking national interests.

3. Lawsuit Filed Against Harvard University over Admissions

• [02:00 – 03:11]
  • The Trump administration has sued Harvard, alleging the university failed to fully comply with a federal probe into its admissions process.
    • The investigation centers on compliance with the 2023 Supreme Court decision ending race-based admissions.
    • The government clarifies it is not accusing Harvard of discrimination, nor seeking damages or an end to federal funding.
    • Harvard has not yet responded.
    • Reported by: Alyssa Nadworny

4. New State Department Policy on Passport Applications

• [03:11 – 03:57]
  • The State Department has ordered public libraries to stop processing passport applications—a longstanding public service in many communities.
    • Cease and desist orders have been sent to libraries, prompting backlash from members of Congress.
    • Lawmakers call the move “abrupt” in a letter to Secretary Rubio.
    • The administration argues that law prohibits non-governmental organizations from collecting fees for such services.

5. Olympic Highlights: U.S. Women in Freestyle Skiing

• [03:57 – 04:39]
  • At the Winter Olympics in Milan, U.S. mogul skiers Jalen Kauf and Elizabeth Lemley medaled in the dual moguls event.
    • Kauf won silver—her third Olympic silver—and Lemley took bronze.
    • Both athletes praised their team's camaraderie.
    • Quote:
      • Jalen Kauf (US mogul skier) [04:21]: "A lot of what makes us so strong is the relationships that we have with each other. We're really close, really supportive of each other and constantly encouraging and pushing each other."
    • Gold was secured by Australian skier Jakara Anthony.

6. Wendy’s to Close Several Hundred U.S. Locations

• [04:39 – 04:54]
  • Fast food chain Wendy’s announces closure of several hundred U.S. restaurants due to poor fourth-quarter performance.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• President Donald Trump criticizes Democrats' stance on immigration [00:54]:

  "Look, I know what they want. I know what they can live with. The Democrats have gone crazy. They're radical left lunatics."

• Senator (Secretary of State) Marco Rubio on U.S.-European cohesion [01:43]:

  "Our predecessors recognized that decline was a choice and it was a choice they refused to make. This is what we did together once before and this is what President Trump and the United States want to do again now, together with you."

• Olympic silver medalist Jalen Kauf on team support [04:21]:

  "A lot of what makes us so strong is the relationships that we have with each other. We're really close, really supportive of each other and constantly encouraging and pushing each other."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Partial Government Shutdown Coverage: 00:16 – 01:15
• U.S.-Europe Security Conference & Rubio Speech: 01:15 – 02:00
• Harvard Lawsuit Explained: 02:00 – 03:11
• State Department Ends Library Passport Services: 03:11 – 03:57
• Winter Olympics: U.S. Skiers Medal: 03:57 – 04:39
• Wendy’s Closures Announced: 04:39 – 04:54

Host: Windsor Johnston
Reporters: Tamara Keith, Alyssa Nadworny, Ping Wang

This episode provides a snapshot of urgent political negotiations, international diplomacy, evolving legal landscapes, grassroots public service policy, American athletic achievement on the world stage, and shifts in the national economic landscape—all succinctly wrapped in NPR’s signature fast-paced, factual style.