NPR News: 02-14-2026 10PM EST

Date: February 15, 2026

Episode Overview

This concise newscast offers key updates from domestic and international affairs, highlighting diplomatic tensions at the Munich Security Conference, a partial U.S. government shutdown centered around immigration agencies, legal battles over congressional district maps in New York, measures to boost France's declining birthrate, and a community celebration at the Smithsonian National Zoo. The episode also includes a sponsored segment on women’s health innovations.

Key Discussion Points and News Stories

1. U.S.–China Relations at Munich Security Conference

(00:18 – 01:17)

• China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, at the Conference:
  Wang Yi emphasized the need for greater U.S.–China cooperation but signaled China’s willingness to stand firm if necessary, especially as President Trump prepares an April state visit to Beijing—his first since 2017.
• Quote (Speaker: Emily Feng reporting Wang Yi, 00:50):
  “China wanted to pursue ties with the U.S. according to principles like mutual cooperation and respect, it was also prepared to, quote, fight to the end with the U.S.”

Memorable Moment: The diplomatic choreography as foreign ministers meet to smooth the path for a rare presidential visit, while still voicing red lines.

2. Partial U.S. Federal Government Shutdown

(01:17 – 02:06)

• Reason for Shutdown:
  Lawmakers deadlocked over DHS immigration enforcement after a high-profile incident: “Two U.S. Citizens were shot and killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis.”
• Impacts:
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains funded (“huge war chest from the last big funding bill…”).
  • Other DHS offices, notably TSA, face shutdown or require agents to work without pay.
• Quote (Speaker: Ron Elving, 01:44):
  “ICE got a huge war chest from the last big funding bill, the one Trump called the one big beautiful bill.”
• Political Dynamics:
  Democrats aim to spotlight the ICE–DHS relationship, even though the shutdown doesn't hinder ICE.

3. New York Redistricting and National Voting Rights

(02:06 – 03:14)

• Immediate Legal Challenge:
  GOP officials seek Supreme Court intervention after a judge orders a new congressional map, benefiting Democrats in the upcoming midterms.
• Civil Rights Issue:
  The challenged district “violates the state’s constitution by diluting the collective power of black and Latino voters.”
• Nationwide Context:
  Other states, such as Utah and Virginia, are embroiled in similar partisan gerrymandering disputes.
• Quote (Speaker: Ansi Loong, 02:52):
  “A new congressional map for New York is likely to include an additional Democratic-friendly district that could help Democrats push back against Republican gerrymandering efforts sparked by President Trump.”

4. France’s New Fertility Initiative

(03:14 – 04:17)

• Background:
  France’s birth rate fell to its lowest level in over a century, leading to new government outreach.
• Core Plan:
  Starting this summer, the health ministry will mail letters to all 29-year-olds, encouraging them to consider parenthood and learn more about fertility resources (such as publicly funded egg freezing for ages 29–37).
• Public Debate:
  Critics attribute declining fertility more to economic factors, like childcare costs, than to lack of family planning awareness.
• Quote (Speaker: Rebecca Rossman, 03:44):
  “…the national health system covers egg freezing for women ages 29, 37. It will also mention that fertility declines affect men, too.”

5. Smithsonian’s New Asian Elephant Calf

(04:17 – 04:58)

• Milestone Birth:
  The National Zoo names its newborn female Asian elephant "Linh Mai," meaning “spirit blossom” in Vietnamese.
• Rarity and Community Engagement:
  • Only third elephant born at the zoo in 136 years.
  • Name chosen via fundraising vote, raising $59,000 for elephant care and conservation.
• Quote (Speaker: Jeanine Herbst, 04:31):
  “The 308 pound calf is the first elephant born at the zoo in almost 25 years, and she’s only the third elephant born in the zoo’s 136 year history.”

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “China wanted to pursue ties with the U.S. according to principles like mutual cooperation and respect, it was also prepared to, quote, fight to the end with the U.S.” (Emily Feng, 00:50)
• “ICE got a huge war chest from the last big funding bill, the one Trump called the one big beautiful bill.” (Ron Elving, 01:44)
• “A new congressional map for New York is likely to include an additional Democratic-friendly district that could help Democrats push back against Republican gerrymandering efforts sparked by President Trump.” (Ansi Loong, 02:52)
• “The 308 pound calf is the first elephant born at the zoo in almost 25 years, and she’s only the third elephant born in the zoo’s 136 year history.” (Jeanine Herbst, 04:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------|------------| | U.S.–China Relations/Trump to Beijing | 00:18–01:17| | Federal Government Shutdown over DHS & Immigration| 01:17–02:06| | New York Redistricting Fight | 02:06–03:14| | France’s Fertility Campaign | 03:14–04:17| | Smithsonian Elephant Birth & Naming | 04:17–04:58|

Additional Sponsored Content (Not Editorial)

• At [05:10], a brief segment introduces MIDI Health founders discussing virtual care for women in perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the complexity of women’s midlife health—and the lack of specialized care.

Summary

This edition of NPR News Now succinctly delivers significant developments in global diplomacy, U.S. domestic politics, reproductive policy, and public interest stories, providing a balanced mix of urgent headlines and lighter community news. The episode retains a restrained, objective tone typical of NPR’s news delivery, while weaving in sharp, memorable moments from the day’s events.