NPR News: 02-14-2026 1AM EST – Episode Summary

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a fast-paced, five-minute roundup of key national and international news as of February 14, 2026. Major headlines include U.S. military movements in the Mideast, a government funding lapse affecting Homeland Security, high-profile legal cases, a dramatic upset at the Winter Olympics, developments in U.S. counter-narcotics actions, a foiled assassination plot with international implications, and a significant court ruling in the UK.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Buildup in the Mideast (00:19)

• Host: Dale Willman
  • The USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is being deployed to the Middle East.
  • President Trump is escalating the U.S. military presence amid continued tensions with Iran, threatening potential military action.
  • Trump’s demands for Iran center on nuclear program reductions and unspecified policy changes.

2. Homeland Security Funding Lapses Amid Congressional Deadlock (00:56)

• Reporter: Sam Greenglass
  • Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expired after Congress failed to reach a deal before recess.
  • Key sticking points: Democrats insist on policy changes following the death of two U.S. citizens shot by immigration officers in Minneapolis.
  • ICE operations continue due to previously approved funds.
  • The shutdown affects multiple agencies: Coast Guard, cybersecurity, disaster response, and airport security.
  • Quote:
    • “Both parties [are] pointing fingers over the slow movement of the talks.” — Sam Greenglass (01:06)

3. Civil Rights Case Against Don Lemon and Activists (01:39)

• Host: Dale Willman; Reporter: Matt Sepik (Minnesota Public Radio)
  • Journalist Don Lemon, activist Georgia Ford, and others pleaded not guilty to charges of disrupting Minnesota church services.
  • The protest targeted a church where an ICE official is on the ministry team.
  • Protest leader’s stance: Nikima Levy Armstrong vows to continue challenging what she describes as the church’s hypocrisy.
  • Church attorney’s response: Asserts actions “violate the sanctity of a sanctuary,” not protected by the First Amendment.
  • Memorable Moment:
    • “She’ll continue to speak out against what she calls the church’s hypocrisy.” — Matt Sepik reporting Nikima Levy Armstrong’s position (02:03)

4. Olympic Shock: Ilia Malinin’s Unexpected Downfall in Figure Skating (02:15)

• Host: Dale Willman; Reporter: Steve Futterman (Live from Milan)
  • The heavily favored Ilia Malinin of the U.S. falters, finishing eighth after falling twice in the men’s free skate at the Winter Olympics.
  • Gold is claimed by Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan.
  • Quote:
    • “It is without doubt one of the biggest shocks in Olympic history. …He didn’t win gold, he didn’t win silver or bronze. He ended up in eighth place.” — Steve Futterman (02:33)

5. U.S. Military Strike on Alleged Narco Vessel in Caribbean (03:11)

• The U.S. Southern Command reports another fatal strike on a boat suspected of trafficking drugs.
  • The death toll from such strikes under the Trump administration now stands at 133.
  • The vessel was traveling on recognized drug routes.

6. Plea in Plot to Kill Sikh Activist in New York (03:48)

• Reporter: Ryan Lucas
  • Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleads guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit murder for hire and money laundering.
  • An Indian government official is also indicted but not in custody.
  • Target: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian Sikh separatist.
  • Pannun calls the case confirmation of Indian government orchestration and labels it “an act of terrorism.”
  • India denies any involvement.
  • Quote:
    • “Gupta’s guilty plea is confirmation that the Indian government orchestrated the murder for hire scheme on US Soil. …an act of terrorism.” — Ryan Lucas paraphrasing Pannun (04:16)

7. UK Court Overturns “Terrorist Group” Label for Palestine Action (04:33)

• London High Court rules the UK government’s decision to designate the protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful.
  • The original ban made membership punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
  • The ban remains temporarily while the government appeals.
  • Quote:
    • “The three judge panel says the ban will remain in place, though, while the government has time to appeal that decision.” — Dale Willman (04:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congressional deadlock:
  “Both parties [are] pointing fingers over the slow movement of the talks.”
  — Sam Greenglass (01:06)
• On the Olympic shock:
  “It is without doubt one of the biggest shocks in Olympic history. …He ended up in eighth place.”
  — Steve Futterman (02:33)
• On the Indian assassination plot:
  “Gupta’s guilty plea is confirmation that the Indian government orchestrated the murder for hire scheme on US Soil. …an act of terrorism.”
  — Ryan Lucas, quoting Pannun (04:16)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Military Buildup & Iran: 00:19
• Homeland Security Shutdown: 00:56
• Don Lemon Civil Rights Case: 01:39
• Winter Olympics Figure Skating Result: 02:15
• US Military Narco Boat Strikes: 03:11
• Indian Plot Against Sikh Activist: 03:48
• UK Court on Palestine Action Ban: 04:33

This concise NPR News Now episode provides a rapid-fire overview of significant current events, legislative deadlocks, major international incidents, and a mix of sports and legal news, all delivered in NPR’s straightforward and informative style.