NPR News Now – 02-14-2026 2PM EST

Host: Nora Rahm (and NPR team)
Date: February 14, 2026
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update delivers the latest international and domestic news highlights, focusing on US-European relations at the Munich Security Conference, new findings in the death of Alexei Navalny, costs and controversies of US third-country deportations, immigration enforcement and DHS shutdown, changes to Census Bureau operations, Olympic speed skating triumphs, and a lighthearted note on Olympic Village condom shortages.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. US Diplomacy at the Munich Security Conference

• [00:25-01:03]

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses European allies, emphasizing the US commitment to the transatlantic alliance amid concerns about the Trump administration's stance.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responds positively, while Democratic lawmakers at the conference aim to reassure European partners about ongoing US support.

  Notable Quote:

  • “So in a time of headlines heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish, because for us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.”
    — Marco Rubio ([00:42])

2. Navalny Poisoning Confirmed

• [01:03-02:12]

  • Five European countries (Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands) confirm Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, was poisoned with epibatidine, a deadly toxin.
  • Russia maintains he died of natural causes, but evidence suggests otherwise; the statement accuses Russia of having the "means, motive, and opportunity."
  • Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's widow, welcomes the announcement, seeing it as confirmation of her long-standing position.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Navalny was held in prison when he died, meaning Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to administer the poison to him.”
    — Rob Schmitz ([01:45])

3. US Third Country Deportations

• [02:12-03:06]
  • A report commissioned by Senator Jeanne Shaheen finds the Trump administration has spent at least $40 million deporting migrants to third countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, and Palau.
  • Over $32 million went to host countries, with $7.2 million spent on deportation flights, and the report claims these figures are likely undercounts.
  • Raises concerns due to human rights questions in some receiving countries.

4. Immigration Enforcement, DHS Shutdown

• [03:06-03:40]
  • Following the deaths of two US citizens at the hands of enforcement officers, some Democrats push for restrictions on immigration operations; partisan gridlock results in a Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

5. Census Bureau Cuts and Civil Rights

• [03:40-04:00]
  • The Trump administration is planning “major cuts” to the Census Bureau, affecting rural communities and reducing language support, which may lead to unreliable population data for political and funding decisions.

6. Olympics: Jordan Stolz’s Speed Skating Triumph

• [04:00-04:40]

  • American speed skater Jordan Stolz wins a second gold (500m, setting an Olympic record at 33.77 seconds), edging Dutch competitor Jenning Debo by 0.11 seconds.
  • Stolz is now halfway to his goal of four golds, with two more events ahead.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Jordan Stolz came here with hopes of possibly winning four gold medals. He is now halfway there after winning the 500 meter...with an Olympic record time of 33.77 seconds.”
    — Steve Futterman ([04:00])

7. Olympic Village Condom Shortage

• [04:40-05:04]
  • Organizers in Milan rush to restock after a surprising 10,000-condom shortage on Valentine’s Day.
  • “Clearly the show’s Valentine’s Day is in full swing,” says IOC spokesman Mark Adams.
  • Offers a lighter end to a newscast packed with serious news.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Marco Rubio:
  “...we will always be a child of Europe.” ([00:42])
• Rob Schmitz (on Navalny):
  “Navalny was held in prison when he died, meaning Russia had the means, motive and opportunity to administer the poison...” ([01:45])
• Steve Futterman (on Stolz’s race):
  “He is now halfway there after winning the 500 meter...with an Olympic record time of 33.77 seconds.” ([04:00])

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:25-01:03| US-Europe relations at Munich Security Conference | | 01:03-02:12| Navalny poisoning announcement | | 02:12-03:06| Costs and implications of US third-country deportations | | 03:06-03:40| Immigration enforcement controversy, DHS shutdown | | 03:40-04:00| Census Bureau cuts and civil rights concerns | | 04:00-04:40| Olympics: Jordan Stolz’s speed skating gold | | 04:40-05:04| Olympic Village condom shortage |

Closing Note

This NPR News Now update delivers a compact, topical rundown of the day’s major stories—ranging from sharp international scrutiny to moments of sports achievement and a touch of Olympic humor—all in NPR’s signature sober, informative tone.