NPR News Now – February 14, 2026, 3PM EST

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This NPR News Now episode provides a succinct roundup of the hour’s major news: U.S. foreign policy updates, domestic political developments, significant economic movements, and highlights from the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. – Europe Relations & Security (00:18–01:24)

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses ongoing concerns from European partners about U.S. commitments under the Trump administration, emphasizing enduring transatlantic ties despite recent strains.
• Rubio’s Address:
  • Criticized European policies on mass migration and climate change, referring to the latter as a “climate cult.”
  • Affirmed willingness to cooperate with Europe on security issues, artificial intelligence, and critical mineral supply chains.
  • Quote (00:59): “Home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.” – Marco Rubio
• At the Munich Security Conference, diplomats reportedly felt “a sigh of relief” after Rubio’s comments, though lingering doubts remain regarding Ukraine. Rubio expressed uncertainty about the likelihood of a compromise with Russia acceptable to Ukraine.

2. Department of Homeland Security Budget Impasse (01:24–02:14)

• Congressional Deadlock:
  • Congress adjourned without a new budget for the Department of Homeland Security; the agency ran out of funding at midnight.
  • The standoff centers on Democratic proposals to restrict certain immigration enforcement activities, especially after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by officers.
• Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) Statement:
  • Advocates for "common sense guardrails" to ensure federal agents are subject to rules akin to local police, including wearing visible identification and not obscuring their faces.
  • Quote (01:46): “Federal agents should not be above any of those laws or policies.” – Senator Gary Peters
  • Raised concerns about criminals impersonating agents using masks and vests purchased online.

3. Market Update & AI Investment Concerns (02:14–03:15)

• Wall Street Recap: Despite strong job growth (+130,000 jobs in January) and weakening inflation (lowest rise in eight months), major indices saw losses:
  • Dow: -1.25%
  • S&P 500: -1.4%
  • Nasdaq: -2.1%
• Investor Anxiety: Market volatility attributed largely to uncertainty over the impact of artificial intelligence investments—some worry present spending won’t pay off, others fear AI advances could threaten existing businesses and jobs.
  • Quote (02:34): “Some fear the giant AI investments companies are making will not pay off. Others worry they’ll be too successful and put other businesses and workers at risk.” – Scott Horsley

4. Supreme Court Petition on NY Election Maps (03:15–03:55)

• GOP Pushback: NY Republicans ask the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a state-ordered redistricting, following a ruling that an existing district diluted Black and Latino votes. A new map would tilt the congressional balance by enabling Democrats to win an additional seat before the 2026 midterms.

5. Winter Olympics Highlights – Figure Skating & Speed Skating (03:55–04:36)

• Men’s Figure Skating (03:55):
  • Pre-event favorite, Ilya Malinin (“Quad God”), faltered—downgraded his planned quadruple axel and fell twice, finishing 8th.
  • Unexpected gold for 21-year-old Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan, with five clean quad jumps. Japanese skaters Yuma Kageyama (silver) and Shun Sato (bronze) also made the podium.
  • Quote (03:55): “He [Malinin] wound up not attempting the jumps that made him famous.” – Rachel Treisman
• Speed Skating (04:36):
  • American Jordan Stolz won his second Olympic gold with a record-breaking 33.77 seconds in the 500m. He remains on track for a possible four-gold haul.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On U.S.-Europe Ties:
  “Home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.”
  — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State (00:59)

• On Federal Accountability:
  “Federal agents should not be above any of those laws or policies.”
  — Senator Gary Peters (01:46)

• On AI Fears in the Market:
  “Some fear the giant AI investments companies are making will not pay off. Others worry they’ll be too successful and put other businesses and workers at risk.”
  — Scott Horsley (02:34)

• On Olympic Upsets:
  “He [Malinin] wound up not attempting the jumps that made him famous.”
  — Rachel Treisman (03:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S.–Europe Relations: 00:18–01:24
• DHS Budget & Immigration Enforcement: 01:24–02:14
• Economic News & Wall Street: 02:14–03:15
• NY Redistricting/Supreme Court: 03:15–03:55
• Olympics – Figure & Speed Skating: 03:55–04:36

This episode delivers a brisk, tightly focused news summary—from major geopolitical developments and domestic policy frictions, to market anxieties and dramatic Olympic surprises—capturing the complex pulse of February 14, 2026.