NPR News Now – Summary

Episode: NPR News: 02-14-2026 6PM EST
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: February 14, 2026

Overview

In this episode of NPR News Now, listeners receive a concise update on major national and international news, including the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, Ukraine’s ongoing struggle under Russian attack, new developments in US-China relations around drug enforcement, a US military strike in the Caribbean, booming Valentine's Day box office numbers, and the arrival of a new crew at the International Space Station.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DHS Partial Shutdown and Immigration Policy Deadlock

• [00:00–01:16]
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has shut down due to congressional gridlock over immigration policy.
  • Ongoing disagreements between the White House and Democrats prevent a resolution.
  • Congress is on recess; a deal is not expected soon.
  • Essential DHS functions, such as FEMA and TSA, will continue.
  • Notable leadership commentary:
    • Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed potential for resolution:

      "I think if people are operating in good faith and actually want a solution, that deal space is there. I think this can get done." (Bob Mondello quoting Thune, 00:49)

2. Ukraine Under Attack: Zelensky Calls for Air Defense

• [01:16–01:59]
  • Ukrainian power generation infrastructure damaged by Russian missile attacks—no power plant remains unharmed.
  • At the Munich Security Conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky urgently called for improved air defense support.
    • Zelensky stressed the importance of allied unity:

      "Our unity with you, unity in Europe, unity in the Euro Atlantic community. They want to break it. Why? Because our unity is the best interceptor against Russia's aggressive plans." (Volodymyr Zelensky, 01:35)

  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expresses skepticism about Russia’s intentions to end the conflict.

3. US-China Cooperation on Drug Enforcement

• [01:59–03:11]
  • US and China exchanged intelligence and discussed anti-drug strategies, focusing on anti-money laundering and chemical control.
  • Cooperation strained previously due to US accusations under the Trump administration, leading to Chinese retaliation (tariffs).
  • Recent talks aim to smooth trade relations with a potential Biden–Xi meeting in April.

4. US Military Action in the Caribbean

• [03:11–03:53]
  • The Pentagon announced a deadly strike on a boat suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean; three fatalities reported.
  • Social media release included footage of the incident.

5. Hollywood Box Office Boosted by Valentine’s Day

• [03:53–04:34]
  • Movie ticket sales rise, fueled by couples for Valentine's Day and President’s Day long weekend.
  • Two major releases highlighted:
    • Wuthering Heights (romantic drama, expected $30M+)
    • Goat (animated family film, projected $25M)
  • Bob Mondello on holiday movie attendance:

    "Valentine's Day with a steamy time honored romance opening Heathcliff, that's the perfect movie date." (Bob Mondello, 03:53)

6. NASA Crew Arrives at ISS

• [04:34–04:56]
  • Four new astronauts arrived at the International Space Station, bringing the crew to seven.
  • New arrivals replace previous crew, who left due to a medical concern.

Notable Quotes

• "I think if people are operating in good faith and actually want a solution, that deal space is there. I think this can get done."
  – Senate Majority Leader John Thune (quoted, 00:49)

• "Our unity with you, unity in Europe, unity in the Euro Atlantic community. They want to break it. Why? Because our unity is the best interceptor against Russia's aggressive plans."
  – Volodymyr Zelensky (01:35)

• "Valentine's Day with a steamy time honored romance opening Heathcliff, that's the perfect movie date."
  – Bob Mondello (03:53)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] – DHS Shutdown and Congressional Deadlock
• [01:16] – Ukraine’s Power Grid Under Attack & Zelensky at Munich
• [01:59] – US-China Anti-Drug Cooperation Developments
• [03:11] – US Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean
• [03:53] – Valentine’s Day Movie Box Office Surge
• [04:34] – New NASA Crew Arrives at ISS

This summary covers all key topics delivered in this fast-paced, five-minute news roundup, providing context, critical insights, and direct quotes from the episode’s principal voices.