NPR News: 02-14-2026 6PM EST - NPR News Now

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.

Transcript

Jeanine Herbst (0:00)

This message comes from Mint mobile. Starting at $15 a month, make the switch@mintmobile.com Switch $45 upfront payment for 3 months 5 gigabyte plan equivalent to $15 a month Taxes and fees Extra first 3 months only. See Terms live from NPR News. In Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. A critical part of the federal government, the Department of Homeland Security, is shut down and Congress isn't in session to reopen it. NPR Sam greengl, After lawmakers failed to reach an agreement to restrain the conduct of immigration officers.

Sam Greengl (0:37)

It is the third shutdown in as many months and despite ongoing back and forth between the White House and congressional Democrats, a deal is not close. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week that could change.

Bob Mondello (0:49)

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.

Sam Greengl (0:57)

But lawmakers have left town for a week long recess and and though they could be called back, this partial shutdown is more likely to last through the week or beyond. In addition to immigration enforcement, the department also includes FEMA and tsa. Critical functions will continue during the shutdown. Sam Greenglass, NPR News, Washington.

Jeanine Herbst (1:16)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says there isn't a single power plant in Ukraine that hasn't been damaged by Russian air attacks. Speaking at the Munich security conference today, he repeated his call for quicker air defense deliveries, said saying there are times when missiles would arrive at the last minute before an attack.

Volodymyr Zelensky (1:35)

While we invest in interceptors and protection, Russia invests in breaking unity between all of us. 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.

Jeanine Herbst (1:59)

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who's also at the security conference, says he doesn't know if Russia is serious about ending its nearly four year old war in Ukraine. The US And China have swapped intelligence on combating drugs. Representatives met in the US this week. That's according to Chinese state media. NPR's Jennifer Pak reports from Shanghai. It comes as both sides try to smooth over trade tensions.

Jennifer Pak (2:26)

The US And China had in depth discussions on anti money laundering efforts, chemical control and management, among other issues, according to Xinhua News Agency. While it says such Talk started in 2002, Chinese officials have said cooperation on anti drug efforts were damaged last year. That's when President Trump accused China of not stemming the flow of chemicals that can be turned into street fentanyl. He imposed a 20% tariff on all Chinese exports related to the fentanyl issue and added other China retaliated. Both sides have called a trade truce and are working on a meeting between Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, potentially in April. Jennifer Pack, NPR News, Shanghai.