NPR News Now — 8AM EST, February 14, 2026

Main Theme

This succinct 5-minute news update delivers the latest on U.S. foreign policy efforts in Europe, significant domestic developments around homeland security and immigration enforcement, key legal rulings, an update from the Winter Olympics, and breaking stories involving American athletes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Approach to Russia and Alliance with Europe

• Munich Security Conference
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed European partners, emphasizing a reinvigorated alliance and ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine.
  • Rubio expressed uncertainty about Russia's intentions concerning peace negotiations.
    • Quote: “Washington can’t be sure whether Moscow is serious about negotiating a peace deal.” — Windsor Johnston (00:29)
  • Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reiterated the importance of supporting Ukraine as central to the European mission.
    • Quote: “This is what Ukraine is fighting for today. We must honor their sacrifice with our quest for an independent Europe, and it will always remain Europe’s response and purpose. Our union’s raison d’être. Long live Europe.” — Ursula von der Leyen (00:43–01:05)

2. Department of Homeland Security Shutdown

• Government Funding Deadlock
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered a shutdown after Congress failed to agree on a funding deal, leaving over 260,000 employees in limbo (01:06).
  • Policymakers remain at odds on federal immigration enforcement changes.
  • Negotiations stalled; lawmakers went on recess, leading to mutual blame across party lines.
    • Quote: “Lawmakers left for a week long recess with both parties pointing fingers over the slow movement of the talks.” — Sam Greenglass (01:38)
  • Enforcement operations, including ICE, continue using previously approved funds.
  • DHS also includes the Coast Guard, cybersecurity, and airport security agencies.

3. Ruling on ICE Arrests at Houses of Worship

• Federal Court Injunction
  • A Massachusetts federal judge issued a preliminary injunction restricting immigration enforcement at houses of worship (02:17).
  • Background: The Trump administration had rescinded prior guidance to avoid arrests at “sensitive locations.”
    • Quote: “Such enforcement at or near churches may violate the First Amendment by imposing a substantial burden on the exercise of religion.” — Jason DeRose (02:43)
  • The ruling allows limited exceptions but largely halts these actions pending a full hearing.

4. Investigations into Federal Immigration Agents

• Probe Into Shooting Incident
  • A criminal probe is underway to determine if two ICE officers committed perjury regarding a recent shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis (03:09).
  • ICE Director Todd Lyon noted video evidence contradicting their sworn statements.
  • This is unfolding alongside continuing scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics.

5. Winter Olympics Updates

• Lindsey Vonn’s Injury

  • American skier Lindsey Vonn remains hospitalized after breaking her left leg during a downhill race (03:49).
  • Vonn has already undergone multiple surgeries, with more ahead.
    • Quote: “I’m finally feeling more like myself, but I have a long, long way to go.” — Lindsey Vonn (04:15)
  • She anticipates returning home after an additional operation in Italy, with further treatment to follow in the U.S.

• Figure Skating Upset

  • American figure skater Ilia Malinin, notorious for his quadruple jumps, experienced a dramatic upset by falling twice in the freestyle event. He finished eighth, against expectations (04:34).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• European Unity in Support of Ukraine (00:43–01:05)

  • “Our union’s raison d’être. Long live Europe.” — Ursula von der Leyen

• Partisan Frustration on DHS Shutdown (01:38)

  • “Lawmakers left for a week long recess with both parties pointing fingers over the slow movement of the talks.” — Sam Greenglass

• Injunction Limits on ICE (02:43)

  • “Such enforcement at or near churches may violate the First Amendment by imposing a substantial burden on the exercise of religion.” — Jason DeRose

• Lindsey Vonn on Recovery (04:15)

  • “I’m finally feeling more like myself, but I have a long, long way to go.” — Lindsey Vonn

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S.-Europe Relations and Ukraine Support: 00:16 – 01:05
• DHS Shutdown Explained: 01:06 – 02:13
• Court Ruling on ICE Church Arrests: 02:17 – 03:08
• Criminal Probe into ICE Agents: 03:09 – 03:31
• Lindsey Vonn Injury Update: 03:49 – 04:34
• Winter Olympics Figure Skating Upset: 04:34 – 04:55

This episode delivers a compact yet comprehensive snapshot of major global and national news, blending high-level political developments with human-interest sports updates—ideal for listeners wanting a fast and informed overview of the day's current events.