NPR News Now: Key Stories Summary
Episode: NPR News: 02-14-2026 9AM EST
Date: February 14, 2026
Host: Windsor Johnston
Overview
This concise five-minute NPR news update covers pressing international and national U.S. stories, including the U.S.–Europe alliance, DHS scrutiny over an ICE shooting, Don Lemon’s protest charges, a major paleontological discovery in Costa Rica, and groundbreaking research on ancient clothing. The tone remains factual and urgent, with a focus on the latest developments in each area.
Main Stories & Key Highlights
1. U.S.–Europe Relations and the Munich Security Conference
- Discussion:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeks to reassure European partners that the Trump administration remains committed to the transatlantic alliance.
- Rubio critiques Europe’s management of migration and climate policy but stresses shared historical ties.
- Security, artificial intelligence, and critical mineral supply chains are identified as cooperation areas.
- Key Quotes:
- Rubio (via Michelle Kellerman): “Our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.” (00:58)
- Munich Security Conference organizer Wolfgang Ischinger notes a general diplomatic “sigh of relief.”
- Rubio expresses uncertainty about Russia’s willingness to make a deal acceptable to Ukraine.
- Timestamps: [00:17–01:24]
2. ICE Agents Accused of Lying in Minneapolis Shooting
- Discussion:
- DHS reveals two federal immigration agents may have lied about a shooting incident involving a Venezuelan immigrant in Minneapolis.
- Original ICE narrative claims officers faced an ambush; now, a DHS spokesperson concedes discrepancies after a Department of Justice review.
- Officers have been placed on administrative leave; possible prosecution mentioned.
- Key Quotes:
- Sergio Martinez Beltran (NPR): “This after a joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice found they appear to have lied in their sworn testimonies of the incident.” (01:45)
- DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin: Officers could be “fired or prosecuted for any violations.”
- Timestamps: [01:24–02:26]
3. Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty to Protest Charges
- Discussion:
- Former CNN host Don Lemon, journalist Georgia Fort, and activists face federal charges over a protest at a St. Paul church.
- The church’s pastor also serves as an ICE official, prompting protestors to allege hypocrisy.
- Legal arguments arise about the First Amendment and the “sanctity of a sanctuary.”
- Key Quotes:
- Protest leader Nikima Levy Armstrong: “She’ll continue to speak out against what she calls the church’s hypocrisy.” (02:48)
- Church attorney: “The First Amendment does not protect actions that violate the sanctity of a sanctuary.” (02:48)
- Timestamps: [02:26–03:08]
4. Landmark Fossil Discovery in Costa Rica
- Discussion:
- Discovery of exceptionally well-preserved remains of a giant sloth and a mastodon, believed to be around 40,000 years old.
- The find, initiated by a local spotting unusual bones, is rare due to tropical decay rates.
- Key Quotes:
- BBC’s Olivia Noon: “It was an accident that led to the discovery of the fossils...” (03:36)
- “When alive, [the sloth] would have stood on its hind legs, reaching heights up to 6 meters.” (03:36)
- Timestamps: [03:08–04:04]
5. Oldest Known Clothing Artifacts Discovered
- Discussion:
- New research documents the oldest known pieces of clothing: animal hides stitched together, found in ultra-dry caves and preserved for over 12,000 years.
- The findings provide rare insight into ancient textile and material use.
- Key Quotes:
- Richie Rosenkrantz (lead author): “Confirming what raw materials... what plants and animals they use to make these things is hardly ever attainable.” (04:30)
- Eric Newman: “The sewn items were found in caves that are exposed to so little moisture they'd been preserved for more than 12,000 years.” (04:32)
- Timestamps: [04:04–04:50]
Notable Moments
-
Rubio’s Statement on Transatlantic Roots:
“Our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe.” – Secretary Marco Rubio, [00:58] -
DHS Admission of Agent Misconduct:
“They appear to have lied in their sworn testimonies of the incident.” – Sergio Martinez Beltran, [01:45] -
On Rare Fossil Preservation:
“Scientists say it's rare to find such well preserved remains in Costa Rica, where tropical conditions mean organic matter often breaks down quickly.” – Olivia Noon, [03:36]
Segment Timestamps Overview
- U.S.–Europe Relations: 00:17–01:24
- ICE Shooting Review: 01:24–02:26
- Don Lemon Protest Charges: 02:26–03:08
- Costa Rica Fossil Find: 03:08–04:04
- Ancient Clothing Discovery: 04:04–04:50
Overall Tone and Takeaway
The episode presents a rapid-fire overview of major headlines, balancing U.S. political and legal controversies with significant scientific discoveries. The reporting is measured, fact-focused, and delivers a snapshot of national and global concerns as of February 14, 2026.
