NPR News Now – February 14, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: February 15, 2026
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of significant national and global stories, with emphasis on a Department of Homeland Security shutdown, Ukraine’s struggle under Russian attacks, U.S.-China anti-drug cooperation, U.S. Olympic hockey success, census policy controversy, and trends in chocolate pricing.

1. Department of Homeland Security Shutdown

[00:15–01:17]

• Overview:
  The Department of Homeland Security is partially shut down after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement regarding restraints on immigration officers. Congress has left for a recess, making an immediate resolution unlikely.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • This is the third shutdown in three months.
  • The White House and congressional Democrats remain at an impasse.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune is cautiously optimistic but noncommittal about a solution.
  • Essential services within FEMA and TSA will continue, but other functions are halted.

• Notable Quotes:

  • John Thune: “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.” [00:50]

2. Russia-Ukraine War: Damage to Ukraine’s Energy Grid

[01:17–01:59]

• Overview:
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reports severe and ongoing damage to every Ukrainian power plant from Russian attacks, leveraging his presence at the Munich Security Conference to call for faster delivery of air defenses.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Zelensky stresses that unity among allies is vital to repel Russian aggression.
  • He warns that Russian efforts to fracture international alliances are strategic and ongoing.
  • Zelensky is frustrated that air defenses sometimes only arrive “at the last minute” before attacks.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Volodymyr Zelensky:
    “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.” [01:36]

3. U.S.–China Cooperation on Combating Drugs and Trade Tensions

[01:59–03:11]

• Overview:
  The United States and China held talks about combatting drug trafficking and money laundering, an effort to stabilize broader trade relations, according to reports from Chinese state media.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Conversations addressed anti-money laundering and the regulation of chemical precursors.
  • Previous cooperation faltered after the Trump administration levied tariffs due to fentanyl concerns.
  • Both nations are working towards a summit between President Trump and President Xi, possibly in April.
  • A truce is in place following retaliatory tariffs from both sides.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jennifer Paak (NPR’s Shanghai correspondent):
    "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." [02:26]

4. U.S. Men’s Hockey Team Wins Again at the Winter Olympics

[03:27–04:09]

• Overview:
  Reporting from Milan, Steve Futterman highlights a second consecutive win for the U.S. men’s hockey team at the Winter Olympics, defeating Denmark 6-3.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Team USA started slow, trailing Denmark early in the first period.
  • The Americans surged ahead in the second period with three unanswered goals.
  • Forward Fridi Tkachuk stood out with a goal and an assist.
  • A win or tie against Germany will send the team to the quarterfinals.

• Memorable Moments:

  • Denmark’s early lead set up a tense first period.
  • U.S. dominance emerged in the second period, shifting momentum.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Steve Futterman:
    "The American team got off to a slow start, but came on strong after that to defeat Denmark 6-3...Fridi Tkachuk led the Americans with a goal and an assist." [03:27]

5. Census Citizenship Question Controversy

[04:09–04:30]

• Overview:
  Civil rights activists warn about the Trump administration’s inclusion of a citizenship status question in the census, which may hinder accurate U.S. population counts for 2030.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • The new question may deter participation, particularly among immigrant communities.
  • There are concerns this could impact the distribution of federal resources and congressional representation.

6. Chocolate Prices Defy Falling Cocoa Costs

[04:30–04:56]

• Overview:
  U.S. consumers shouldn’t expect cheaper Valentine’s Day or Easter chocolate, despite cocoa prices plummeting by 70% year-over-year.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Retail chocolate prices jumped 14% year-over-year in early 2026, after a 7.8% increase in 2025.
  • The disconnect is attributed to supply chain dynamics, corporate pricing, and possibly inflation, rather than just cocoa prices.

End of news content.