NPR News Now: 02-15-2026 12PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm, NPR
Date: February 15, 2026
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news update covers major political, environmental, and international developments. Key topics include U.S. foreign policy in Europe, the impact of a partial U.S. government shutdown, ongoing Colorado River water negotiations, tensions at Nasser Hospital in Gaza, a unique Christmas Bird Count, and a whimsical UK anniversary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Europe

• [00:19-01:06]

  • After addressing the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterates the U.S. commitment to cooperation with European allies during a visit to Slovakia.

  • Rubio clarifies the U.S. position on NATO partnership and European autonomy, addressing reports of European unease about American influence.

    “We don’t want Europe to be dependent on—we're not asking Europe to be a vassal of the United States. We want to be your partner. … The stronger you are… the stronger NATO is.”
    — Marco Rubio [00:36]

  • Rubio continues his trip, traveling to Hungary to meet with Viktor Orban, a close ally of former President Trump, who has aligned with Russia and opposed Ukrainian military aid.

2. Partial Government Shutdown and Impact on DHS

• [01:06-02:20]

  • U.S. travelers may face airport delays as TSA agents work without pay due to a partial government shutdown.

  • The shutdown is caused by Congress missing a funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

  • ICE remains funded due to a prior Republican-backed bill; other agencies (Coast Guard, FEMA, TSA) are affected.

    “Other agencies under the DHS umbrella…have to furlough workers while those in critical roles work without pay.”
    — Claudia Grosales [01:36]

  • Ongoing Senate negotiations stall over disagreements on immigration policy changes, with party leaders away on recess but talks expected to continue.

3. Colorado River Water Negotiations Stall

• [02:20-03:15]

  • Western states failed to reach an agreement on a new Colorado River water-sharing plan before the set deadline, risking the region’s water future.

  • Arizona’s Tom Buschatsky comments on tension between upper and lower basin states over proposal acceptances.

    “It is frustrating to me that we haven't been able to bridge gaps, and it's probably frustrating to them, too.”
    — Tom Buschatsky (as reported by Alex Hager) [02:50]

  • There remains hope for a deal before the current plan expires in October; failure could result in deep federal cutbacks and potential lawsuits.

4. Tensions at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital

• [03:15-03:56]
  • Nasser Hospital disputes allegations raised by Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), which recently suspended operations over concerns about armed men.
  • Hospital officials counter that only civilian police protect the site, labeling the charity’s claims as incorrect and potentially dangerous for the protected facility.

5. Christmas Bird Count in Aspen, Colorado

• [03:56-04:41]

  • Participants rush to submit bird count data to Cornell University by this month’s deadline.

  • Aspen birders receive assistance from ski patrol, counting 1200 birds across 41 species—down from usual numbers due to a dry, warm winter.

    “An unusually dry and warm winter is causing birds to behave differently, making it more difficult for birders to find them.”
    — Reagan Mertz [03:56]

  • The highlight: ski patrol spot the rare alpine ptarmigan, whose white plumage makes it hard to survey.

    “Their plumage is pure white.”
    — Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (Rebecca Weiss, via Mertz) [04:22]

6. Anniversary: Larry the Cat at Downing Street

• [04:41-04:59]
  • London marks the 15th anniversary of Larry the Cat’s service at 10 Downing Street, where he’s served as “Chief Mouser” under six prime ministers—a light ending to a fast-paced newscast.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Marco Rubio on NATO and European partnership:
  “We want to work with Europe. … The stronger you are… the stronger NATO is.” [00:36]
• On U.S. government workers impacted by the shutdown:
  “Other agencies… have to furlough workers while those in critical roles work without pay.” — Claudia Grosales [01:36]
• Arizona water official on failed talks:
  “It is frustrating to me that we haven't been able to bridge gaps…” — Tom Buschatsky [02:50]
• On the Bird Count challenges:
  “An unusually dry and warm winter is causing birds to behave differently…” — Reagan Mertz [03:56]
• On the elusive ptarmigan:
  “Their plumage is pure white.” — Rebecca Weiss [04:22]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:19] U.S.-Europe relations and Marco Rubio’s European tour
• [01:06] DHS shutdown and impacts on TSA, ICE, and Senate negotiations
• [02:20] Colorado River water talks deadlock and implications
• [03:15] Gaza’s Nasser Hospital denies MSF security breach claims
• [03:56] Aspen’s Bird Count and climate impacts on bird behavior
• [04:41] Larry the Cat anniversary at 10 Downing Street

This episode provides a rapid yet comprehensive snapshot of global and domestic affairs, with direct reporting and notable remarks from key figures, all within five minutes.