NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 02-15-2026 1AM EST
Host: Dale Willman (NPR)
Date: February 15, 2026

Overview

This episode delivers breaking and top-of-hour news, focusing on the ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown, congressional redistricting disputes, France’s response to declining birth rates, dangerous winter weather on the U.S. West Coast, booming Hollywood box office returns over Valentine's Day weekend, and headline Winter Olympics results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Partial Federal Government Shutdown [00:18]

• The U.S. government is in a partial shutdown, specifically affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• TSA airport screeners are now working without pay, likely disrupting travel as the winter school break begins for many.

• The shutdown resulted from Congressional disagreements over changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

  Notable Quote:

  "We want to put in just some common sense guardrails on actions by federal agents in DHS. And basically the relatively concise list we provided to Republicans were to make sure that federal agents have to abide by the same kinds of rules and regulations that our local police in our communities follow each and every day."
  — Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan), 00:45

• Senator Peters emphasizes Democrats’ desire for federal agents to be governed by rules similar to those for local police.

2. Congressional Redistricting Fights [01:14]

• Republican officials in New York are petitioning the Supreme Court to block a redrawn congressional map, claiming a state judge’s order gives Democrats an unfair advantage in the upcoming midterms.

• The order claims the current district in New York City dilutes Black and Latino voting power.

• Redistricting disputes extend beyond New York: Republicans contest Democratic-drawn maps in Utah, and Virginia’s courts will allow voters to decide on a new map.

  Notable Quote:

  "A new congressional map for New York is likely to include an additional Democratic friendly district that could help Democrats push back against the Republican gerrymandering efforts sparked by President Trump. In a court filing, the Trump administration says it supports blocking the order for a new map."
  — Hansi Lo Wang (NPR), 01:33

3. France Targets Declining Birth Rate [02:15]

• France’s health ministry plans to send letters to 29-year-olds, encouraging them to consider parenthood and explaining fertility support.

• The letter outlines state support for egg freezing (ages 29-37) and reminds readers that fertility impacts men as well.

• Critics argue the real causes of declining birth rates are economic, not lack of fertility awareness (e.g., the high cost of childcare).

• France’s birth rate fell last year to its lowest in over a century, raising concerns about pension system sustainability.

  Notable Quote:

  "Last year, France's fertility rate fell to its lowest levels in over a century, raising concerns about how the country will fund its pension system in the decades ahead."
  — Rebecca Rossman (NPR), 02:31

4. Winter Storm Warning in Northern California [03:14]

• A winter storm watch is in effect, with higher elevations possibly receiving 6-8 feet of snow beginning Sunday.
• Residents are warned about treacherous travel conditions, likely delays, and road closures from Monday.

5. Hollywood’s Valentine’s Weekend Box Office Boom [03:49]

• Valentine’s Day draws crowds to cinemas, especially for romantic and family films.

• Wuthering Heights (referred to as “Heathcliff”) is projected to earn over $30 million for the weekend.

  Memorable Segment:

  • Clips from the film played on-air:

    "Date storm, why did you leave me?"
    "Why did you betray your own heart?"
    (Audience Member/Listener, 04:04–04:08)

• Goat, an animated family film, is expected to gross $25 million over the President’s Day holiday.

  Notable Quote:

  "Valentine's Day, with a steamy time honored romance opening Heathcliff, that's the perfect movie."
  — Bob Mondello (NPR), 03:49

6. Winter Olympics Roundup [04:29]

• American speed skater Jordan Stoltz (age 21) wins gold in the 500-meter with an Olympic record; previously won the 1000-meter and has more races ahead.
• Brazil wins its first-ever Winter Olympic medal: Lucas Pinero Brathan takes gold in giant slalom, narrowly beating the defending champion.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Senator Gary Peters on DHS Guardrails:
  "Most Americans would agree that federal agents should not be above any of those laws or policies." [00:45]

• On NY Redistricting:
  “A new congressional map for New York is likely to include an additional Democratic friendly district...”
  — Hansi Lo Wang [01:33]

• France’s Letter to Young Adults:
  “People turning 29 in France can expect to receive a letter encouraging them to consider having children...”
  — Rebecca Rossman [02:31]

• Hollywood’s Take:
  “Valentine's Day, with a steamy time honored romance opening Heathcliff, that's the perfect movie.”
  — Bob Mondello [03:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Partial Government Shutdown – 00:18–01:14
• NY & Nationwide Redistricting Fights – 01:14–02:15
• France’s Birth Rate Campaign – 02:15–03:14
• California Winter Storm – 03:14–03:49
• Valentine’s Box Office Sales – 03:49–04:29
• Winter Olympics Results – 04:29–04:58

This concise five-minute newscast offers quick, factual updates on pressing U.S. political impasses, voter rights controversies, demographic and cultural trends abroad, local weather alerts, entertainment industry news, and Olympic sports triumphs—characteristic of NPR News Now’s tone and breadth.