NPR News Now – February 15, 2026, 2PM EST

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise, five-minute roundup of major global and national news headlines. Topics range from European Union-Ukraine relations and ongoing impacts of ICE operations in Minnesota, to major U.S. political maneuvers regarding election oversight, budget gridlock affecting air travel, and key moments at the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points

1. European Union Stance on Ukraine Membership & Russia’s War

• EU’s Position on Ukraine:

  • The European Union is not yet prepared to offer Ukraine a concrete date for membership.
  • Emphasis on integrating Ukraine into Europe through further actions rather than immediate promises.
  • Kaya Kalis: "More work must be done to show that Ukraine is part of Europe." (00:22)

• On Russia and Peace Negotiations:

  • Concern that Russia could gain more in negotiations than on the battlefield.
  • Kaya Kalis: "The greatest threat Russia presents right now is that it gains more at the negotiation table than it has achieved on the battlefield. [...] Russia's maximalist demands cannot be met with minimalist response." (00:39–01:06)
  • Segment context: remarks given at the Munich Security Conference.

2. U.S. Election Oversight – Trump’s Proposal

• Trump Advocates Republican Control over Voting:

  • On Dan Bongino’s podcast, Trump calls for Republicans to "nationalize" voting and suggests taking over election processes in several states.
  • Donald Trump: "The Republicans should say, we want to take over. We should take over the voting, the voting in at least many 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting." (01:32–01:44)

• Legal and Expert Responses:

  • Mara Liasson notes the constitutional barriers: election conduct is under state and congressional jurisdiction, not presidential.
  • Experts raise alarm about Trump’s actions undermining voter confidence, including commandeering voter records and seeking to disqualify voters.
  • Reference to Trump’s longstanding refusal to accept election results unless victorious; ties these attitudes back to January 6th.
  • Dan Bongino: "Election experts say that would be very hard, if not impossible." (01:44)
  • Mara Liasson: "Ever since 2016, Trump has said he would only honor the results of elections. His side wins. That's what January 6th was all about." (01:55)

3. ICE Operations in Minnesota – Local Fallout

• Withdrawal of ICE Agents:

  • Federal officials confirm ICE agents are leaving Minnesota cities, but local leaders stress recovery remains a challenge.

• Economic and Social Impact:

  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry: "The operations have cost the City More than $200 million, including lost wages and hotel cancellations." (02:26)
  • Small businesses cite ongoing fears and a slow return to normalcy.
  • Khalid Abdi (cell phone vendor): "It might take a couple months after they leave because people have to get back to their financial being stable." (02:51)

• Backlash and Violence:

  • Enforcement efforts criticized by both parties, especially after shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by ICE agents.
  • Windsor Johnston: "The damage caused by this operation has been staggering." (02:35)

4. Homeland Security Shutdown & Effects on Air Travel

• Government Shutdown Effects:
  • Continued Department of Homeland Security shutdown threatens to delay air travel.
  • TSA agents working without pay as Congress fails to reach a new budget deal.
  • Congress is on recess, prolonging the deadlock.

5. Winter Olympics Highlights & Medals

• American Skier Mikaela Shiffrin’s Struggle:

  • Shiffrin finishes 11th in the giant slalom, continuing her Olympic medal drought since 2014 and 2018.
  • Steve Futterman: "The streak has continued so far. Here in Italy, Shiffrin has one more event on her Olympic schedule, the women's slalom on Wednesday. That's considered her strongest event." (04:15–04:32)

• Brazil’s First Winter Olympic Gold:

  • Lucas Peniro Brothen wins gold in skiing.
  • Celebrates by dancing samba-style and dedicates win to his mother’s homeland, Brazil.
  • Nora Ram: "Brazil is celebrating its first medal of the Winter Olympics." (04:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kaya Kalis (EU Foreign Policy Chief) – On Russian negotiations:

  "Russia's maximalist demands cannot be met with minimalist response." (00:56)

• Donald Trump, on voting:

  "We should take over the voting, the voting in at least many 15 places." (01:36)

• Jacob Fry (Minneapolis Mayor) – On economic aftermath:

  "The operations have cost the City More than $200 million, including lost wages and hotel cancellations." (02:26)

• Windsor Johnston – On ongoing effects post-ICE:

  "The damage caused by this operation has been staggering." (02:35)

• Steve Futterman, on Mikaela Shiffrin:

  "The streak has continued so far. Here in Italy, Shiffrin has one more event on her Olympic schedule, the women's slalom on Wednesday. That's considered her strongest event." (04:15–04:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• EU/Ukraine & Russia – 00:16–01:06
• US Election Debate (Trump and experts) – 01:27–02:14
• ICE in Minnesota – 02:14–02:59
• Air Travel & Homeland Security Shutdown – 03:11–03:48
• Olympic Coverage (Shiffrin, Brazil gold) – 03:48–04:55

This episode offers a tight yet comprehensive sweep of top stories, balancing geopolitical developments with pressing domestic issues and notable sports milestones, all delivered in NPR's factual, informative tone.