NPR News Now: February 15, 2026, 4PM EST

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers the key news updates from around the world, focusing on diplomatic developments in Eastern Europe, U.S. domestic enforcement controversies, Western water negotiations, and standout moments from the Winter Olympics. The episode maintains NPR’s characteristic concise reporting while providing a snapshot of the day’s most pressing issues.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Eastern Europe Visit & Navalny Poisoning Report

• Rubio begins a two-day trip to Slovakia and Hungary, EU countries with pro-Russia tendencies and dependence on Russian energy.
  • [00:38] NPR's Michelle Kellerman highlights the significance of the visit due to recent reports about the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
  • When asked why the U.S. didn't join European allies in an investigation into Navalny's suspected poisoning, Rubio said decisions were based on their own intelligence.
    • Quote [01:00] (Rubio): “We don’t have any reason to question it or we’re not disputing or getting into a fight with these countries over it. But it was their report and they put that out there.”
  • Rubio described the findings as “troubling.” Russia continues to deny involvement in Navalny's death.
    • Quote [01:06] (Kellerman): “Rubio says their findings were troubling. Russia has denied responsibility for Navalny's death two years ago in a Siberian prison.”

2. Withdrawal of Federal Agents from Minneapolis

• The White House’s border enforcement chief, Tom Homan, announces most federal agents will be removed from Minneapolis after controversy over fatal enforcement operations.
  • [01:18] The killings led to calls for accountability, with Democrats demanding agents wear identification, stop wearing masks, and end detentions on racial grounds.
  • [01:47] Homan rejects these demands and insists on the necessity of masks for officer safety.
    • Quote [01:47] (Homan): “I think some of the asks are just, I think they’re unreasonable because there is no racial profiling. There is identifying marks, but masks...why don’t they talk about maybe passing legislation, they make it illegal to dox agents or something like that. But the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.”
  • The controversy has significant local impacts, with Minneapolis losing more than $200 million in wages and hotel cancellations.
    • Quote [02:10] (Host): “Local officials say it will take some time to recover from the operation. They say Minneapolis has lost more than $200 million in wages and hotel cancellations.”

3. Colorado River Water Negotiations Collapse

• [02:34] Talks among leaders of Western states using the Colorado River fail to produce a new water-sharing agreement.
  • Arizona’s Tom Buschatsky expresses frustration over rejected proposals from lower-basin states.
    • Quote [02:46] (Buschatsky): “It is frustrating to me that we haven't been able to bridge gaps, and it's probably frustrating to them, too.”
  • If no deal is reached before current arrangements expire in October, the federal government may impose deep water cutbacks, likely resulting in lawsuits.

4. Brazil’s Historic Olympic Gold Medal

• [03:11] Amid Carnival, Brazil celebrates its first-ever Winter Olympics medal — a gold in giant slalom by Lucas Pinero Brasin.
  • [03:35] In a vibrant moment, Brasin credits his athletic inspiration to soccer, not skiing, and celebrates with a samba dance on the podium.
    • Quote [03:35] (Carrie Khan): “Yes, it does snow in parts of Brazil's far south occasionally. But Lucas Pinero Brasin credits his childhood in Brazil playing soccer for building his passion for sports, not skiing.”
  • The Brazilian president calls Brasin “an inspiration,” stating, “That quote widens the horizon for Brazilian sport.”
  • The country celebrates “Brazil's Ocar do Ski — its skiing dude,” even as Carnival continues under sunny skies.

5. Michaela Shiffrin’s Olympic Challenges

• [04:25] American skier Michaela Shiffrin continues a winless streak in this Olympics, missing the podium in giant slalom.
  • Once a multi-gold medalist, Shiffrin has struggled in recent Games; her last chance at a medal will come in the women’s slalom.
    • Quote [04:25] (Host): “She entered as a favorite in the Olympics in 2022, but left empty handed. Shiffrin has one more event, the women’s slalom on Wednesday that is considered to be her strongest event.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rubio on Navalny Investigation:
  • “We don’t have any reason to question it or we’re not disputing or getting into a fight with these countries over it. But it was their report and they put that out there.” (Marco Rubio, 01:00)
• Tom Homan Defends Enforcement Tactics:
  • “There is no racial profiling. There is identifying marks, but masks...But the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.” (Tom Homan, 01:47)
• Western States Stalemate:
  • “It is frustrating to me that we haven't been able to bridge gaps, and it's probably frustrating to them, too.” (Tom Buschatsky, 02:46)
• Brazil Celebrates Olympic Gold:
  • “Lucas Pinero Brasin credits his childhood in Brazil playing soccer for building his passion for sports, not skiing.” (Carrie Khan, 03:35)
  • “That quote widens the horizon for Brazilian sport.” (Statement from Brazil’s President, reported by Carrie Khan, 03:57)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Rubio Visit & Navalny Investigation: 00:00 – 01:18
• Minneapolis Federal Agent Controversy: 01:18 – 02:10
• Colorado River Water Dispute: 02:10 – 03:11
• Brazil’s Olympic Gold: 03:11 – 04:25
• Shiffrin’s Olympic Performance: 04:25 – 04:55

This episode captures a day rich in international diplomacy, American policy debate, critical resource negotiations, and the emotional highs and lows of Olympic competition — all delivered with NPR’s trademark clarity and depth.