NPR News Now: 02-15-2026 6AM EST — Summary

Overview
This episode provides a concise update on major national and international news stories as of the morning of February 15, 2026. In just under five minutes, NPR News Now covers the ongoing U.S. government shutdown's effects, massive protests in Toronto in solidarity with Iran, the U.S. participation in a WHO flu vaccine meeting despite policy tensions, changes at the U.S. Census Bureau, a Valentine’s Day marriage event in Colorado, and severe weather in Northern California.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown Impact on Travelers

• [00:15–01:05]
  • Department of Homeland Security shutdown: TSA agents are working without pay, risking delays at airports.
  • The shutdown affects multiple critical agencies: Secret Service, FEMA, CISA (cybersecurity), TSA, and the Coast Guard.
  • Congressman Andrew Garbarino emphasizes the risk to national safety:

    "It's Secret Service, FEMA, CISA...as well as the TSA officials that work at our airports, Coast Guard, they are all going to go to work without being paid. And the shutdown, the way it is now, I actually think makes our country less safe." (Rep. Andrew Garbarino, 00:47)

  • Reason for the deadlock: Congress remains stalled over reforms to immigration enforcement.

2. Toronto’s Massive Protest for Iran Regime Change

• [01:05–02:15]
  • Hundreds of thousands protest in Toronto, calling for recognition of Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi.
    • Police originally expected 200,000; crowd nearly doubled.
    • Event was part of a global day of action.
    • Protesters carried the pre-1979 Iranian flag; chants of “King Reza Pahlavi” heard.
    • Intended to raise international awareness and stand in solidarity with those in Iran.
  • Notable insight on the protest's significance:

    "It was part of a global day of action called by Reza Pahlavi, Iran's exiled crown prince, as similar rallies took place in major cities around the world." (Dan Karpenschuk, 01:32)

3. U.S. to Participate in WHO Flu Vaccine Meeting Despite Withdrawal

• [02:15–03:13]
  • WHO hosts biannual meetings to decide flu vaccine strains.
    • Uncertainty existed over U.S. participation after its official WHO exit, but involvement confirmed.
    • Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove (WHO) confirms:

      "The meeting will take place at the end of this month, and yes, the US Is participating." (Maria Van Kerkhove, 02:58)

    • Continued scientific engagement signals readiness for cooperation on public health despite political disagreements.
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services backs this up.

4. Census Bureau Budget Cuts and Civil Rights Concerns

• [03:13–03:56]
  • Major cuts planned at the Census Bureau.
    • Impacts: Removing some rural communities, reducing support for non-English languages.
    • Civil rights groups warn this could lower participation and threaten accuracy of data used for redistricting and federal funding in 2030.
    • Significant for resource allocation and political representation.

5. Valentine’s Day Mass Wedding Event in Colorado

• [03:56–04:36]
  • Over 30 couples participated in a public vow-renewal ceremony near Denver as part of a recent tradition.
    • Stories of couples married for 50 years, meeting on TikTok, or traveling from afar.
    • Heartwarming quote:

      "The mountains, I'm drawn to them, like my family in South Carolina. The ocean's beautiful. They're in Charleston." (Julie Shaw, 04:17)

    • Celebrates enduring and new love in a unique Colorado setting.

6. Northern California Winter Storm Warning

• [04:36–04:54]
  • National Weather Service alerts to heavy snowfall in Sierra Nevada and nearby ski resorts.
    • Travel expected to be significantly affected; some communities brace for several feet of snow.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Congressman Andrew Garbarino on agency workers during shutdown

  "The shutdown, the way it is now, I actually think makes our country less safe." (00:47)

• WHO Official on U.S. Participation

  "The meeting will take place at the end of this month, and yes, the US Is participating." (Maria Van Kerkhove, 02:58)

• Julie Shaw on renewing vows in Colorado

  "The mountains, I'm drawn to them, like my family in South Carolina. The ocean's beautiful. They're in Charleston." (Julie Shaw, 04:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:15 — Shutdown impacts on airport delays and safety
• 01:05 — Congressional deadlock over immigration enforcement
• 01:32 — Toronto protest for Iran regime change
• 02:15 — U.S. to join WHO flu vaccine strain selection
• 03:13 — Census Bureau budget cuts and civil rights concerns
• 03:56 — Valentine’s Day group wedding event in Colorado
• 04:36 — Northern California winter storm warning

This five-minute episode succinctly summarizes rapidly developing news stories with attention to national, international, and human interest headlines.