NPR News Now: 02-15-2026 6PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: February 15, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Brief Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major national and international stories as of February 15, 2026. Topics include an ongoing partial government shutdown over immigration policy, Democratic efforts to influence redistricting in Virginia, Israel’s expansion of state lands in the West Bank, a historic Winter Olympics medal record, and highlights from the weekend box office.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Homeland Security Partial Shutdown & Immigration Policy (00:21–01:15)

• The Department of Homeland Security remains partially shut down after legislative conflict.
• Congressional Democrats demand changes to immigration agent conduct: no masks, no racial profiling, mandatory identification.
• Context: Last month's shooting of two U.S. citizens by immigration agents in Minnesota intensified the debate.
• Congress left for a one-week recess without resolving the issue.
• Notable quote:

  "I'll let the White House and members of Congress, you know, fight that out. But 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. You know, why don't they talk about maybe passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents... The masks right now are for officer safety reasons."
  — Tom Holman, White House Border Czar [00:52]

• Over 1,000 agents have already left Minnesota, with more departures expected.

2. Virginia Redistricting Ballot Measure (01:23–02:24)

• Democrats plan a multi-million dollar campaign for a ballot measure in Virginia, seeking to redraw congressional lines in their favor.
• The Virginia Supreme Court permitted the ballot measure, allowing potential gain of up to four new Democratic-leaning seats.
• Context: Republican-led states redrew maps last year at President Trump’s urging.
• Virginia’s special election is set for April.
• Notable quote:

  "We will spend tens of millions of dollars to make sure that the Republicans do not successfully manipulate voters in Virginia and that voters have all of the information necessary to make a decision."
  — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, via CNN [01:57]

3. Israeli Cabinet Expands State Land in West Bank (02:24–03:13)

• Israel approves registering more land in the occupied West Bank as state land.
• Critics claim this will hinder Palestinian land claims and threaten prospects for a future Palestinian state.
• This measure builds on recent steps to entrench Israeli control.
• President Trump opposes formal annexation but has not blocked these incremental steps, focusing instead on Gaza.
• Trump reports $5 billion in international pledges for Gaza and peacekeeping.
• Lethal Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continue.
• Notable moment:

  "Critics of the decision said Palestinians would find it hard to prove land ownership under the Israeli criteria."
  — Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv [02:31]

4. Winter Olympics Record: Johannes Hossflek Klabow (03:17–04:10)

• Norwegian skier Johannes Hossflek Klabow becomes the most decorated Winter Olympics gold medalist with 9 wins.
• Klabow contributed to Norway’s victory in the men’s 4x 7.5 km relay.
• He still has two events remaining in Italy this year and is favored in both.
• All-time Olympic gold record remains Michael Phelps’ 23 medals.
• Notable quote:

  "Feels amazing. I'm really proud of what I've achieved and it's also special to do this together with the team."
  — Johannes Hossflek Klabow [03:49]

5. Weekend Box Office Highlights (04:10–04:46)

• #1: “Wuthering Heights” (Emerald Fennel’s reimagining) tops with $34M. Stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
• #2: “Goat” (animated basketball feature), produced by Steph Curry, earns $26M domestic and $47M globally.
• #3: “Crime 101” (heist thriller) opens with $15M.
• Short segment, emphasizing popularity and cultural shifts in film trends.

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• Tom Holman on agent safety and policy demands:

  "...The masks right now are for officer safety reasons." [00:52]

• Hakeem Jeffries on Virginia ballot measure:

  "We will spend tens of millions of dollars..." [01:57]

• Daniel Estrin on Israeli cabinet decision:

  "Critics of the decision said Palestinians would find it hard to prove land ownership..." [02:31]

• Johannes Hossflek Klabow on Olympic achievement:

  "Feels amazing. I'm really proud of what I've achieved..." [03:49]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Partial DHS shutdown, immigration debate: 00:21–01:15
• Virginia redistricting ballot campaign: 01:23–02:24
• Israel expands state land in West Bank: 02:24–03:13
• Winter Olympics historic gold: 03:17–04:10
• Weekend box office results: 04:10–04:46

This five-minute newscast provides a rapid, comprehensive survey of top headlines with brief analysis and key voices quoted directly. The tone is journalistic and urgent, reflecting the evolving stories dominating the news cycle on February 15, 2026.