NPR News Now – February 16, 2026, 9PM EST

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise five-minute briefing on major national and international developments. Key stories include the Department of Homeland Security's partial shutdown amid Congressional gridlock, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic tour in Eastern Europe, Barack Obama's response to a racist video from former President Trump, Team USA’s Olympic hockey performance, and the anniversary of Larry the Cat at 10 Downing Street.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Partial DHS Shutdown Over Immigration Oversight

• [00:00] The Department of Homeland Security enters its second day of a partial shutdown due to Congressional inaction.
  • Democrats are demanding reforms on the conduct of immigration agents before approving funding. Requested changes include visible IDs and bans on mask-wearing during operations.
  • Tensions are high after two U.S. citizens were killed by ICE in Minnesota.
  • Congress adjourned for a week without reaching an agreement.

Tom Holman (White House Border Czar):

• [00:46] “I think some of the asks are just…unreasonable because there is no racial profiling… the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.”
• Holman notes that over 1,000 immigration agents have left Minnesota and more departures are expected.

2. Secretary of State Rubio’s Eastern Europe Diplomatic Trip

• [01:10] Rubio visits Slovakia and Hungary amid mounting concern over relations with Russia.
  • Rubio faces questions about not co-signing a European inquiry into Alexei Navalny’s alleged poisoning by Russia.

Rubio (via Michelle Kellermann reporting):

• [01:33] “The five allies came to their own conclusions based on their own intelligence reports... 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 admits the findings were “troubling.”
• Russia continues to deny any involvement in Navalny’s 2024 death.

3. Obama Addresses Trump’s Racist Video

• [02:13] Obama speaks out about a racist video shared by former President Trump.
  • In conversation with progressive YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama laments the eroding standards in American political discourse.

Barack Obama:

• [02:23] “There’s, quote, this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television.”
• [02:36] “There doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office.”
• Obama adds hope: Americans are responding to divisive rhetoric by reaffirming national values.

4. U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Dominates Group Stage

• [03:11] Team USA wins its first three hockey matches in Milan, including a 5–1 victory over Germany.
• It’s the first Olympics in 12 years with NHL players participating.
  • Auston Matthews: 2 goals against Germany, 3 in total
  • Brady Tkachuk: 2 goals, multiple big hits
  • Connor Hellebuyck: Only 2 goals allowed over 2 games
• [03:31] Team USA advances directly to the quarterfinals; next opponent depends on Sweden vs. Latvia, with Sweden favored.

5. Larry the Cat Celebrates 15 Years at 10 Downing Street

• [04:16] Larry, the famed "mouser in chief," marks 15 years at the UK Prime Minister’s residence.
  • Adopted by then-PM David Cameron.
  • Has outlasted six Prime Ministers.
  • Official duties include “catching rodents, greeting house guests, and testing antique furniture for napping.”
  • Still welcomed at the iconic black door after ventures outside.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Tom Holman [00:46]: “Some of the asks are just … unreasonable … the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.”
• Secretary Rubio [01:55]: “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.”
• Barack Obama [02:23]: “There’s, quote, this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television.”
• Barack Obama [02:36]: “There doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office.”
• Jeanine Hurst on Larry the Cat [04:16]: “His duties include rodent catching, greeting house guests and testing out antique furniture for its napping qualities.”

Timestamps for Main Segments

• [00:00] – DHS Shutdown and Congressional Dispute
• [00:46] – Tom Holman’s Response/Agent Safety
• [01:10] – Rubio in Eastern Europe/Navalny Investigation
• [02:13] – Obama on Trump Video & American Values
• [03:11] – Team USA Olympic Hockey Overview
• [04:16] – Larry the Cat’s 15th Anniversary

This five-minute news briefing efficiently distills urgent national issues, international relations, sports triumphs, and even a touch of British whimsy for listeners on the go.