NPR News Now – 02-16-2026 10AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Release Date: February 16, 2026
Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on the day’s top global and national news, including diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war, North Korea’s military involvement, U.S. market closures for President's Day, and stories on chocolate price volatility and AI copyright disputes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diplomatic Talks to End the Ukraine War

• Mediation Efforts: Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials gather in Switzerland for new negotiations, as the Russian invasion nears its fourth year.

• U.S. Delegation: President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are leading the U.S. delegation.

• Varied U.S. Perspectives: While Witkoff and Kushner are reportedly optimistic, Secretary of State Marco Rubio presents a more skeptical stance during remarks at the Munich Security Conference.

  "The answer is we don't know. We don't know the Russians are serious about ending the war."
  — Secretary of State Marco Rubio [00:54]

• Upcoming Events: Talks in Geneva begin Tuesday.

2. North Korean Troops in Ukraine

• Casualties: South Korean intelligence estimates 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russia.

• Pyongyang's Response: North Korea has constructed a memorial wall, museum, and new housing for families of the war’s casualties.

• Leadership’s Personal Touch: Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his teenage daughter, met with bereaved families to honor their sacrifice.

  “Kim said in a speech the homes were meant to honor the spirit and sacrifice of the troops and to allow their families to live happily.”
  — Ashish Valentine [01:30–02:15]

3. U.S. and International Market Updates

• Market Closures: U.S. stock markets are closed for President’s Day; Beijing and Seoul also closed ahead of Lunar New Year.

• Overseas Markets: Hong Kong stocks rose in a shortened session, while Tokyo markets fell after weak Japanese economic data.

• Economic Outlook: Investors await U.S. GDP data and inflation reports due Friday.

• Corporate Focus: Walmart will release earnings Thursday, marking the first report under new CEO John Furner.

  “This will be Walmart's first quarterly report since John Furner took over as CEO.”
  — Scott Horsley [02:26–03:06]

4. Poll: Public Disapproval of Trump's Greenland Policy

• Findings: A new poll by AP and NORC finds 70% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of Greenland, exceeding disapproval on other foreign policy issues.
• Approval: Only 24% approve.

5. Chocolate Price Volatility

• Market Trends: Chocolate prices have risen 14% year-on-year, despite a significant fall in global cocoa prices.

• Reasons: Price discrepancies are due to delayed contract adjustments, tariffs on European chocolates, and ongoing market volatility.

• Looking Ahead: Analysts anticipate cost savings may finally reach consumers by 2027.

  “The bittersweet news, love for chocolate may be constant, but the market is volatile and between levies and climate change, prices could surge again.”
  — Amy Held [03:39–04:18]

6. AI & Intellectual Property Dispute: ByteDance’s Sea Dance

• AI Video Generator Scrutiny: ByteDance’s Sea Dance faces allegations from Disney and Paramount for unauthorized use of copyrighted content in its AI training process.

• Company’s Response: ByteDance claims to be strengthening safeguards to prevent misuse.

  "ByteDance says it's taking steps to prevent the unauthorized use of intellectual property on its AI video generator, Sea Dance."
  — Windsor Johnston [04:18]

Notable Quotes

• "The answer is we don't know. We don't know the Russians are serious about ending the war."
  — Secretary of State Marco Rubio (00:54)

• "Kim said in a speech the homes were meant to honor the spirit and sacrifice of the troops and to allow their families to live happily."
  — Ashish Valentine (01:30–02:15)

• "This will be Walmart's first quarterly report since John Furner took over as CEO."
  — Scott Horsley (02:26–03:06)

• "The bittersweet news, love for chocolate may be constant, but the market is volatile and between levies and climate change, prices could surge again."
  — Amy Held (03:39–04:18)

• "ByteDance says it's taking steps to prevent the unauthorized use of intellectual property on its AI video generator, Sea Dance."
  — Windsor Johnston (04:18)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ukraine War Negotiations Update: [00:16–01:09]
• North Korean Losses in Ukraine: [01:09–02:15]
• Global Market/Earnings Preview: [02:15–03:06]
• Trump’s Greenland Polling: [03:06–03:39]
• Chocolate Price Analysis: [03:39–04:18]
• ByteDance IP/AI Dispute: [04:18–04:55]

This brief yet impactful episode delivers critical world, economic, and industry news with clarity and urgency in NPR’s signature style.