NPR News Now — 02-16-2026 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now update delivers key headlines from around the world in under five minutes. Major stories include the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, diplomatic maneuvers around Ukraine, former President Obama’s response to Trump’s controversial social media activity, severe weather across the US, developments in West Bank land registration, the US Men's Hockey Team’s Winter Olympics success, and box office highlights led by a new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Update on Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

[00:18 – 00:48]

• Savannah Guthrie’s Plea: “In it, she said her family still has hope for their mother, Nancy, who disappeared from her home two weeks ago. And Guth urged anyone with information about her mother to do the right thing.” – Dale Willman [00:18]
• Investigation Update: Police discovered a glove near Nancy Guthrie’s home matching those seen on a masked individual. The glove is currently undergoing DNA testing.

2. Slovakia's Pitch for Ukraine Peace Talks

[00:48 – 01:57]

• Diplomatic Developments: Slovakia, via Prime Minister Robert Fico, offered to host Ukraine peace negotiations, positioning itself diplomatically despite a pro-Russia tilt.
• International Perspective: “Fizzo praised Rubio’s boss, President Trump, as a, quote, very pragmatic and rational leader, once again dismissing reports that he told some EU leaders that he was worried about Trump’s mental state during a visit in Florida last month.” – Michel Kellerman [01:34]
• US Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled positive interest during his visit.

3. Obama Responds to Trump’s Racist Video

[01:57 – 02:43]

• Criticism of Political Climate:
  • “There’s, quote, this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television. He also said many Americans find this behavior deeply troubling.” – Chandelyse Duster, summarizing Obama [02:08]
  • “What is true is that 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, Right? So that’s been lost…” – Brian Tyler Cohen, echoing Obama’s sentiment [02:21]
• Hopeful Note: Obama referenced Americans’ desire to stay true to national values, particularly during controversies about immigration.

4. Severe Weather in California and the Southeast

[02:55 – 03:17]

• California: Facing a winter storm with thunderstorms, damaging winds, and heavy northern snowfall.
• Louisiana: Southeast storm brought tornado watches, power outages, and infrastructure damage: “High winds toppled power poles and damaged an airport jet bridge.” – Dale Willman [03:05]

5. Israeli Land Policy Shifts in West Bank

[03:17 – 03:35]

• Land Registration Policy: Israel initiates a land registration process in the occupied West Bank, enabling authorities to reclassify land as state property—a move criticized for possibly leading to large appropriations.

6. US Men’s Hockey Team at the Winter Olympics

[03:49 – 04:29]

• Dominant Victory: The US remains undefeated after a 5-1 win against Germany, with Auston Matthews scoring two goals.
• Upcoming Matchups: US advances to quarterfinals and will face Sweden or Latvia.
• Canadian Team Update: Canada continues to dominate, outscoring opponents 20-3 across three games.
• Quote: “The US never trailed, scoring once in the first period, two more times in the second… Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs led the US with two goals.” – Steve Futterman [03:49]

7. “Wuthering Heights” Box Office Triumph

[04:29 – 04:57]

• Strong Opening Weekend: Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” debuted at number one, with 76% of its audience being women.
• Box Office Numbers: $34.8M for “Wuthering Heights,” $26M for “Goat,” and $15.1M for “Crime 101.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Political Decorum:
  • Brian Tyler Cohen [02:21]:

    “What is true is that 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, Right? So that’s been lost...”

• On Ongoing Hope:
  • Dale Willman [00:18]:

    “Guthrie posted a new message to Instagram Sunday. In it, she said her family still has hope for their mother, Nancy…”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Update: [00:18 – 00:48]
• Ukraine Diplomacy & Slovakia's Role: [00:48 – 01:57]
• Obama on Trump’s Racist Video/Political Decorum: [01:57 – 02:43]
• Severe Weather (California/Southeast): [02:55 – 03:17]
• Israel West Bank Land Registration: [03:17 – 03:35]
• US Men’s Olympic Hockey Update: [03:49 – 04:29]
• Box Office Recap: [04:29 – 04:57]

This episode concisely delivers core updates on urgent news, global events, North American weather, sports, and cultural highlights in NPR’s signature straightforward tone. Ideal for listeners seeking the latest facts with efficient context.