NPR News Now – February 16, 2026, 1PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This midday news update from NPR covers key national and international stories, including the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, shifting immigration enforcement in Minnesota, new allegations about the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, updates on diplomatic negotiations regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear program, changing chocolate prices, and market closures due to holidays.

Key Discussion Points

1. Department of Homeland Security Shutdown

[00:18–01:11]

• The DHS remains largely shut down after Congress fails to approve its budget, now entering a third day of closure.

• FEMA, a critical agency under DHS, is impacted—though it can still respond to emergencies, there are expected delays in reimbursements and in providing technical assistance/grant support for disaster preparedness.

• Quote:

  • “FEMA also provides funding to help jurisdictions with technical assistance on helping them write their plans or administer their grants... And so that funding is not part of this disaster relief fund and that funding would not be able to be used until they can come to a budget agreement.” — Diane Criswell, former FEMA Administrator [00:45]

• Congress is now recessed for a week, putting any resolution on hold.

2. Changes in Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota

[01:11–02:14]

• President Trump’s border adviser, Tom Homan, says that after a crackdown, most federal immigration agents are withdrawing from Minnesota.
• Over a thousand agents have already left, with several hundred to follow, leaving behind only a “small” force for specific investigations and to address any unrest.
• Homan hopes even this contingent can depart soon, though he did not specify its exact size.
• Quote:
  • “...an additional security force would stay to protect immigration agents, to respond when they get surrounded by agitators and things get out of control.” — Reported summary of Tom Homan’s remarks [01:54]
• Continuing concerns about protests disrupting church services and alleged fraud investigations.

3. New European Report: Navalny Was Poisoned

[02:14–03:12]

• A European report claims Alexei Navalny (died in Arctic prison, 2024) was poisoned with epibetidine, a rare toxin, found via conclusive analyses of his remains.
• The report implicates the Russian government as the only party with means, motive, and opportunity.
• The US acknowledges the European findings, but Russia, via spokesman Dmitry Peskov, dismisses the evidence as “biased and unfounded,” standing by its claim of natural causes.
• Quote:
  • “...analyses of samples from Navalny's remains conclusively showed traces of epibetidine, a toxin found in poisonous frogs in South America.” — Charles Maynes reporting [02:38]
• No criminal investigation from Russian authorities has been initiated.

4. Diplomatic Negotiations: Ukraine and Iran

[03:12–03:49]

• Ukrainian, Russian, and US negotiators are in Geneva for another round of peace talks as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches.
• Separately, the US and Iran are set to resume indirect talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
• Today saw a meeting between Iran’s top nuclear negotiator and the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog.

5. Chocolate Prices

[03:49–04:27]

• Chocolate prices in the US are up 14% year-on-year, despite a 50% drop in global cocoa prices due to improved weather in West Africa.
• Factors slowing relief for consumers:
  • Long-term corporate contracts delay price adjustments
  • Ongoing US tariffs on European chocolate
• Industry analysts foresee potential price stability or savings for consumers only by 2027.
• Quote:
  • “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 [04:12]

6. Market and Economic Updates

[04:27–04:56]

• US stock markets are closed for President’s Day.
• Upcoming: Commerce Department to release Q4 GDP data; Walmart will release quarterly earnings.
• Asian market closures (Beijing, Seoul) for Lunar New Year.

Notable Quotes

• Diane Criswell on FEMA Funding:

  • “It also, you know, provides funding for mitigation projects. And so that funding is not part of this disaster relief fund and that funding would not be able to be used until they can come to a budget agreement.” [00:57]

• Charles Maynes reporting on Navalny:

  • “The report notes that only Russia's government had the means, motive and opportunity to administer the poison to Navalny while he was serving out a lengthy prison sentence...” [02:44]

• Amy Held on Chocolate Prices:

  • “The bittersweet news: love for chocolate may be constant, but the market is volatile and between levies and climate change, prices could surge again.” [04:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• DHS Shutdown/FEMA Funding – 00:18–01:11
• Minnesota Immigration Enforcement Changes – 01:11–02:14
• Navalny Poisoning Report – 02:14–03:12
• Ukraine-Russia and Iran Talks – 03:12–03:49
• Chocolate Prices Analysis – 03:49–04:27
• Market Closures and Reports – 04:27–04:56

This episode delivers a concise but thorough overview of urgent national security, foreign policy, and consumer economic issues as they stood at midday, February 16, 2026.