NPR News Now – February 16, 2026, 2AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of breaking political, international, and sports news, highlighting key developments in U.S. political maneuverings around congressional maps, global diplomatic shifts, and major sporting achievements.

Major Stories & Key Insights

1. Democrats Mobilize for Virginia Redistricting Ballot Measure

• [00:16] Dale Willman introduces the story: National Democratic leaders plan to invest millions in a Virginia ballot measure that could allow the party to redraw the state’s congressional map.
• [00:39] Ashley Lopez clarifies the recent Virginia Supreme Court decision, which permits Democrats to put the map-redrawing measure to a vote.
  • The measure could enable Democrats to gain as many as four seats.
  • Reference to previous GOP redistricting efforts: "GOP leaders in Texas, North Carolina and Missouri redrew their congressional maps at President Trump's urging last year."
  • Special Election: Set for April in Virginia.
• Notable Quote:
  • [00:56] Hakeem Jeffries (House Minority Leader):

    "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."

2. Geopolitical Tensions and Greenland's Security

• [01:21] Dale Willman notes the conclusion of the Munich Security Conference, highlighting President Trump’s calls for U.S. control of Greenland, citing threats from Russia and China.
• [01:38] Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederick Nielsen responds:
  • He questions the narrative of increased regional threats.
  • Notable Quote:
    • [01:38] Jens Frederick Nielsen:

      "Terms of the threats in our region and the threats from Russia and China, the paradox is the Greenlandic people has never felt threatened, and the first time they felt unsafe for real or one with an ally talked about acquiring them."

• [01:56] NATO begins an Arctic mission to decrease regional tensions.

3. China Expands Visa-Free Policy

• [01:56] Coverage shifts to China’s tourism-boosting strategy.
• [02:25] Emily Feng reports that China now allows 30-day visa-free entry for Canadian and British citizens.
  • This follows meetings between Xi Jinping and leaders from these nations.
  • U.S. citizens are not included in the waiver, though a 10-year visa agreement remains in effect.
  • U.S.—China travel and educational exchanges remain significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.
  • Interesting Fact: "Some 11,000 US students were studying in China the year before the pandemic and now only a few hundred go each year."

4. European Security Conference – U.S.-Europe Relations

• [03:12] Dale Willman reports that European leaders at the Munich conference pushed back on Trump administration criticisms.
  • Kaja Kallas (Estonian Prime Minister) rejects claims that Europe faces "civilizational erasure" and speaks out against "European bashing."
  • Occurring one day after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments on U.S.-European unity.

5. U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team Advances

• [03:51] Becky Sullivan recaps Team USA’s Olympic hockey success in Milan:
  • Undefeated in group play (wins against Latvia, Denmark, Germany).
  • Outscored opponents 16–5.
  • First Olympic Games in 12 years allowing NHL participation.
  • Star Performers:
    • Auston Matthews (2 goals vs Germany, 3 overall)
    • Brady Tkachuk (2 goals, physical play)
    • Connor Hellebock (stellar goaltending)
  • Next Game: Quarterfinals versus winner of Sweden vs Latvia (Sweden favored).
  • Historical Context: Last potential U.S. gold since "Miracle on Ice" (1980).

6. Daytona 500 Victory – A Last-Lap Surprise

• [04:35] Dale Willman delivers the Daytona 500 result:
  • Tyler Redick wins after leading only the final lap.
  • Victory occurs after rival Chase Elliott crashes.
  • Redick races for a team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.

Notable Quotes

• [00:56] Hakeem Jeffries (House Minority Leader, D-NY):

  "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."

• [01:38] Jens Frederick Nielsen (Prime Minister of Greenland):

  "Terms of the threats in our region and the threats from Russia and China, the paradox is the Greenlandic people has never felt threatened, and the first time they felt unsafe for real or one with an ally talked about acquiring them."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Virginia Redistricting Effort: 00:16 – 01:21
• Greenland & Arctic Security: 01:21 – 01:56
• China’s Visa-Free Policy Expansion: 01:56 – 03:12
• Munich Security Conference & EU/US Friction: 03:12 – 03:51
• Olympic Hockey Results: 03:51 – 04:35
• Daytona 500 Recap: 04:35 – 04:54

Episode Tone & Style:
Serious, precise, and information-dense with global coverage, maintaining NPR’s straightforward and non-sensational delivery style.

Useful for:
Anyone seeking a concise, up-to-date overview of U.S. political maneuvers, global security issues, diplomatic shifts, and significant sports events as of February 16, 2026.