NPR News Now - 02-16-2026, 2PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm
Date: February 16, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise updates on major national and international developments. Topics include the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, early voting and political battles in Texas, US-Iran nuclear talks, Olympic athletes’ resilience, diplomatic meetings in Hungary, the passing of actor Robert Duvall, and a President's Day reflection from George W. Bush.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DHS Shutdown and Budget Impasse

[00:15–00:59]

• Situation: Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expired last week, prompting a partial government shutdown.
• Political Stalemate:
  • Democrats push for restrictions on immigration law enforcement.
  • Republicans argue Democratic demands are “unreasonable,” including the requirement for judicial warrants for certain enforcement operations.
• Prospects: With lawmakers leaving D.C. for a week, there’s little movement toward a resolution.
• Quote:
  • “The two sides are still very far apart.” – Sam Greenglass ([00:39])

2. Texas Senate Primary: Cornyn Faces Tough Opposition

[00:59–01:48]

• Background: Early voting in Texas begins, with Republican Senator John Cornyn seeking a fifth term.
• Major Opponents:
  • State Attorney General Ken Paxton (leading/tied in most polls for a year).
  • Congressman Wesley Hunt, who criticizes opponents’ focus on fame and fundraising.
• Primary Outlook: No candidate is expected to clinch a majority in the March 3rd primary, likely resulting in a May runoff.
• Quote:
  • “My opponents ... just want to join those ranks of performance artists who want to ... become famous, get the most clicks on social media and raise money. But the job entails a whole lot more than that.” – Wesley Hunt ([01:31])

3. US-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume

[02:01–02:37]

• Context: Talks begin in Geneva between US and Iranian representatives.
• Sticking Points:
  • US suspects Iran's nuclear ambitions are not peaceful.
  • Iran asserts its program is peaceful but may consider compromises if US sanctions are lifted.
• Ongoing Negotiations: Both sides express conditional willingness to move forward.

4. Olympians and Athletic Resilience: Ilia Malinin’s Story

[02:37–03:11]

• Story: US skater Ilia Malinin struggled at the Olympics but looks to rebound at the World Championships.
• Insight: Sports psychologists emphasize the importance of recovery and resilience after high-profile failures.
• Anecdote: Nathan Chen, US figure skater, overcame his own Olympic disappointment to win gold in a later cycle.
• Quote:
  • “The phenomenon of athletes getting the yips or twisties is actually highly studied. And sports psychologists say it’s crucial for athletes to recover and heal ... to come back even stronger.” – Rachel Treisman ([02:37])

5. Diplomacy: Secretary Rubio Meets Viktor Orban

[03:11–03:42]

• Event: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest.
• Highlights: Rubio endorses Orban, citing his close relationship with President Trump.

6. Remembering Robert Duvall

[03:42–04:21]

• Obituary: Legendary actor Robert Duvall has died at 95.
• Career Highlights:
  • Starred as Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962), Tom Hagen in “The Godfather,” and Lt. Col. Kilgore in “Apocalypse Now.”
• Notable Moment:
  • “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” – Robert Duvall as Lt. Col. Kilgore ([04:06])
• Accolades: Seven-time Oscar nominee, won Best Actor for “Tender Mercies” (1983).

7. President’s Day Reflection on George Washington

[04:21–04:55]

• Contribution: Former President George W. Bush pens essay on George Washington for a bipartisan democracy renewal project.
• Message: Bush emphasizes Washington’s restraint, preventing America from becoming a monarchy.
• Quote:
  • “Washington could have remained all powerful, but twice chose not to, that he ensured that America wouldn’t become a monarchy, or as he put it, worse.” – Nora Ramm paraphrasing George W. Bush ([04:41])

Notable Quotes

• “The two sides are still very far apart.” – Sam Greenglass ([00:39])
• “My opponents ... just want to join those ranks of performance artists who want to ... become famous, get the most clicks on social media and raise money.” – Wesley Hunt ([01:31])
• “The phenomenon of athletes getting the yips or twisties is actually highly studied. And sports psychologists say it’s crucial for athletes to recover and heal ... to come back even stronger.” – Rachel Treisman ([02:37])
• “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” – Robert Duvall as Lt. Col. Kilgore ([04:06])
• “Washington could have remained all powerful, but twice chose not to, that he ensured that America wouldn’t become a monarchy, or as he put it, worse.” – Nora Ramm (paraphrasing Bush, [04:41])

Timeline of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:15 | DHS Shutdown and Congressional Budget Stalemate | | 00:59 | Texas Senate GOP Primary | | 02:01 | US-Iran Geneva Nuclear Talks | | 02:37 | Ilia Malinin & Athlete Resilience | | 03:11 | Secretary Rubio Meets Orban in Budapest | | 03:42 | Remembering Robert Duvall | | 04:21 | President’s Day Essay from George W. Bush |

This episode is a fast-moving summary of the day's biggest political, international, sports, cultural, and inspirational stories—delivered in NPR’s signature factual, measured tone.