NPR News Now – 02-16-2026 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: February 16, 2026
Episode Theme:
A roundup of the latest headlines from around the world, touching on missing persons, diplomatic efforts in Europe, political discourse in the US, developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a historic Olympic win for Brazil, and weekend box office results.

1. Savannah Guthrie’s Plea for Missing Mother

[00:16] – [01:09]

• Story: Savannah Guthrie, TODAY Show host, made a fresh public appeal for information about her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for two weeks.
• Details:
  • In a video posted to Instagram, Savannah says, “It's never too late, and you're not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing.”
    — Savannah Guthrie, quoted by Dale Willman [00:33]
  • Police have found a glove two miles from Nancy’s home, believed possibly linked to a person seen there before her disappearance.

2. Slovakia Offers Itself for Ukraine-Russia Diplomacy

[01:09] – [01:53]

• Story: Slovakia, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, is positioning itself as a venue for possible Ukraine-Russia peace talks.
• Key Points:
  • Fico blames Europe for prolonging war by arming Ukraine.
  • He avoids any criticism of Russia during a joint conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “It is something that we care about, but it is something you live next door to.”
    — Secretary of State Marco Rubio, [01:27]
  • Fico commends President Trump as “very pragmatic and rational,” denying rumors he raised concerns about Trump’s mental state.
• Further Action: Rubio is headed to Hungary to meet Prime Minister Viktor Orban, another leader aligned with Trump’s policies.

3. Obama Responds to Trump’s Racist Social Media Post

[01:53] – [02:51]

• Story: Former President Barack Obama publicly addresses a racist video posted by President Trump earlier in the month.
• Interview: Obama speaks with progressive YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, weighing in on the changing tone of American public discourse.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “There’s, quote, this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television.”
    — Barack Obama, reported by Shondalyse Duster [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.”
    — Barack Obama, [02:16]
• Context: Obama highlights that many Americans remain committed to upholding national values, especially amid immigration crackdowns and protests.

4. Israel’s New West Bank Land Policy

[02:51] – [03:36]

• Story: The Israeli cabinet approved restarting land registration in the occupied West Bank, giving authorities formal control over new tracts.
• Criticism:
  • Detractors argue this is a significant land grab at the expense of Palestinians.
  • It’s viewed as further deepening Israeli control over the region.

5. Brazil Wins First Winter Olympics Gold

[03:36] – [04:27]

• Story: Brazil celebrates its first-ever Winter Olympics medal—a gold—won by skier Lucas Pinero Brasin.
• Highlights:
  • Lucas, who only recently switched his Olympic affiliation from Norway to Brazil, dedicated his win to his mother’s homeland.
  • On the medal podium, he performed a samba-inspired dance.
• Quotes & Context:
  • Brazil’s president: “An inspiration. [The win] widens the horizon for Brazilian sport.”
    — [03:57]
  • “Many are celebrating Brazil’s ocar del ski, its ‘skiing dude.’”
    — Carrie Khan, [04:18]
• Atmosphere: Despite Carnival and summer temperatures back home, the country is jubilant over its unlikely Winter Games triumph.

6. Weekend Box Office Results

[04:27] – [04:54]

• Highlights:
  • Wuthering Heights led with $34.8 million, fueled largely by women moviegoers (76% of ticket buyers).
  • Goat, an animated basketball movie, took second with $26 million.
  • Crime 101 debuted in third, earning $15.1 million.
• Cultural Note: Valentine’s Day contributed to strong box office performance, especially for romantic films.

Memorable Quotes, Attributed with Timestamps

• Savannah Guthrie:
  “It’s never too late, and you’re not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing.” [00:33]
• Sec. Marco Rubio:
  “It is something that we care about, but it is something you live next door to.” [01:27]
• Barack Obama:
  “There’s, quote, this sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television.” [02:08] “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.” [02:16]
• Carrie Khan (on Brazil's Olympic joy):
  “Many are celebrating Brazil’s ocar del ski, its ‘skiing dude.’” [04:18]

For listeners: This episode covers a fast-moving, varied set of headlines—delivering essential updates on international diplomacy, shifting political norms, evolving land rights, landmark athletic achievements, and cultural trends, all within a concise five-minute news cycle.