NPR News Now – 02-16-2026 3PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm (NPR)
Date: February 16, 2026
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now update delivers quick headlines on top global and national stories: an ongoing investigation into a fatal police shooting in Minnesota, diplomatic progress (and stalemates) regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine, the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team’s Olympic triumph, a high-profile murder case in Australia, the mass migration for Lunar New Year in China, and the passing of legendary actor Robert Duvall.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Withholds Evidence in Minnesota Police Shooting (00:16–01:17)

• Background: Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigates the fatal shooting of Alex Preddy, an ICU nurse killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on January 24.
• FBI’s Stance: The BCA has been repeatedly denied access to evidence collected by federal authorities.
• Quotes & Context:
  • “Superintendent Drew Evans says the FBI gave word last week that no materials would be turned over.” — Brian Bax [00:42]
  • Evans, quoted regarding the FBI’s decision:
    “Concerning and unprecedented.” — Drew Evans (as relayed by Brian Bax) [00:53]
• Implications: The BCA will continue its own investigation into both the Preddy case and the shooting of Renee Macklin Good earlier in January.

2. Geneva Peace Talks: Russia, Ukraine, and U.S. (01:17–02:11)

• Upcoming Talks: Russia, Ukraine, and U.S. representatives (including White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner) meet in Geneva to discuss ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• Sticking Points:
  • Territorial concessions vs. security guarantees.
  • Russia demands Ukraine cede land, including areas it doesn’t yet control.
  • Ukraine remains skeptical:
    • “Why should we give what Russia has been unable to take in four years?” — Charles Maynes quoting the Ukrainian stance [01:46]
  • Ukraine also seeks “ironclad security guarantees” from the West, wary of further attacks.
• Pressure on Ukraine:
  • President Zelensky feels U.S. pressure to sign a deal, as revealed in a speech in Munich.
• Notable Quote:
  • “These are assurances that Russia won’t simply attack again.” — Charles Maynes [01:56]

3. U.S. and Iran Set for Indirect Talks on Nuclear Program (02:11–02:21)

• Diplomacy: U.S. and Iran to hold indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, coinciding with the peace talks.

4. U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Advances to Olympic Gold Medal Game (02:21–03:10)

• Result: U.S. Women's Hockey beats Sweden 5–0 in Olympic semifinals.
• Game Highlights:
  • Early lead and dominant second period (four goals in nine minutes).
  • Team has reached every Olympic final except one since 1998.
• Quote:
  • “The U.S. jumped out to a 1-nothing lead in the first period, then blew the game wide open in the second.” — Steve Futterman [02:42]
• Next Up: Waiting to learn Thursday's opponent for the final.

5. Major Terrorism Trial Opens in Sydney, Australia (03:10–03:56)

• Case Details: Navid Akram, accused of killing 15 at a Jewish festival in 2025, appears in court for the first time (59 total charges).
• Additional Facts: Second gunman (his father) was killed by police.

6. China’s Spring Migration for Lunar New Year (03:56–04:32)

• Scale of Travel: 3.5 billion trips estimated in the "Chunyun" period.
• Context: The migration reflects both urbanization and the enduring pull of family reunification.
• Quote:
  • “This torrent of travelers…has come to represent China’s rapid urbanization and the hard work of people who work far from home.” — Emily Feng [04:23]
• Atmosphere: Videos show crowded train stations and airports, illustrating the celebratory chaos.

7. Passing of Actor Robert Duvall (04:32–04:55)

• Details: Robert Duvall dies peacefully at home at age 95, as confirmed by his wife.
• Legacy: Renowned for roles in "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," "The Great Santini," and as Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
• Quote:
  • “Robert Duvall was 95.” — Nora Ramm [04:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Concerning and unprecedented.” — Drew Evans on FBI withholding evidence [00:53]
• “Why should we give what Russia has been unable to take in four years?” — Ukrainian negotiating stance via Charles Maynes [01:46]
• “The U.S. jumped out to a 1-nothing lead in the first period, then blew the game wide open in the second.” — Steve Futterman on U.S. Women’s Hockey [02:42]
• “This torrent of travelers…has come to represent China’s rapid urbanization and the hard work of people who work far from home.” — Emily Feng [04:23]
• “Robert Duvall was 95.” — Nora Ramm [04:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minnesota Police Shooting/FBI Withholding Evidence: 00:16–01:17
• Ukraine-Russia-US Geneva Talks: 01:17–02:11
• US-Iran Nuclear Talks: 02:11–02:21
• U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Olympic Win: 02:21–03:10
• Sydney Terrorism Trial: 03:10–03:56
• China’s Lunar New Year Migration: 03:56–04:32
• Robert Duvall Obituary: 04:32–04:55

Summary

This edition of NPR News Now delivers concise but thorough updates on pressing international, national, and cultural stories, with clear journalistic insight and memorable quotes, making it a vital five-minute snapshot for informed listeners.