NPR News Now: 02-16-2026 8AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Aired: February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on major global and U.S. news. Topics include ongoing diplomatic visits by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Europe, the federal immigration enforcement deadlock and partial government shutdown, immigration enforcement changes in Minnesota, legal proceedings for the Bondi beach mass shooting suspect in Australia, and the controversy over ByteDance’s AI and copyright protection.

Key Topics and Discussion Points

1. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Europe Trip

[00:13–00:54]

• Secretary Rubio visits Slovakia and Hungary, focusing particularly on U.S.-Hungary relations and the close ties between Prime Minister Viktor Orban and President Trump.
• At the Munich Security Conference, Rubio reassures European allies that the U.S. remains committed to Europe but signals the Trump administration wants to reshape post-WWII institutions and alliances.

Notable Quote:

“The role you play geopolitically, the role you play even outside of this region in affairs involving the Middle East is invaluable and indispensable, and we are very appreciative of it. And that's why, after traveling to Munich for the security conference, I wanted to make sure we paid a visit here.”
— Senator Tim Kaine [00:36]

2. U.S. Immigration Enforcement and Government Shutdown

[00:54–01:59]

• The ongoing standoff in Congress over reforms to federal immigration enforcement led to a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse and a partial government shutdown.
• Lawmakers remain entrenched along partisan lines, with little progress expected soon.

Insightful Commentary:

“A crisis captures national attention. A number of Democrats and Republicans all pledged to take action only for talks to fizzle and lawmakers to trade blame across the aisle.”
— Sam Greenglass [01:27]

• Senator Tim Kaine underscores the difficulties in these negotiations:

“On immigration, the parties are in fundamentally very, very different places. And so that means I go into any negotiation in a topic like this. High hopes, low expectations.”
— Senator Tim Kaine [01:49]

• Immigration negotiations continue, but Congress is currently in recess.

3. Updates on Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota

[02:08–03:09]

• Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, confirms a scaling back of federal immigration agents in Minnesota following the recent crackdown.
• Though many agents are being withdrawn, a “small” security force and investigators will remain to conclude a fraud investigation and to provide security against potential unrest at protests.

Key Details:

• Over a thousand agents already left.
• A few hundred more scheduled for removal early in the week.
• Additional security to protect remaining agents and wrap up investigations.

Notable Quote:

“Exceptions. Beyond that footprint, he said, will include investigators who will stay to finish the probe into allegations of fraud as well as the protest that had disrupted a church service. Plus, Homan said an additional security force would stay to protect immigration agents to respond when they get surrounded by agitators and things get out of control... he hoped this contingent could also be removed fairly quickly.”
— Alina Selyukh [02:28]

4. Australia: Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect’s First Court Appearance

[03:09–04:15]

• Navid Akram, accused of killing 15 at Bondi beach during a Jewish festival, appears in court—his first since being released from the hospital.
• Faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and terrorism.
• Akram confirms understanding of suppression orders for survivors’ names.
• No plea entered; next court appearance is in April.

Summary from the Scene:

“Ackrum appeared via video link from prison before a Sydney court. He did not enter a plea... confirmed that he understood the terms of court orders suppressing the names of survivors who do not wish to be publicly identified. He's due back in court in April.”
— Christina Kukula [03:38]

5. ByteDance and AI Copyright Dispute

[04:15–04:57]

• ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant, faces accusations from U.S. film studios (including Disney) of using copyrighted content to train its AI video generator, Sea Dance.
• The Motion Picture Association claims ByteDance disregards U.S. copyright laws essential for protecting creators and jobs.
• ByteDance vows to implement more safeguards against unauthorized IP use.

Official Response:

“In a statement ByteDance says it's strengthening safeguards to prevent the unauthorized use of intellectual property.”
— Windsor Johnston [04:15]

Standout Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Senator Tim Kaine, on U.S.-Hungary relations and bipartisan negotiations:

  • [00:36] “The role you play geopolitically... is invaluable and indispensable.”
  • [01:49] “On immigration, the parties are in fundamentally very, very different places... high hopes, low expectations.”

• Sam Greenglass, on government negotiation cycles:

  • [01:27] “A crisis captures national attention... only for talks to fizzle and lawmakers to trade blame.”

• Alina Selyukh, on Minnesota enforcement scale-back:

  • [02:28] “More than a thousand immigration enforcement agents have already left... an additional security force would stay.”

• Christina Kukula, on Bondi suspect in court:

  • [03:38] “He did not enter a plea... confirmed he understood the terms of court orders suppressing the names of survivors.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rubio’s Europe trip & U.S.-Hungary relations: [00:13–00:54]
• Migration policy deadlock & shutdown: [00:54–01:59]
• Minnesota immigration enforcement update: [02:08–03:09]
• Bondi beach shooting court update: [03:09–04:15]
• ByteDance AI copyright controversy: [04:15–04:57]

Note: Wall Street market closure for President’s Day briefly mentioned at [03:09].

Overall Tone and Style

In classic NPR News Now fashion, the delivery is concise, neutral, and focused on balanced reporting, with direct quotations and clear updates for listeners seeking a rapid yet comprehensive news rundown.