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Today’s top stories
Last week, funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired, leading to the third partial government shutdown in three months. With over 260,000 employees, the agency closed after lawmakers missed the Friday deadline to fund DHS. This funding lapse underscores Congress’s recurrent failure to fulfill its duties on time. Here are five crucial things to know about the shutdown.
The Department of Homeland Security sign is seen outside its headquarters on Feb. 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
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Alex Wong/Getty Images
- 🎧 Ongoing negotiations between the White House and Democrats have hit roadblocks. NPR’s Sam Gringlas reports on Up First that despite exchange of offers, both sides remain far from a deal. Democrats find Republican immigration reform proposals inadequate, while Republicans deem Democratic demands unreasonable, including judicial warrants for enforcement operations. The abrupt Washington, D.C., exodus for a weeklong recess indicates the stalemate. The partial shutdown’s impact will only be noticeable if it extends significantly.
As Russia’s conflict with Ukraine approaches its fourth year, officials from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine will convene in Geneva tomorrow for talks aimed at resolving the war.
- 🎧 The Kremlin asserts a preference for diplomacy over conflict, while asserting Russia’s inevitable victory. NPR’s Charles Maynes explains how Russia leverages these points in negotiations with the U.S., seeking to persuade that Ukraine’s cause is futile. Post-war, Russia anticipates resuming business relations, presenting major investment opportunities. Ukraine counters Russian demands to cede territory, arguing against relinquishing land unclaimed during the conflict.
The Winter Olympics witnessed remarkable performances by U.S. athletes over the weekend, alongside disappointments from prominent figures. U.S. speed skater Jordan Stolz secured his second Olympic gold, but others like U.S. Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin fell short of a podium finish.
- 🎧 Following repeated falls in his figure skating program, figure skater Ilia Malinin revealed challenges in his Olympic preparation. Dr. Sahen Gupta, a sports performance psychologist at the University of Portsmouth, explores the phenomenon of “yips” or “twisties.” Gupta explains how Olympic pressure can overwhelm athletes, despite training to manage stress through techniques like meditation. Experts suggest that setbacks at the Olympics often lead to resilience and growth in athletes.
