NPR News: 02-17-2026 7PM EST

This week on Up First from NPR News, funding ran out for the Department of Homeland Security and Congress went home. DHS does a few important things, like secure the airports, or the coasts, or the president. Now their funding is uncertain. And what does this say about the way Congress works or doesn't? Follow us for the latest each morning on Up First on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Rylan Barton. A second round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran has ended in Geneva. Both sides were entrenched on key issues ahead of the negotiations, which took place amid a U.S. military buildup in the Mideast. NPR's Jackie Northam reports. The indirect talks were between Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on the U.S. side and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi. Speaking afterwards, Arachi said the three-hour talks had made good progress and were more constructive than earlier negotiations, but that more work needed to be done. The U.S. has so far not commented on the talks. President Trump is firm that Iran possessed no nuclear weapons, and so zero enrichment. Tehran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for research and civilian purposes, but has indicated it willing to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief It unclear if or when another round of talks is scheduled Jackie Northam NPR News An 18-year-old man ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun today. Capitol Police say he was arrested without incident and is in custody, as NPR's Sam Greenglass reports. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan says the suspect had a tactical vest and gloves, a Kevlar helmet and gas mask. He parked a white Mercedes SUV near the U.S. Botanical Garden. He exited the vehicle with a shotgun and began running towards the Capitol up the walkway just behind me. And as he approached the Capitol, Capitol Police officers observed this individual, challenged him, and ordered him to drop the weapon and get on the ground, which he did comply with. Police say they do not know the motive. Congress is not currently in session. Security has tightened on Capitol ground since the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The incident comes as lawmakers face increasing harassment and threats of violence. Sam Greenblass, NPR News, Washington. The Trump administration is vowing to defend services known as prediction markets in court. As NPR Bobby Allen reports the controversial sites allow people to bet on cultural events sports and election outcomes States and tribes have been on the offensive against the prediction market industry arguing sites like Cauchy and Polymarket are nothing more than unlicensed gambling operations Now the Commodity Futures Trading Commission chair Michael Selig says the Trump administration is fighting back. Today, the CFTC is taking an important step to ensure that these markets have a place here in America. In a video on X, Selig says prediction markets can help people hedge against risk and be a source of information besides the media. To those who seek to challenge our authority in this space, let me be clear. We will see you in court. Selig did not address concerns about election interference and insider trading on the sites. Bobby Allen, NPR News. U.S. stock indexes closed up slightly today. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq added a tenth of a percent. It's NPR. The Ukrainian skeleton racer who was disqualified from the Milan Cortino Olympics has been given a gift of more than $200,000 to help keep him competing and advocating for his country. Vladislav Hariskevich was barred from Olympic competition because he insisted on wearing a helmet adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed during Russia's invasion. A Ukrainian businessman gifted the money, saying Hariskevich returns to Ukraine a true winner. Today is the start of the Lunar New Year In China the holiday has been extended to nine days instead of eight in hopes of boosting consumption NPR Jennifer Pack reports The Lunar New Year is a time when people hand out money packets have feasts and travel This year, Chinese authorities have allocated close to $300 million in cash handouts and vouchers for restaurants and movie theaters, and subsidies for things like home appliances. Similar efforts last year did boost spending, though only temporarily. Many consumers say they feel poor, thanks to a prolonged property slump. But unless China's consumers pick up spending, the Chinese economy will rely on exports, and some countries say cheap Chinese goods undercut their local industries and are pushing back. Jennifer Pack, NPR News, Shanghai. Madonna has surprised U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn with a good luck video. Glenn skates her short program to Madonna's 1989 hit Like a Prayer at the Olympics. Madonna says she saw a clip of her performing and told Glenn she looked strong and brave. Glenn said she was in shock to receive the video message. This is NPR News. Listen to this podcast sponsor-free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News Now Plus at plus.npr.org. That's plus.npr.org.