NPR News Now – February 12, 2026, 10AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Overview:
This episode delivers a concise summary of the latest national and international news, covering developments in federal immigration enforcement, legislative action on voting requirements, the housing and stock markets, President Trump’s support among white Christians, and an Olympics controversy involving a Ukrainian athlete.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Federal Immigration Surge Drawdown in Minnesota

[00:13–00:41]

• Announcement: President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, states that the federal immigration surge operation in Minnesota is coming to an end.
• Rationale: Cites successful arrests of public safety threats, unprecedented coordination with state and local law enforcement, and the belief that the surge has accomplished its main goals.
• Notable Quote:

  "With that and success that has been made arresting public safety threats and other priorities since this surge operation began, as well as the unprecedented levels of coordination we have obtained from state officials and local law enforcement I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude."
  — Tom Homan, [00:23]

• Context: The drawdown follows recent incidents, including the fatal shooting of two protesters by federal agents in Minneapolis the previous month.
• Next Steps: Immigration enforcement will continue in Minnesota, and Governor Tim Walz is expected to address the situation in a press conference later the hour.

2. Homeland Security Funding Uncertainty

[00:41–01:31]

• Impending Shutdown: The Department of Homeland Security faces a possible partial shutdown unless Congress acts on a spending bill.
• Senate Hearing: Three top immigration officials are set to testify before a Senate committee regarding the agency’s operations.

3. Voting Requirements Legislation: The Save America Act

[01:31–02:13]

• House Passage: The House has passed the Save America Act, a Republican-backed bill to tighten requirements on voting and voter registration.
• Provisions:
  • Citizens must present proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport) when registering to vote.
  • Voters must show photo ID when casting a ballot.
• Supporters’ Argument: Intended to prevent illegal voting by non-citizens, though evidence shows such cases are very rare.
• Opponents’ Concerns: Voting rights groups fear the bill could disenfranchise eligible voters; surveys indicate about 1 in 10 adult U.S. citizens lack immediate access to the required documents.
• Senate Prospects: The bill is unlikely to clear the Senate.
• Notable Quote:

  "Supporters of the bill say they are trying to prevent illegal voting by non US Citizens, which is incredibly rare. But voting rights groups are concerned that the bill, if enacted, would make it harder for many eligible voters to vote."
  — Hansi Lo Wang, [01:44]

4. U.S. Stock Market & Housing Market Update

[02:13–03:08]

• Stocks: Mixed opening; Dow up roughly 260 points early on and settling at +250 points shortly after.
• Housing: Existing home sales dropped over 8% in January compared to December; down 4% year-over-year. Average home price is just under $397,000, only a slight increase from a year prior.
• Market Factors: While falling interest rates are helping affordability, overall sales remain sluggish.
• Corporate News:
  • McDonald’s stock up due to strong sales (+7% in the U.S.), with promotions like the “Grinch meal” cited.
  • Unemployment benefit applications saw a slight decline.
• Notable Quote:

  "Sales dropped more than 8% from December and were down more than 4% from June January of last year. The average sales price last month was just under $397,000."
  — Scott Horsley, [02:29]

5. Shifts in President Trump’s Support Among White Christians

[03:08–04:02]

• Survey Findings: Pew Research reports Trump’s approval among white Christians fell to 57% from 66%. The drop is pronounced among white evangelicals, though the majority still back him.
• Ethics Concern: Less than half of white evangelicals (40%) are confident in Trump’s ethical judgment.
• Still Majority Support: Despite the dip, white Christians remain Trump’s most supportive demographic.
• Notable Quote:

  "More than half of white evangelicals still support President Trump's policies, but just 40% are confident that he behaves ethically as president, according to the survey."
  — Bob Smetana, [03:42]

6. Olympics Controversy: Ukrainian Athlete Disqualified

[04:02–04:45]

• Reason: Skeleton racer Vladislav Karaskevich disqualified after refusing to comply with IOC rules on political expression. He wanted to wear a helmet honoring Ukrainians killed by Russia, was told to wear a black armband instead but declined.
• IOC Statement: The ban was due to “political expression,” aiming to keep the Olympics neutral.
• Athlete’s Response:

  "Posting on Instagram after he was banned from competition, Haraskiewicz said this is the price of our dignity."
  — Brian Mann, [04:39]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------------------|-------| | 00:23 | Tom Homan | "With that and success that has been made arresting public safety threats and other priorities since this surge operation began, as well as the unprecedented levels of coordination we have obtained from state officials and local law enforcement I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude." | | 01:44 | Hansi Lo Wang | "Supporters of the bill say they are trying to prevent illegal voting by non US Citizens, which is incredibly rare. But voting rights groups are concerned that the bill, if enacted, would make it harder for many eligible voters to vote." | | 02:29 | Scott Horsley | "Sales dropped more than 8% from December and were down more than 4% from June January of last year. The average sales price last month was just under $397,000." | | 03:42 | Bob Smetana | "More than half of white evangelicals still support President Trump's policies, but just 40% are confident that he behaves ethically as president, according to the survey." | | 04:39 | Brian Mann | "Posting on Instagram after he was banned from competition, Haraskiewicz said this is the price of our dignity." |

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:13] — Immigration surge drawdown announcement (Tom Homan)
• [01:31] — Voting requirements bill coverage (Hansi Lo Wang)
• [02:13] — Economic & stock market update (Scott Horsley)
• [03:08] — Trump support among white Christians (Bob Smetana)
• [04:02] — Olympic disqualification controversy (Brian Mann)

This episode delivers a brisk and informative roundup with direct reporting and succinct analysis of key developments, maintaining NPR’s customary balanced and factual tone.