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

Host: Giles Snyder
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: February 12, 2026

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise update on key national and international events. The main themes include political hearings over the handling of the Epstein files, developments in Venezuela's oil sector following major political changes, a landmark social media trial scrutinizing Instagram's impact on youth, U.S. government support for coal energy, a Super Bowl victory parade in Seattle, and global financial market updates.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Attorney General Pam Bondi Grilled on Epstein Files

Segment: 00:16–01:08

• Context: Heated Capitol Hill hearing; Democrats press AG Pam Bondi.
• Main Issues:
  • Justice Department criticized for not producing all Epstein files by required deadline.
  • Faulty redactions: Names of suspected co-conspirators withheld, but in some cases, victims' names/photos were not properly redacted.
  • Epstein victims present in the hearing were repeatedly acknowledged.
• Notable Quote:
  • Ryan Lucas (Reporter, 00:34):
    "Democrats criticized the department for failing to produce all of the files by the deadline required by law. They also criticized the numerous problems that have been found with the redactions..."

2. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s Visit to Venezuela

Segment: 01:08–02:17

• Key Developments:
  • Secretary Wright expresses optimism over Venezuela opening its economy to private oil investment.
  • Legislative changes and loosening of U.S. sanctions are boosting oil sales.
  • Wright’s visit follows the U.S.-backed ousting of President Nicolás Maduro, now meeting with Interim President Delsey Rodriguez.
  • No timetable discussed for democratic elections.
• Notable Quote:
  • Chris Wright (Venezuela segment, 01:48):
    "We want to see a flood of investment coming in, more income being generated for the people of Venezuela, more improvement in the quality of lives and more oil going on to world oil markets to help the planet doubt the world."

3. Instagram CEO Denies App Addiction Claims in Social Media Trial

Segment: 02:17–03:13

• Issue at Hand: Major trial examining whether Meta designs social media apps to intentionally addict youth.
• Testimony:
  • Instagram CEO Adam Museri defends platform.
  • Courtroom filled with bereaved parents, including Juliana Arnold, whose daughter died after contact with an online predator.
  • Arnold highlights that social media’s role in mental health crises often goes unacknowledged.
• Notable Quote:
  • Juliana Arnold (Parent witness, 02:52):
    "No one would even make the connection at all with social media. It wasn't even discussed right. It was always something else. ... They never wanted to figure out behaviorally what was going on."
• Meta’s Position: Continues to assert its “longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

4. President Trump’s Push for Coal Industry Support

Segment: 03:13–03:53

• Key Announcements:
  • $175 million dedicated to coal plant upgrades in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Pentagon orders to purchase electricity from coal-fired plants.
• Implication: Potential efforts to bolster domestic energy jobs and sustain coal industry against renewable energy trends.

5. Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl Victory Parade

Segment: 03:53–04:36

• Celebration: Parade in downtown Seattle for Seahawks’ second Super Bowl win.
• Atmosphere: Up to 1 million attendees.
• Fan Highlight:
  • Andres Munoz, lifelong Hawks fan, emphasizing the importance of passing football traditions to his daughter amid family rivalry.
• Notable Quote:
  • Andres Munoz (Parade attendee, 04:16):
    "We're trying to pass down this culture to the next generation. So it's important that she sees this. This is a historic moment and we couldn't be happier to have her with us."

6. Global Markets Update

Segment: 04:36–04:54

• Markets: Asian markets climb, with South Korea and Japan reaching record intraday highs, contrasting slight drops on Wall Street (S&P 500 and Dow).
• Broader Context: Suggests a rebound in Asia despite minor U.S. losses.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ryan Lucas on DOJ redactions (00:34):
  "Democrats criticized the department for failing to produce all of the files by the deadline required by law..."

• Chris Wright on Venezuela’s future (01:48):
  "We want to see a flood of investment coming in, more income being generated for the people of Venezuela..."

• Juliana Arnold on social media and mental health (02:52):
  "No one would even make the connection at all with social media. It wasn't even discussed right..."

• Andres Munoz on Seahawks pride (04:16):
  "We're trying to pass down this culture to the next generation..."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein files Congressional hearing: 00:16–01:08
• Venezuela oil & U.S. sanctions: 01:08–02:17
• Meta/Instagram addiction trial: 02:17–03:13
• Coal industry government support: 03:13–03:53
• Seahawks victory parade: 03:53–04:36
• Global markets update: 04:36–04:54

This five-minute episode packed a snapshot of major events, weaving together U.S. politics, international relations, tech industry scrutiny, sports celebrations, and economic trends, all with voices from official sources, correspondents, and citizens.