NPR News: 02-12-2026 4PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now – February 12, 2026, 4PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode Theme:
A rapid update on breaking U.S. and international news of the day, economic developments, and public health insights, with a focus on significant policy shifts, law enforcement scrutiny, international diplomacy, market movements, and Olympic health perspectives.

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1. Environmental Regulation Rollback & Immigration Enforcement

[00:25-01:06]

• Greenhouse Gas Policy Overturned:
  • The Trump administration has rescinded the 17-year-old "endangerment finding," a core ruling that classified greenhouse gases as a danger to public health and underpinned major emissions regulations on vehicles and power plants.
  • President Trump called this move "the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history."
• Winding Down Immigration Surge in Minnesota:
  • The federal government intends to end its recent spike in immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota within a week.
  • Governor Tim Walz’s Response: He is seeking federal compensation for disruptions and damages in the Twin Cities, citing business closures, employee absenteeism, and schools losing aid due to low attendance.

Notable Quote:

• “[The federal government] doesn’t get to break things and just leave.” – Gov. Tim Walz (paraphrased by Brian Baxt) [01:06]

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2. Senate Scrutiny of Immigration Enforcement Tactics

[01:27-02:25]

• Senate Committee Testimony:
  • Top immigration officials, including from ICE and Customs and Border Protection, answered questions on recent enforcement actions and their consequences.
  • Minneapolis Shooting Incident:
    • Chairman Rand Paul presented video evidence relating to two fatal police shootings, focusing on Alex Preddy’s death.
    • Discussion centered on whether Preddy’s actions justified the use of force.

Notable Quotes:

• “I see nothing here. I mean, not even a hint of something that was aggressive on his part. Everything was retreat.” – Sen. Rand Paul [01:59]
• “CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott told the committee he never described Preddy in those terms to Noem, nor was he aware of anyone in his agency doing so.” – Barbara Sprunt [02:06]

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3. U.S.-Israel Diplomatic Meeting; Iran Nuclear Talks

[02:25-03:20]

• President Trump Meets PM Netanyahu:
  • The two leaders discussed U.S. efforts to pursue a nuclear deal with Iran.
  • Netanyahu’s Skepticism:
    • Expressed doubt: “I will not hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the nature of any agreement with Iran.”
    • Emphasized any deal must address Iran’s missiles and regional proxies.
  • U.S. Plans for Gaza:
    • Trump expected to announce a multinational stabilization force for Gaza and efforts to raise funds for reconstruction.

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4. Market Overview & Consumer Trends

[03:20-04:07]

• Tech Stocks Decline:
  • Tech sector downturn drags the broader market lower.
  • Inflation Watch:
    • Labor Department to release January inflation data; a 2.5% annual increase expected.
    • Despite a slight drop from December, inflation remains above Federal Reserve targets and rates are expected to stay steady.
  • Consumer Habits:
    • McDonald’s attributes recent sales growth to its value menu, reflecting consumer cost consciousness.

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5. Health Segment: Olympic Athletes vs. Everyday Fitness

[04:07-05:00]

• Pain and Performance at the Olympics:
  • Coverage takes inspiration from the Winter Olympics, noting athletes push physical boundaries for achievement.
• Advice for Regular Exercisers:
  • Dr. Andrew Mock’s Guidance:
    • Key distinction: “There’s a big difference between soreness and pain. Soreness is normal when you start an activity or especially when you’re increasing it.” [04:36]
    • Warning: Severe, lingering pain is a red flag; mild, short-term soreness is expected and can signal muscle strengthening.
    • Consistency and moderation yield lasting health benefits.

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6. Memorable Moments & Key Timestamps

• [00:25] President Trump’s rollback of environmental regulations
• [01:06] Gov. Walz’s demand for federal accountability in Minnesota
• [01:59] Sen. Rand Paul challenges narrative on Minneapolis police shooting
• [02:36] Netanyahu voices skepticism on Iran negotiations
• [03:34] Inflation expectations and market impact
• [04:36] Dr. Andrew Mock on exercise pain vs. soreness

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This NPR News Now episode delivers concise, impactful updates on fast-moving stories across politics, economy, and health, reflecting on national debates and global events with insightful expert commentary and firsthand reporting.

Transcript

[A]

NPR's Up first is at the 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing you a video podcast straight from the Games, the biggest storylines on the ground, perspectives, the Internet's favorite moments. Join us from Milan and Cortina each afternoon as we cover the competition so you can catch up on what you missed last night and learn what you need to watch today. Up first, winter games starting February 6th at 1pm Eastern on NPR's YouTube channel.

[B]

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. The Trump administration's rescinding a nearly 17 year old landmark ruling that classified greenhouse gases as a danger to public health. The endangerment finding has been the basis for many of the key policies limiting greenhouse gas emissions from major polluters such as vehicles and power plants. President Trump hails it as the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history. The administration says it is planning to wind down its federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota over the next week. Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Bax reports. Governor Tim Waltz wants the federal government to pay for damages in the Twin Cities.

[C]

He said you don't get to break things and just leave. He's talking about the business hardships that have stacked up where some businesses closed, employees didn't show up. There were schools that saw reduced aid because students didn't want to go to class. So those are the types of things that that he will be asking the federal government for and he'll be asking state legislators to consider that when they're back in session next week.

[B]

Brian Baxt on NPR's Here. And now top immigration officials testify before a Senate committee over immigration enforcement tactics that have come under scrutiny. NPR's Barbara Sprunt reports. Chairman Rand Paul, a Republican, played a video showing the events leading up to the second of two fatal shootings in Minneapolis.

[D]

Officials from ICE and Customs and Border Protection said the investigation into the killing of Alex Preddy is ongo. Paul paused the video at moments, saying he didn't see Preddy acting aggressively towards officers.

[E]

I see nothing here. I mean, not even a hint of something that was aggressive on his part. Everything was retreat.

[D]

Almost immediately after Preddy was killed, DHS Secretary Christy Noem said he committed an act of domestic terrorism. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott told the committee he never described Preddy in those terms to Noem, nor was he aware of anyone in his agency doing so. Barbara Sprent, NPR News, Washington.

[B]

President Trump and visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel met today and talked about the chances of securing a nuclear deal with Iran. NPR's Daniel Estrin has this from Tel.

[F]

Aviv, Netanyahu told reporters that Trump believes the conditions he's creating now can lead to a deal with Iran. Netanyahu said, quote, I will not hide from you that I expressed general skepticism regarding the nature of any agreement with Iran. He said any nuclear deal with Iran must also take into account Iran's ballistic missiles and proxies that threaten Israel. Next week, Trump will convene his Board of Peace in Washington. A U.S. official tells NPR on condition of anonymity that Trump is expected to announce an international stabilization force with thousands of troops from several countries to deploy in Gaza, along with raising billions of dollars for reconstruction. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

[B]

You're listening to NPR News. Tech stocks tumble today, pulling down the broader market. NPR Scott Horsley reports. Investors are watching for an update tomorrow on inflation.

[G]

The Labor Department is set to report Friday on the cost of living for January. Forecasters expect the report to show prices rose about 2.5% over the last 12 months. That would be a slightly smaller annual increase than we saw in December. Inflation is still above the Federal Reserve's target, though, and investors think the central bank will hold interest rates steady next month. Many cost conscious shoppers are looking for bargains. McDonald's credited the McValue menu with helping to boost sales of the fast food chain during its most recent quarter. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

[B]

As fans around the globe tune into the Winter Olympics, athletes regularly push their bodies to the limit, including pushing through pain. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports. For most people, staying healthy and active requires a different set of rules.

[H]

Olympic athletes can gain hero status when they push themselves to the edge. But when it comes to strength training for the rest of us, acute pain can be assigned to back off and modify, says Dr. Andrew Mock, a family physician who focuses on prevention and lifestyle medicine.

[I]

There's a big difference between soreness and pain. Soreness is normal when you start an activity or you're especially when you're increasing it.

[H]

Mild, temporary muscle soreness after exercise is normal and indicates muscle fibers are repairing and strengthening. But severe pain lasting several days is a sign you may be over training. Consistency can bring incremental progress and long term benefits.

[B]

Allison Aubrey reporting. It's NPR News.

[J]

Listen to this podcast sponsor free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News now at npr.org. that's +npr.org.