NPR News Now: 02-12-2026 6AM EST — Episode Summary

Overview
This episode of NPR News Now delivers a rapid-fire update on major national and international news stories for the morning of February 12, 2026. Major topics include developments in federal immigration policy, a symbolic congressional vote on tariffs, airspace disruption over El Paso, testimony from the attorney general on a high-profile scandal, the passing of actor James Van Der Beek, and controversy at the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Immigration Policy and Oversight

• Tom Homan, Borders Czar: President Trump’s borders czar to hold a news conference in Minnesota, with no advance details on the agenda. Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz expected a reduction in federal immigration agents and will also address reporters. (00:17)
• Congressional Testimony:
  • Three top federal immigration officials to testify before the Senate Homeland Security Committee regarding agency operations ahead of a possible Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
  • Democrats demand policy reforms (body cameras, judicial warrants, arrest restrictions in sensitive locations), while Republicans are split on some measures but deeply divided on most reforms.
  • Ximena Bustillo:

    “Democrats... laid out a list of demands in exchange for funding their agencies. That includes mandating the use of body cameras and judicial warrants, banning the use of masks, and putting a stop to arrests in hospitals, schools and churches.” (00:52)

    • The practical impact hinges on bipartisan cooperation, which remains limited.

2. Congress Rebukes President Trump’s Canada Tariffs

• Symbolic Congressional Vote:
  • In an unusual bipartisan move, House lawmakers vote to overturn the president’s emergency tariffs on Canadian goods, but the measure falls short of overriding an expected veto.
  • Scott Horsley:

    “A more serious threat to Trump's tariffs could come from the Supreme Court, which is weighing a challenge to Trump's taxes on imports from around the world under a statute that never uses the word tariff.” (01:37)

  • Signals some resistance within the GOP to Trump’s trade policy, despite limited immediate practical effect.

3. El Paso Airspace Closure: Drone Scare and Fallout

• Incident Details:
  • Airspace over El Paso was temporarily closed amid concerns about a cartel-operated drone; the Pentagon reportedly authorized CBP to use a laser against the suspected drone, but it turned out to be a Mylar party balloon.
• Local Reaction:
  • Mayor Renard Johnson:

    “Medical evacuation flights were forced to divert to Las Cruces. All aviation operations were grounded, including emergency flights. This was a major and unnecessary disruption, one that has not occurred since 9/11.” (02:48)

  • The FAA lifted the airspace closure after a few hours, despite an original 10-day order.

4. Attorney General Pam Bondi Grilled on Epstein Files

• Contentious Testimony:
  • Bondi faces tough questioning from the House Judiciary Committee over the Justice Department’s mishandling of Jeffrey Epstein–related files.
  • While Bondi pledges support for survivors, her responses frequently contain personal attacks on lawmakers. (03:08)

5. Death of James Van Der Beek

• Obituary and Legacy:
  • Actor James Van Der Beek, famed for his role as Dawson Leary on Dawson’s Creek, dies at 48 from colon cancer.
  • Mia Venkat:

    “Despite his success in Dawson's Creek, James Van Der Beek didn't land many roles that rose to that same level of fame, perhaps because the audience found it hard to separate him from that moody, earnest dreamer they came to know over six seasons.” (04:03)

  • Highlights his early breakthrough, continued acting career, and the enduring cultural impact of “Dawson’s Creek.”

6. Olympic Political Controversy

• Ukrainian Skeleton Athlete Disqualified:
  • Vladislav Herschevich is barred from Olympic competition for insisting on wearing a helmet honoring Ukrainians killed by Russia; organizers cite rules against political statements.
  • Details the offer of a black armband as compromise, which the athlete rejected. (04:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Immigration Reform Stalemate:
  Ximena Bustillo (00:52):

  “Democrats... laid out a list of demands in exchange for funding their agencies. That includes mandating the use of body cameras and judicial warrants, banning the use of masks, and putting a stop to arrests in hospitals, schools and churches.”

• Tariffs Opposition:
  Scott Horsley (01:37):

  “Half a dozen Republican House members join nearly all Democrats in voting to suspend President Trump's emergency declaration that provides the foundation for double digit tariffs on goods from Canada.”

• El Paso Airspace Disruption:
  Mayor Renard Johnson (02:48):

  “Medical evacuation flights were forced to divert to Las Cruces. All aviation operations were grounded, including emergency flights. This was a major and unnecessary disruption, one that has not occurred since 9/11.”

• James Van Der Beek Remembrance:
  Mia Venkat (04:03):

  “...the audience found it hard to separate him from that moody, earnest dreamer they came to know over six seasons.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Immigration enforcement, congressional testimony preview | | 00:52 | Partisan immigration policy proposals, committee dynamics | | 01:26 | House vote to overturn Canada tariffs | | 02:17 | El Paso airspace closure and fallout | | 02:48 | Mayor Johnson’s reaction to airspace disruption | | 03:08 | Attorney General Bondi’s testimony on Epstein files | | 03:47 | James Van Der Beek obituary and legacy | | 04:26 | Ukrainian skeleton athlete disqualified from Olympics |

Conclusion

This briskly-paced episode offers a concise morning briefing on governmental disputes over immigration and trade, an airspace mishap with real local impact, scrutinized DOJ transparency, a somber cultural loss, and the intersection of sports and political protest. The tone is urgent, factual, and balanced, providing listeners with both headline updates and the surrounding context for today’s top stories.