NPR News Now – 02-13-2026 10AM EST

Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Theme: Concise, up-to-date coverage of major national and international news items from economic headlines and government actions to global sports and technology stories.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. U.S. Inflation Report and Market Reaction

• Summary:
  January’s inflation numbers were lower than projected, fueling optimism but also uncertainty among investors.
  • Consumer prices rose 2.4% year-on-year, the lowest increase in recent months.
  • Gasoline prices helped temper overall inflation, despite ongoing increases in groceries and rent.
  • Market reaction was cautious: Dow Jones slipped about 80 points at opening.
  • The Federal Reserve is expected to keep rates steady at the next meeting, but there’s growing speculation about a rate cut in April.
• Notable Quote:
  • Scott Horsley (01:01):
    "Although inflation has been cooling, prices are still climbing faster than the Federal Reserve would like."
• Timestamps: 00:00–01:08

2. Department of Homeland Security Funding Standoff

• Summary:
  Looming partial shutdown of DHS as Congress struggles to pass a funding bill, complicated by demands for reform in immigration enforcement.
  • Senate failed to move a bill forward.
  • Democrats are pressing for significant changes after federal agents shot Minneapolis protesters.
  • A federal judge ordered DHS to guarantee legal access for detainees at a local immigration facility:
    • Must allow lawyers, give 72-hour notice before transfers, and inform detainees of destinations.
• Notable Quote:
  • Matt Sepik (01:45):
    "The plaintiffs allege that the department has been blocking detainees from visiting with and calling immigration attorneys."
• Timestamps: 01:08–02:01

3. Insider Trading Allegations on Prediction Markets

• Summary:
  Israeli authorities cracked down on suspected insider trading involving the online platform Polymarket.
  • A military reservist and a civilian charged with bribery and obstruction of justice for allegedly using classified information to engage in betting.
  • Ex-SEC official Joe Grundfest criticized the risks such actions pose to military integrity.
  • A recent $400,000 win by a Polymarket trader on a political event in Venezuela drew attention, though it didn’t result in charges.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • Joe Grundfest (02:41):
    "It's a situation where people seeking to line their own pockets are willing to put at risk the militaries to whom they have pledged oaths of loyalty."
  • Bobby Allen (02:50):
    "Polymarket operates an overseas exchange outside the reach of American regulation."
• Timestamps: 02:01–03:06

4. UN Votes to Create AI Oversight Panel

• Summary:
  The UN General Assembly approved a scientific panel to assess Artificial Intelligence's risks and impacts.
  • The Trump administration, in a rare dissenting vote, argued that the UN should refrain from AI regulation.
• Timestamps: 03:07–03:24

5. Olympic Disqualification and Free Speech

• Summary:
  Ukrainian skeleton sled racer Vladislav Heraskevic is appealing his Olympic disqualification over a helmet memorializing athletes killed in Russia’s invasion.
  • IOC holds the design is “political speech,” but critics note similar memorials were allowed (e.g., 9/11 tributes in 2002).
  • The Court of Arbitration for Sport is reviewing his case urgently.
• Notable Quote:
  • Brian Mann (03:55):
    "Critics point out the IOC has allowed memorials in past Olympics. Those killed in the 9/11 terror attacks were honored repeatedly at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002."
• Timestamps: 03:24–04:33

6. Olympic Highlights: Men’s Figure Skating

• Summary:
  Anticipation builds for the men’s singles figure skating final at the Olympics.
  • American Ilya Malinin is in contention to win gold and possibly complete a groundbreaking quadruple axel.
• Timestamps: 04:33–04:55

Memorable Quotes by Segment

• On Inflation
  Scott Horsley (01:01):

  "Although inflation has been cooling, prices are still climbing faster than the Federal Reserve would like."

• On DHS and Detainees
  Matt Sepik (01:45):

  "The plaintiffs allege that the department has been blocking detainees from visiting with and calling immigration attorneys."

• On Prediction Markets and National Security
  Joe Grundfest (02:41):

  "It's a situation where people seeking to line their own pockets are willing to put at risk the militaries to whom they have pledged oaths of loyalty."

• On Olympic Memorials and Free Speech
  Brian Mann (03:55):

  "Critics point out the IOC has allowed memorials in past Olympics. Those killed in the 9/11 terror attacks were honored repeatedly at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002."

Episode Flow and Tone

• Direct, factual, and urgent in style.
• Prioritizes clarity and neutrality with brief but impactful descriptions and quotes from officials and journalists.
• Designed to inform listeners rapidly on a wide range of key headlines and developments.

For listeners seeking quick yet comprehensive updates on pressing global and domestic events, this episode delivers a balanced snapshot with key voices and direct reports.