NPR News Now – February 13, 2026, 1PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a succinct update on major news stories unfolding both in the U.S. and around the globe. Coverage centers on diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, congressional gridlock over Homeland Security funding, water disputes in the Western U.S., a national measles outbreak, new inflation figures, and the latest international space mission.

Key News Segments & Discussion Points

1. Ukraine Invites China to Seek Peace (00:22–01:23)

• Coverage by: Lakshmi Singh introduces, Emily Feng reports
• At the Munich Security Conference, Ukraine's Foreign Minister extended an invitation to China's top diplomat, hoping Beijing could play a constructive role in fostering peace with Russia.
• Context:
  • China’s repeated offers to mediate talks have previously been met with Ukrainian skepticism due to its close relationship with Russia.
  • Recent geopolitical strains include China’s increased purchase of Russian oil and gas, and allegations of military intelligence sharing with Russia.
  • Ukraine signals new openness to Beijing’s involvement after multiple failed peace talks with Russia.
• Memorable Quote:
  • Emily Feng: “China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Beijing is, quote, willing to provide new humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but he did not mention an invitation to visit Kyiv.” [01:15]

2. Looming DHS Shutdown and ICE Funding (01:23–01:59)

• Coverage by: Lakshmi Singh introduces, Barbara Sprunt reports
• Congress is poised for recess with no deal in place to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), potentially leading to a partial shutdown.
• Most Democrats are insisting on changes to immigration enforcement as a condition for agreement.
• Key detail: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations will continue, unaffected by a shutdown, due to separate, advance funding.
• Explanation:
  • Barbara Sprunt: “A shutdown here does not mean a shutdown of ICE...the agency got over $70 billion in separate funds from Congress over the summer as part of Republicans massive spending and tax bill.” [01:41]
  • Shutdown will impact other DHS agencies such as TSA and FEMA.

3. Colorado River Water Dispute (01:59–02:47)

• Coverage by: Alex Hager (KJZZ), reporting from Phoenix
• Tomorrow marks a crucial deadline for seven states—including California and Colorado—to reach agreement on water allocation from the drought-stricken Colorado River.
• Current impasse:
  • States are unlikely to reach a deal; failure could escalate to Supreme Court litigation.
  • Existing river management rules expire in October, raising the stakes for timely environmental review and new agreements.
• Short-term focus: Leaders are working on temporary fixes to avert shortages at major reservoirs.
• Memorable Quote:
  • Alex Hager: “The alternative is probably a big showdown in the Supreme Court…state leaders say they’re now focused on a short term plan to help avoid that.” [02:33]

4. Measles Outbreak & Vaccine Hesitancy (02:47–03:30)

• Coverage by: Lakshmi Singh
• The CDC reports 910 confirmed measles cases across at least two dozen states so far in 2026, with five new outbreaks this year.
• Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
• Notable context:
  • CDC is now overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken vaccine skeptic.

5. U.S. Inflation Slows; Market Reaction (03:30–04:10)

• Coverage by: Scott Horsley
• Consumer prices in January rose 2.4% year-over-year, below both the previous month’s pace and expert forecasts.
• Month-to-month inflation was just 0.2%, aided by lower gas prices.
• Despite cooling trends, price hikes are still above the Federal Reserve’s ideal range.
• The Fed is expected to keep interest rates steady at their next meeting, but the odds of a rate cut in April have increased.
• Memorable Quote:
  • Scott Horsley: “Prices rose just 0.2% between December and January. Falling gasoline prices during the month helped to offset some of the increase in rents and grocery prices.” [03:38]

6. Stock Market Update (04:10–04:31)

• Dow: Up 215 points at 49,667
• S&P 500: Up 37 points
• NASDAQ: Up 89 points

7. New Crew Launches to International Space Station (04:31–05:00)

• Coverage by: Lakshmi Singh
• Four astronauts (2 NASA, 1 French, 1 Russian) launched pre-dawn from Cape Canaveral as part of Crew 12, set for an eight-month stay aboard the ISS.
• The last mission (Crew 11) left early in January due to the first-ever medical evacuation in the station’s 26-year history.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Emily Feng on China’s Role in Ukraine:

  • “China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Beijing is, quote, willing to provide new humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but he did not mention an invitation to visit Kyiv.” [01:15]

• Barbara Sprunt clarifies ICE funding:

  • “A shutdown here does not mean a shutdown of ICE, and that's because the agency got over $70 billion in separate funds from Congress over the summer as part of Republicans massive spending and tax bill.” [01:41]

• Alex Hager on water disputes:

  • “The alternative is probably a big showdown in the Supreme Court. They the current rules for managing the river expire in October, and federal officials need to do a lot of environmental paperwork before then.” [02:32]

• Scott Horsley on inflation:

  • “Falling gasoline prices during the month helped to offset some of the increase in rents and grocery prices.” [03:38]

Recap

The episode delivers an efficient, content-rich roundup of global politics, national policy standoffs, public health concerns, economic updates, and space exploration milestones—giving listeners a comprehensive snapshot of early February 2026.