NPR News Now – February 13, 2026, 2AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Episode Theme:
This five-minute episode covers major updates on federal climate policy changes, the waning of a major immigration crackdown, new state-level actions on ICE enforcement in New Jersey, a regional take on energy efficiency initiatives, and the latest from the Olympic snowboarding competition.

1. EPA Ends Climate Change Endangerment Finding

[00:15–01:13]

• Main News: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration is eliminating its “endangerment finding” on greenhouse gases, significantly altering federal climate policy.
  • Background:
    • The endangerment finding, enacted during the Obama administration, established that greenhouse gases from fossil fuels endanger public health and allowed for regulation of emissions from vehicles, power plants, and the oil and gas industry.
  • Announcement:
    • President Trump announces the rollback as the “single largest deregulatory action in American history.”
      • Quote:
        “I'm pleased to be joined today by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who you all know, and to announce the single largest deregulatory action in American history.”
        — President Trump [00:49]
  • Reactions & Implications:
    • Scientists point out the last three years were the hottest on record.
    • Environmental groups declare the action illegal, asserting that the scientific case for regulation is stronger than ever and signal plans to challenge the decision in court.
      • Notable Moments:
        • “The science behind the original endangerment finding is stronger than ever. They plan to challenge the decision in court.” — Jeff Brady, NPR [01:01]

2. End of Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

[01:13–01:45]

• Main News: Homeland Security’s intensive enforcement operations in Minnesota, which incited significant controversy, are coming to a close.
  • Details:
    • Trump’s border czar, Tom Holman, claims federal goals have been met, but emphasizes continued nationwide enforcement.
      Quote:
      “If you are here in the country legally, you're not exempt from our immigration laws. If we encounter you, we'll take appropriate enforcement action.”
      — Tom Holman [01:30]
    • Context: The crackdown involved mass protests, thousands of arrests, and two fatal shootings.
    • The announcement comes as the Department of Homeland Security is about to exhaust its funds, with Senate Democrats seeking stricter rules on immigration enforcement.

3. New Jersey Executive Orders on ICE Oversight

[01:45–02:56]

• Governor’s Actions:

  • Governor Mikey Sherrill issues an executive order to curtail the activities of ICE agents in New Jersey.
    • Details:
      • ICE agents are now barred from non-public areas of state property without a judicial warrant.
      • Launches a portal to allow residents to submit videos or photos of ICE agent activity for review by the state attorney general.
      • Emphasizes safe, non-interfering documentation by citizens.
      • Announces a “Know Your Rights” website in 22 languages.
    • Quote:
      “She also announced the unveiling of a statewide portal and called on residents to submit videos and photos of ICE agents. …The material will be reviewed by the state attorney general's office to ensure ICE agents are following the law and to hold them to account if they're not.”
      — Bruce Konviser [02:14]

• Political Context:

  • Mikey Sherrill, now Governor, was succeeded in her former House seat by Analia Mejia, who just secured the Democratic nomination in a special primary election.

4. Other National and Regional News

Arizona Disappearance Investigation

[02:56–03:48]

• Investigators seek surveillance footage from residents near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, expanding inquiries to a two-mile radius surrounding her area following her disappearance.

Southeast Power & Energy Efficiency Report

[03:48–04:32]

• Key Developments:
  • Duke Energy launches the largest capital plan among regulated U.S. utilities to power new data centers.
  • Despite leadership in energy efficiency for homes and businesses, Duke’s Carolina branches operate at or below the national average.
  • The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy finds utilities missing chances to save consumers money by reducing energy waste.
  • Large industrial customers, such as data centers, are largely excluded from current efficiency efforts.
    • Quote:
      “If we can offset some of the load growth by reducing energy waste, then we can all save.”
      — Maggie Schober, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy [04:13]

5. Olympic Update: Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe

[04:32–04:55]

• Chloe Kim, defending champion and American favorite, wins silver, narrowly missing out on a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women’s halfpipe.
  • Gold taken by South Korea’s Gon Choi, who recovered from a crash to clinch victory.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on deregulation:
  “I'm pleased to be joined today by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who you all know, and to announce the single largest deregulatory action in American history.” [00:49]
• Tom Holman on immigration enforcement:
  “…If you are here in the country legally, you’re not exempt from our immigration laws. If we encounter you, we’ll take appropriate enforcement action.” [01:30]
• Maggie Schober on energy waste:
  “If we can offset some of the load growth by reducing energy waste, then we can all save.” [04:13]
• Bruce Konviser on ICE oversight in NJ:
  “The material will be reviewed by the state attorney general’s office to ensure ICE agents are following the law and to hold them to account if they’re not.” [02:14]

Episode Flow by Timestamp:

• [00:15] — EPA rescinds endangerment finding; climate policy impacts
• [01:13] — Minnesota immigration crackdown ends; policy implications
• [01:45] — NJ clamps down on ICE; Governor Sherrill’s orders
• [02:56] — Arizona disappearance investigation updates
• [03:48] — Southeast energy policy and efficiency report
• [04:32] — Chloe Kim’s Olympic result

This summary provides a quick but thorough briefing on urgent national policy shifts, regional developments, and highlights from the international sports arena, characteristic of the balanced, informative tone of NPR News Now.