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

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This tightly-packed news update covers major U.S. policy developments, important international security moves, economic headlines, local education news, a federal investigation into university admissions, and a spirited personal perspective on ice boating. Listeners receive concise, on-the-minute reporting on both political and human interest stories from across the globe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Senate Democrats Report on Deportation Spending

• Senate Democrats allege over $40 million was spent in the past year by the Trump administration deporting migrants to over two dozen countries.
• Senator Amy Klobuchar, newly announced gubernatorial candidate, lays out the economic consequences for the U.S., especially for Minnesota.
  • Quote (00:43):

    “You look at what it was every week. One estimate is $18 million American taxpayers were paying every week. 9 million on compensation for border control and ICE, 4.5 million for the lodging. So all of that is a question of values. Is that how you want to spend your money, American taxpayers? My answer is no.”
    — Senator Amy Klobuchar

• The Trump administration defends its position, stating the enforcement targeted criminals and increased safety in U.S. communities.

2. U.S. Military Build-Up in the Middle East

• The U.S. Navy is deploying a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the region, raising tension with Iran.
• Negotiations are ongoing, aiming to avoid conflict around Iran's nuclear ambitions.
  • Quote (01:30):

    “The USS Gerald R. Ford is being sent from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to further bolster the U.S. presence in the Middle East. Asked why he made the decision, President Trump said, quote, in case we don't make a deal.”
    — Greg Myre

3. Munich Security Conference & Europe's Defense Stance

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledges that Germany will build “the largest army in Europe.”
• Merz contrasts Russia’s GDP with the EU, challenging Europe to match its economic strength with strategic power.
  • Quote (02:37):

    “The GDP of the European Union is 10 times higher, Meirz said, and yet today Europe is not 10 times stronger than Russia. Meirz called on European leaders to flip the switch in our minds. He said that in the era of great powers, Europe’s freedom is no longer simply given, it is under threat.”
    — Rob Schmitz

4. Economic Update

• Strong day for U.S. stocks:
  • Dow: up 159 points to 49,611
  • Nasdaq: up 79 points
  • S&P 500: up 32 points
    (03:00)

5. San Francisco Teachers’ Strike Resolution

• Around 6,000 teachers in San Francisco have reached a tentative agreement over pay and health benefits, ending the strike that started Monday.
• The strike had closed all 120 of the city’s public schools and drastically affected 50,000 students.

6. Harvard University Admissions Investigation

• The Department of Justice is suing Harvard for lack of transparency regarding the role of race in its admissions following new legal requirements post-affirmative action.
• DOJ alleges Harvard has obstructed the investigation.

7. Ice Boating on the Chesapeake Bay

• Unusually cold weather has created ideal ice boating conditions.
• Veteran ice boater Ray Gauthier describes the sport’s unique thrill:
  • Quote (04:28):

    “You get in an ice boat for your first time and it goes 6 and then it goes 10 and then it goes 20, and then it goes 30 and then it goes 40. It's a life-changing experience for a sailor. It's just addictive.”
    — Ray Gauthier

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Klobuchar on immigration spending:
  “Is that how you want to spend your money, American taxpayers? My answer is no.” (00:43)
• Greg Myre on the USS Gerald R. Ford deployment:
  “President Trump said, quote, in case we don't make a deal.” (01:30)
• Chancellor Merz’s challenge to Europe:
  “Europe’s freedom is no longer simply a given, it is under threat.” (02:37)
• Ray Gauthier’s joy in ice boating:
  “It's a life-changing experience for a sailor. It's just addictive.” (04:28)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Immigration Enforcement Spending and Klobuchar comments: 00:16–01:04
• U.S./Iran Security Tensions: 01:04–02:09
• Munich Security Conference & European Defense: 02:09–03:00
• U.S. Stock Market Update: 03:00
• San Francisco Teachers Strike Settlement: 03:00–03:45
• Harvard Admissions Investigation: 03:45–04:07
• Ice Boating Feature: 04:14–04:50

Summary

This episode provides a swift yet thorough overview of pressing national and international news: U.S. immigration spending and defense postures, European security anxieties, market optimism, a labor dispute’s resolution, a civil rights investigation, and a slice-of-life moment celebrating winter sports. The reporting captures urgent political debate, global military maneuvering, social upheaval, and even recreational joy—all in five minutes, in NPR’s direct and informative tone.