NPR News Now: February 13, 2026 | 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly
Date: February 13, 2026
Main Theme:
This five-minute NPR News Now update covers overnight developments in U.S. government funding, major legal actions involving prominent political and media figures, a campus shooting, Olympic hockey results, and presidential pardons.

1. Congress Faces Deadline on Department of Homeland Security Funding

[00:16–01:14]

• Congress is up against a midnight deadline to keep the Department of Homeland Security funded.
• Key points:
  • The Senate failed to pass a long-term funding bill, falling eight votes short.
  • Democrats are demanding reforms to immigration enforcement as part of any new funding.
  • With both chambers set for a recess next week, no negotiations are underway.

Quote:

• “A bill to fund the department through September failed in the Senate yesterday, falling eight votes shy of the 60 needed for passage.” — Dave Mattingly [00:32]

2. Judge Blocks Pentagon from Demoting Senator Mark Kelly

[01:14–01:50]

• A federal judge has halted Pentagon efforts to potentially demote Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a former NASA astronaut and US Navy captain.
• Background:
  • Kelly and several Democrats appeared in a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders, sparking a backlash from President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
  • The Pentagon reviewed Kelly’s retirement status, potentially threatening his pension.
  • Judge Richard Leon found the Pentagon actions infringed on Kelly’s First Amendment rights.

Notable Quote:

• “Judge Richard Leon argued that Hegseth had, quote, trampled on the senator's First Amendment freedoms and threatened the constitutional rights of millions of military retirees.” — Elena Moore [01:34]

3. Trump Accuses Kelly and Others of Sedition; Naval Assets Move

[01:50–02:24]

• President Trump accused Senator Kelly and others in the video of "seditious behavior."
• Media outlets report President Trump is redeploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East.
• The move is intended to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.

Quote:

• “The president has been building up American naval assets in the region to pressure Iran into giving up its nuclear program.” — Dave Mattingly [02:10]

4. Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit Against BBC Moves Forward

[02:24–03:10]

• President Trump’s lawsuit against the BBC, alleging defamation and unfair trade practices (totaling $10 billion), will proceed to trial.
• Details:
  • The lawsuit claims the BBC edited his January 6, 2021 speech for a documentary prior to the 2024 election, omitting his call for peaceful protest.
  • BBC has admitted error but denies intent to defame.
  • A Florida judge has set a trial date for February 2027.

Notable Quote:

• “Trump has sued the BBC for $5 billion for alleged def and another 5 billion for unfair trade practices. ... A Florida judge has now set a date for February 2027.” — Lauren Frayer [02:42]

5. Deadly Shooting at South Carolina State University

[03:10–03:48]

• Two people were killed and another injured in a shooting at a residential complex at South Carolina State University.
• The campus went into lockdown and classes were cancelled.
• No arrests have been announced.

Quote:

• “School officials in Orangeburg say two people were killed by gunfire and another was wounded.” — Dave Mattingly [03:15]

6. Winter Olympics: US Men’s Hockey Opens with Victory

[03:48–04:29]

• The US Men’s Hockey team beat Latvia 5-1 in their opening game in Italy.
• NHL players are participating for the first time since 2014.
• Brock Nelson (Colorado Avalanche) scored twice; Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) also scored.
• Two US goals were overturned after Latvian challenges.
• US and Canada are early favorites for the gold.
  • Canada also won their opener against Czechia 5-0.

Quote:

• “The US squad was led by Brock Nelson of the Colorado Avalanche. He scored twice. Team captain Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs also had a goal.” — Steve Futterman [03:53]

7. Presidential Pardons: Five Former NFL Players

[04:29–04:55]

• President Trump issued pardons to five former NFL players convicted of crimes including drug trafficking and perjury.
• Joe Kleko (Pro Football Hall of Fame, former New York Jets) was among those pardoned.

Quote:

• “The five include Pro Football hall of Famer Joe Kleko, who played for the New York Jets. He pleaded guilty to lying to a federal grand jury investigating insurance fraud.” — Dave Mattingly [04:37]

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode maintains NPR’s signature concise but authoritative tone, moving swiftly through major headlines with brief context and expert field reporting.
• The appearance of high-profile legal news (Kelly’s and Trump’s cases) underscores a charged political landscape.
• The mention of NHL players returning to the Olympics signals excitement among sports fans.
• Quotes and attributions are factual, measured, and free of embellishment.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Congress DHS Funding Crisis — [00:16–01:14]
• Senator Mark Kelly Demotion Blocked — [01:14–01:50]
• Trump Accuses Seditious Behavior / Military Moves — [01:50–02:24]
• Trump’s BBC Lawsuit Moves Forward — [02:24–03:10]
• South Carolina State Shooting — [03:10–03:48]
• US Men’s Hockey Olympic Win — [03:48–04:29]
• Trump Pardons Ex-NFL Players — [04:29–04:55]

This summary captures the top headlines and essential takeaways for listeners seeking a rapid but thorough rundown of the day’s news at the national and international level.