NPR News Now – February 13, 2026, 8AM EST
Overview
This five-minute edition of NPR News Now (hosted by Korva Coleman) offers concise reporting on today’s biggest stories: a looming shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, a court ruling involving Venezuelan migrants, controversial new EPA announcements from President Trump, US participation in WHO flu discussions, inflation trends, an ongoing high-profile abduction case, and a new NASA Crew 12 launch to the International Space Station.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Department of Homeland Security Faces Shutdown
- [00:11 – 01:02]
- The Senate failed to pass a funding bill for DHS, putting the agency on track to shut down at day’s end.
- Barbara Sprunt reports:
- Senate Democrats demand changes to DHS, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by ICE officers in Minneapolis.
- Even with a DHS shutdown, ICE will remain funded (has a separate $70 billion allocation from last summer).
- Congress expected to be out of session next week but are “on notice” to return if a deal emerges.
2. Federal Judge Orders Return of Venezuelan Migrants
- [01:02 – 01:41]
- A U.S. judge rules Venezuelan migrants, previously deported to El Salvador and then to Venezuela, must be allowed to return if they’re outside Venezuela and want to appeal their deportations.
- U.S. must pay for their return or grant them entry for legal proceedings.
3. Trump Administration Overturns EPA Climate Finding
- [01:41 – 02:00]
- President Trump announces the EPA is overturning the “endangerment finding,” which has served as the federal basis for climate action.
- Donald Trump [01:41]:
“We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers. Prices went up incredibly for a worse product.”
- Donald Trump [01:41]:
- Environmental groups denounce the move, arguing it violates federal law and undermines U.S. climate protection commitments.
- President Trump announces the EPA is overturning the “endangerment finding,” which has served as the federal basis for climate action.
4. U.S. Participation in WHO Flu Meeting
- [02:00 – 03:10]
- Jonathan Lambert reports:
- Despite the U.S. officially leaving the World Health Organization earlier this year, U.S. scientists will still participate in the annual meeting to determine flu shot composition.
- The CDC will share critical data, continuing its traditional role in international flu-prevention efforts.
- Maria Van Kerkove, WHO official [02:55]:
"The meeting will take place at the end of this month, and yes, the U.S. is participating."
- Jonathan Lambert reports:
5. Consumer Price Index and Inflation Update
- [03:10 – 03:31]
- The Labor Department is set to release the January cost-of-living report.
- Economists expect consumer prices to be up about 2.5% year-on-year—a slowdown from previous months, signaling cooling inflation.
6. FBI Ups Reward in Nancy Guthrie Abduction
- [03:31 – 04:09]
- The FBI raises its reward to $100,000 for information on Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, abducted nearly two weeks prior from Tucson.
- Authorities appeal to neighbors for security camera footage.
7. NASA’s Crew 12 Launches to the ISS
- [04:09 – 04:48]
- NASA’s Crew 12 departed Cape Canaveral for the International Space Station.
- Crew: Two U.S. astronauts, one French, one Russian.
- They are traveling in a SpaceX Dragon capsule; docking is expected in about 34 hours.
- Their mission (8 months aboard) follows a medical evacuation from the ISS, which left it short-staffed.
- Brendan Byrne (launch moment) [04:09]:
"Three, two, one, ignition and liftoff. Go Falcon, Go Dragon, and Godspeed Crew 12."
- NASA’s Crew 12 departed Cape Canaveral for the International Space Station.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- President Donald Trump [01:41]:
- “We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and massively drove up prices for American consumers.”
- Maria Van Kerkove, WHO official [02:55]:
- “The meeting will take place at the end of this month, and yes, the U.S. is participating.”
- Brendan Byrne, launch commentator [04:09]:
- “Three, two, one, ignition and liftoff. Go Falcon, Go Dragon, and Godspeed Crew 12.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- DHS Funding Crisis: 00:11 – 01:02
- Venezuelan Migrants Court Order: 01:02 – 01:41
- EPA Climate Finding Overturn: 01:41 – 02:00
- US Participates in WHO Flu Meeting: 02:00 – 03:10
- Consumer Price Index Report Preview: 03:10 – 03:31
- Nancy Guthrie Abduction Investigation: 03:31 – 04:09
- NASA Crew 12 Launch: 04:09 – 04:48
Summary
This episode delivers swift, high-impact updates on urgent U.S. political standoffs, legal rulings on immigration, shifts in federal environmental policy, major public health collaborations, economic indicators, a developing criminal investigation, and an inspiring space launch. The reporting is direct, measured, and concise—ensuring listeners have the essential facts and critical developments as the day begins.
