NPR News Now – February 13, 2026, 9PM EST

Overview

This five-minute newscast presents the latest national and international headlines. The episode delivers concise reports on a range of major developments, including misconduct by federal immigration agents, Indonesia’s proposed involvement in postwar Gaza peacekeeping, a resignation at Goldman Sachs linked to the Epstein files, the state of U.S. inflation, a unionization effort by Nevada sex workers, an Olympic skier’s injury recovery, and the kickoff of Rio’s Carnival.

Key Discussion Points & Detailed Breakdown

1. Federal Immigration Agents Under Scrutiny (00:15–01:18)

• Incident and Investigation: Two federal immigration agents face allegations of lying about the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant, Julio Cesar Sosa Celis, in Minneapolis.

  • The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) initial account claimed the officer fired in self-defense during an ambush with a snow shovel and broom handle.
  • After a joint ICE and DOJ review, it was disclosed that the agents’ sworn testimonies may have been false.
  • Both agents have been placed on administrative leave.
  • Potential repercussions: Officers could face termination and prosecution.

• Notable Quote:

  • "This after a joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice found they appear to have lied in their sworn testimonies of the incident."
    —Sergio Martinez Beltran (00:57)

2. Indonesia Plans to Deploy Peacekeeping Troops to Gaza (01:18–01:52)

• Context: Indonesia is preparing up to 8,000 troops, focusing on engineering and medical units, to participate in a proposed Gaza peacekeeping force as part of President Trump’s postwar plan.

• Public & Political Responses:

  • Indonesia has deep UN peacekeeping experience and a history of supporting Gaza aid.
  • Domestic skepticism persists: questions arise over funding and troop deployment terms.

3. Goldman Sachs Legal Chief Resigns Amid Epstein Ties (01:52–02:36)

• Resignation Overview:

  • Kathy Ruemmler, the chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, will step down June 30 following revelations about her connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • DOJ-released Epstein files indicate Ruemmler maintained ties (including accepting lavish gifts and referring to him as "uncle Jeffrey") well after Epstein’s original sex crime conviction.

• Industry Ripple Effect:

  • Earlier in the month, lawyer Brad Karp also resigned from a major law firm over similar issues.

• Notable Quote:

  • "Her resignation from Goldman Sachs comes after the Justice Department’s latest release of the Epstein files revealed the extent of Rummler’s relationship with Epstein years after he was convicted of sex crimes."
    —Ryan Lucas (02:13)

4. U.S. Inflation at Near 5-Year Low (02:36–03:46)

• Economic Context:

  • A key inflation indicator fell to a near five-year low thanks to cooling rent and gas prices.
  • Despite the improvement, costs for food, gas, and rent remain about 25% higher than five years ago.
  • Rising costs continue to shape the U.S. political landscape.

• Market Impact:

  • Wall Street steadied following the inflation report, amid ongoing concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on business.

5. Nevada Brothel Sex Workers Fight to Unionize (02:36–03:46)

• Labor Organizing:
  • Sex workers at Sherry's Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, are attempting to form a union—the first such effort in a U.S. brothel if successful.
  • Workers allege that management is pressuring them to accept a contract granting the brothel complete control over their intellectual property.

6. Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn’s Recovery Update (03:46–04:35)

• Accident and Medical Update:

  • Lindsey Vonn remains hospitalized after a "catastrophic" downhill crash resulting in a complex fracture to her left leg.
  • Vonn has undergone several operations with more surgeries ahead.
  • She hopes to transfer home soon, pending an additional surgery.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "I'm finally feeling more like myself, but I have a long, long way to go."
    —Lindsey Vonn (04:14)

7. Rio Carnival Begins (04:35–04:54)

• Celebratory News:
  • Carnival festivities launched in Rio de Janeiro as the mayor handed the city’s key to King Momo.
  • An estimated six million people are expected to join expanding street parties, featuring bands, drummers, and performers.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• DHS ICE Shooting Allegations:

  • "They appear to have lied in their sworn testimonies of the incident."
    —Sergio Martinez Beltran, 00:57

• Goldman Sachs Resignation:

  • "Her resignation from Goldman Sachs comes after the Justice Department's latest release of the Epstein files revealed the extent of Rummler's relationship with Epstein years after he was convicted of sex crimes."
    —Ryan Lucas, 02:13

• Lindsey Vonn Recovery:

  • "I'm finally feeling more like myself, but I have a long, long way to go."
    —Lindsey Vonn, 04:14

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:15–01:18 — Investigation of ICE Agents in Minneapolis Shooting
• 01:18–01:52 — Indonesia’s Gaza Peacekeeping Plans
• 01:52–02:36 — Kathy Ruemmler’s Resignation at Goldman Sachs over Epstein Files
• 02:36–03:46 — U.S. Inflation & Brothel Unionization Effort
• 03:46–04:35 — Lindsey Vonn’s Injury & Recovery Status
• 04:35–04:54 — Launch of Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Summary Tone

The episode maintains a concise, fact-focused, and neutral journalistic tone, typical of NPR’s reporting style. Quotes from affected individuals and official sources bring a human dimension to the headline-driven narrative.