NPR News Now – February 10, 2026, 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now update delivers the latest headlines and global developments as of February 10, 2026, at 11AM EST. Focused on national security, ongoing crises, an international peace effort, and economic updates, the episode presents a rapid-fire summary of key events shaping the day.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Oversight of Immigration Agencies

[00:15 – 00:54]

• Topic: House committee hearings on the Trump administration's immigration operations, following the killing of two Minneapolis protesters by federal immigration agents.
• Key Figures: Todd Lyons, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Highlights:
  • Lawmakers are scrutinizing three immigration agencies regarding recent fatal incidents involving federal agents.
  • Todd Lyons strongly defends ICE’s ongoing enforcement, aligning with presidential directives.
• Notable Quote:

  “Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail. Despite these perils, our officers continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve. And we are only getting started.”
  — Todd Lyons, ICE Acting Director [00:42]

2. DHS Funding Risks & Congressional Demands

[00:54 – 01:40]

• Topic: Potential shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) due to pending congressional funding.
• Insights:
  • Democrats are demanding operational changes in DHS before approving spending.
• Epstein Investigation:
  • Bipartisan lawmakers accessed unredacted files on Jeffrey Epstein but allege critical information—including names of six implicated men—remains concealed.
  • Congressmen Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna push the Justice Department for full disclosure.

3. Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case

[01:40 – 02:14]

• Topic: Ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie.
• Key Points:
  • Family last saw Nancy on January 31st in Tucson; believed to have been unwillingly taken from her home.
  • Savannah Guthrie issues a public online appeal for information.
  • Local media received ransom notes, but the FBI reports no “continued communication” with kidnappers.
• Notable Moment:

  "We are at an hour of desperation. And we need your help."
  — Savannah Guthrie & Bill Chappell [01:52–01:56]

4. International Response to Gaza Ceasefire

[02:14 – 03:07]

• Topic: Indonesia’s plan to send troops to Gaza as the first part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
• Reporting: Daniel Estrin from Tel Aviv.
• Details:
  • Indonesia is training thousands of soldiers for possible deployment.
  • The broader mission and mandate of the proposed international stabilization force remain undefined.
  • US-led fundraising for Gaza’s reconstruction is upcoming, but Israel insists on Hamas disarmament before any rebuilding.
  • Ongoing violence includes further deaths from Israeli military action.
• Notable Quote:

  "Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, is the first to announce it's training thousands of soldiers for potential deployment to Gaza."
  — Daniel Estrin, NPR [02:25]

5. Economic Updates

[03:07 – 03:49]

• Wall Street:
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average up more than 200 points.
• Retail Sales:
  • December retail sales report shows flat results due to lower spending on cars, furniture, and electronics; slight increase in groceries and gasoline purchases.
  • Report was delayed by a previous government shutdown.

6. Air Canada Suspends Flights to Cuba

[03:49 – 04:25]

• Reporter: Dan Karpenchuk
• Details:
  • Air Canada suspends flights due to an “ongoing shortage of aviation fuel,” tied to US blocks on Cuba's access to jet fuel.
  • Nine Cuban airports affected, including Havana.
  • Repatriation flights will bring stranded Canadians back.
  • Over 7,200 Canadians are currently in Cuba; government urges travelers to have contingency plans.

7. Peace Walk: Buddhist Monks Arrive in Washington, D.C.

[04:25 – 04:55]

• Story:
  • A group of Buddhist monks, accompanied by their rescue dog, conclude a months-long walk that started in Texas.
  • Their walk for peace has drawn widespread support, with thousands greeting them and a strong following on social media.
  • Plans include visiting significant landmarks like the Washington National Cathedral and the Lincoln Memorial.
• Notable Quote:
  (No direct quotations, but the story’s tone is one of hope and unity.)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Todd Lyons (ICE):
  “Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail. Despite these perils, our officers continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve. And we are only getting started.” [00:42]

• Savannah Guthrie (via Bill Chappell):
  “We are at an hour of desperation. And we need your help.” [01:52–01:56]

• Daniel Estrin (NPR):
  “Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, is the first to announce it's training thousands of soldiers for potential deployment to Gaza.” [02:25]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Immigration Agencies Testify and ICE Statement: 00:15–00:54
• DHS Funding & Epstein Files: 00:54–01:40
• Savannah Guthrie Kidnapping Appeal: 01:40–02:14
• Indonesia Troops/Gaza Ceasefire: 02:14–03:07
• Economic Update/Wall Street & Retail Sales: 03:07–03:49
• Air Canada Suspends Cuba Flights: 03:49–04:25
• Buddhist Monks Walk for Peace: 04:25–04:55

This episode delivers a pressing and timely roundup of national security, political accountability, global conflict resolution efforts, personal and human-interest stories, and updates on travel disruptions and economic trends. The tone throughout is brisk, factual, and empathetic, with a particular emphasis on stories reflecting immediate urgency and ongoing change.