NPR News Now – February 10, 2026, 1PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Overview

This episode delivers succinct updates on major national and international news events, from ongoing political controversies in Washington to legal battles over tariffs, significant electoral outcomes, and some lighter cultural coverage. The episode is tightly packed, reflecting NPR’s hallmark concise, fact-driven style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Commerce Secretary Howard Ludnick and the Epstein Controversy

[00:15 – 01:29]

• Issue: Commerce Secretary Howard Ludnick faces bipartisan criticism regarding his visits to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in 2012. He testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Context: Ludnick appears in newly released Justice Department files on Epstein, convicted of sexually abusing minors.
• Political Response: Democrats increasingly call for Ludnick’s resignation; Republican Congressman Thomas Massie also joins those urging ouster. White House continues to defend Ludnick.

Notable Exchange:

• Senator Chris Van Hollen (00:34):

  “When you visited the private island, did you see anything inappropriate during that visit?”

• Howard Ludnick (00:43):

  “The only thing I saw with my wife and my children and the other couple and their children was staff who worked for Mr. Epstein on that island.”

2. Chinese Automaker BYD Sues Trump Administration Over Tariffs

[01:29 – 02:16]

• Issue: BYD’s U.S. subsidiaries file suit in U.S. trade court, claiming tariffs imposed under Trump are unlawful and seeking refunds.
• Broader Context: Supreme Court is set to rule on whether President Trump overstepped his authority in imposing tariffs. Lower courts have ruled against Trump.
• Financial Stakes: Over $130 billion could potentially be refunded to affected companies if Supreme Court affirms lower court rulings.

Notable Quote:

• Emily Fang, NPR Reporter (01:42):

  “Both the U.S. Court of International Trade and a U.S. federal Appeals Court have already determined President Trump overstepped his powers... Now the Supreme Court must decide whether to uphold these decisions…”

3. New Jersey Special Democratic Primary Election

[02:16 – 03:07]

• Race Update: Former Congressman Tom Malinowski concedes to Analia Mejia in a close Democratic primary for NJ’s 11th District, after several days’ delay in vote counting. The Associated Press has not yet officially declared a winner.
• Context: Seat was vacated by Governor Mikey Sherrill.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Hayes, NYC Member Station (02:36):

  “Days later, Mejia leads Malinowski by just about 600 votes, with several thousand votes still outstanding. On Tuesday morning... Malinowski congratulated Mejia on a hard won victory.”

4. Mardi Gras King Cake Tradition in New Orleans

[03:07 – 04:13]

• Feature: Students at the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute are embracing king cake traditions ahead of Mardi Gras, experimenting with flavors and techniques.
• Personal stories: Bakers bring personal twists (coffee liqueur and bourbon) to the classic cinnamon-filled king cake.

Standout Moments:

• Sierra Francois, Culinary Student (03:50):

  “I think we all, like, love king cake maybe, and we know how important it is to the culture and so we want to do it justice.”

• Reporter Aubrey Juhas (03:55):

  “Her finished cake comes out of the oven puffed up and golden brown, her first contribution to a rich tradition.”

5. Winter Olympics Medals Investigation

[04:13 – 04:55]

• Issue: In Italy, several athletes report their Olympic medals broke or fell off ribbons. Breezy Johnson (US, women's downhill gold) warns fellow athletes her medal broke after jumping in it, though it was replaced quickly.
• Notable Context: Not the first medal problem; previous corrosion issues occurred after the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Memorable Caution:

• Jeanine Herbst, Host (04:17):

  “An investigation is underway after four athletes reported problems with their medals breaking and falling off the ribbons. Women's downhill gold medalist American Breezy Johnson warned her fellow athletes not to jump in them.”

6. Market Updates

[03:07, 04:55]

• Dow is up 234 points (initial report) and 211 points (closing).
• NASDAQ is up 11, S&P 500 up 7.

Quick Reference Timestamps

• Epstein/Ludnick Hearing: 00:15 – 01:29
• Tariffs Lawsuit (BYD/Trump): 01:29 – 02:16
• NJ-11 Democratic Primary: 02:16 – 03:07
• Mardi Gras King Cake Culture: 03:07 – 04:13
• Olympics Medal Issues: 04:13 – 04:55
• Market Updates: 03:07, 04:55

Summary

This NPR News Now episode swiftly traverses headline politics (Epstein fallout, tariff litigation), democracy in action (tight NJ primary), rich local culture (New Orleans baking tradition), and the Olympics’ logistical surprises—delivering a five-minute snapshot of America and the world on February 10, 2026.