NPR News Now – February 10, 2026, 2AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 02-10-2026 2AM EST
Date: February 10, 2026

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode provides a brisk summary of the latest headlines from U.S. politics, international royal affairs, Olympic controversies, a high-profile missing person case, Super Bowl advertising reactions, and financial market movements in Asia. Despite its brevity, the episode addresses a wide array of current events, emphasizing the political, social, and cultural developments shaping the early hours of February 10, 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Files Unredacted Review (00:17–01:39)

• Context and Main Points:

  • Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin and other lawmakers accessed the unredacted Epstein files at the Justice Department.
    • Jamie Raskin’s concerns: unnecessary redactions and failure to protect victims’ identities.
  • Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, invoked her Fifth Amendment rights in a video call with the House Oversight Committee.
  • Maxwell’s attorney claimed she would be willing to testify exonerating both President Trump and former President Clinton if Trump granted her clemency.
  • Buckingham Palace, via King Charles, offers support to British police regarding allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential trade info with Jeffrey Epstein.

• Notable Quote:

  • Jamie Raskin on redactions:

    "I went over there and I was able to determine, at least I believe, that there were tons of completely unnecessary redactions in addition to the failure to redact the names of victims. And so that's troubling to us." (00:33)

2. British Royal Family and Prince Andrew Investigation (01:39–02:17)

• King Charles’ Response:

  • After being questioned about Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein, King Charles issues a statement reinforcing support for any investigation and expressing sympathy for victims of abuse.

• Notable Quote:

  • King Charles' statement (via reporter Fatemay Kassab):

    "...the king has made clear, quote, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concerns over allegations that continue to come to light about his brother." (01:45)

  • Kassab closes:

    "It adds that the king and queen's thoughts and sympathies have been and remain with victims of all forms of abuse." (02:05)

3. Trump’s Criticism of U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess (02:17–03:14)

• Incident Details:

  • President Trump lambasts U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess on social media after the 27-year-old skier expresses "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. amid political tensions.
  • Trump calls Hess "a real loser" and remarks, "very hard to root for someone like this."
  • The segment contextualizes Trump’s comment in a broader trend of Olympic athletes facing threats and criticism for political or social statements.
  • USOPC reports an uptick in abusive messages to athletes.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Trump on Hunter Hess (reported by Brian Mann):

    "A real loser... very hard to root for someone like this." (02:30)

  • US Figure Skater Amber Glenn on online threats:

    "I've never had so many people wish me harm before." (03:01)

4. Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing; Public Plea for Help (03:14–03:51)

• Key Details:
  • TODAY Show host Savannah Guthrie and family issue a social media plea for assistance locating their 84-year-old mother, missing for over a week from her Arizona home.
  • The Pima County Sheriff's Department continues the investigation with no suspects or persons of interest identified.
  • Guthrie describes the family's state as "an hour of desperation."

5. Super Bowl AI Ads & Viewer Reception (03:51–04:26)

• Summary:
  • Several leading AI companies (OpenAI, Google, Meta, Anthropic) aired ads during the Super Bowl, with Anthropic referencing recent ad tests in ChatGPT.
  • These AI-centric ads did not resonate with viewers, according to USA Today’s Ad Meter.
  • The highest-rated ad was for Budweiser, featuring classic Americana imagery.

6. Asian Markets Rally Post-Japan Election (04:41–04:56)

• Financial Update:
  • Asian stock markets are up, led by Japan’s Nikkei index, which gains over 2% following Prime Minister Sanay Takechi’s electoral victory over the weekend.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Jamie Raskin (on the unredacted Epstein files):

  "There were tons of completely unnecessary redactions in addition to the failure to redact the names of victims. And so that's troubling to us." (00:33)

• Fatema Al Kassab (on the royal family’s response):

  "The king has made clear, quote, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concerns…" (01:45)

• Donald Trump (via social media, reported by Brian Mann):

  "A real loser... very hard to root for someone like this." (Hunter Hess incident) (02:30)

• Amber Glenn (on online threats):

  "I've never had so many people wish me harm before." (03:01)

Notable Segment Timestamps

• Epstein Files & Ghislaine Maxwell: 00:17–01:39
• British Royal Family / Prince Andrew: 01:39–02:17
• Trump vs. Olympian Hunter Hess: 02:17–03:14
• Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother: 03:14–03:51
• Super Bowl AI Ads: 03:51–04:26
• Asian Stock Markets Rally: 04:41–04:56

This episode efficiently captures the evolving headlines across politics, international intrigue, sports controversies, personal tragedies, cultural moments, and economic developments—all in under five minutes, with a direct and news-focused tone.