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)
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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.
- Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin and other lawmakers accessed the unredacted Epstein files at the Justice Department.
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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)
- Jamie Raskin on redactions:
2. British Royal Family and Prince Andrew Investigation (01:39–02:17)
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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.
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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)
- King Charles' statement (via reporter Fatemay Kassab):
3. Trump’s Criticism of U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess (02:17–03:14)
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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.
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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)
- Trump on Hunter Hess (reported by Brian Mann):
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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
