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

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now segment, anchored by Jeanine Herbst, covers the day’s top headlines across U.S. politics, international developments, disappearing persons, and environmental news. The reporting features a mix of fast-moving updates and ongoing investigations, utilizing NPR’s correspondents and direct official statements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Administration Immigration Oversight Hearing

[00:00–01:15]

• Congressional oversight focuses on intensified scrutiny of immigration officials, particularly after two fatal shootings involving enforcement agents in Minneapolis.
• ICE and Customs and Border Protection chiefs testify before the House Homeland Security Committee, promising to provide full investigative reports after conclusion.
• Lawmaker questions about wrongful detainment:
  • ICE Acting Director commits, “American citizens should not be arrested.”
  • A Senate report found nearly two dozen American citizens detained by immigration agents between June and November of the previous year.

Notable Quote:

“American citizens should not be arrested.”
— ICE Acting Director (paraphrased by Barbara Sprunt), [00:57]

2. Missing Person: Nancy Guthrie Case

[01:15–02:03]

• FBI Director Cash Patel releases surveillance images related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, in Arizona.
  • The footage shows a masked and armed individual tampering with a security camera.
• FBI currently has no suspects or persons of interest a week after the 84-year-old vanished.

Notable Moment:
Detailed description of the suspect’s appearance and actions reinforces the seriousness and mystery of the case.

3. Epstein Files Shake UK Politics

[02:03–02:45]

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls for resignation due to his appointment of Peter Mandelson—a friend of Jeffrey Epstein—as U.S. ambassador.
  • Mandelson, who quit last year, is being investigated for possibly passing sensitive information to Epstein.
• Cabinet shows unanimous support for Starmer, suggesting his leadership is intact for now despite declining popularity.
• Starmer publicly refuses to step down:

Notable Quote:

“I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country.”
— Prime Minister Keir Starmer, [02:07]

4. 2026 Senate Race: Susan Collins Announces Reelection

[02:45–03:10]

• Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) seeks a sixth term; her seat is key to Senate balance.
• Collins, a moderate Republican, is the only GOP senator up for reelection in a state won by Kamala Harris in 2024.
• Potential Democratic challengers: Gov. Janet Mills or newcomer Graham Platner.

5. Immigration Court Blocks Student Deportation

[03:10–03:40]

• Immigration judge halts deportation of Rumisa Ozturk, a Tufts student and pro-Palestinian activist from Turkey.
  • Arrested during a crackdown on foreign-born students involved in activism.
  • Ozturk argues the deportation move violated her First Amendment rights due to retaliation against her criticism of the university’s stance on Israel and Gaza.

6. First Gray Wolf in LA County in a Century

[03:40–04:39]

• A GPS-collared gray wolf, designated Bey03f, spotted in the mountains near Santa Clarita, marking the species’ first recorded presence in LA County in over 100 years.
• Gray wolves were historically extirpated from the region; they are slowly recolonizing, protected under the Endangered Species Act.
• Their protection status is under congressional review, with the Trump administration and Republicans advocating for their removal.

Notable Quote:

“Catchy name, huh?”
— Nate Rott, on the wolf’s designation Bey03f, [03:58]

7. Market Update

[04:39–04:55]

• Real-time stock indices snapshot:
  • Dow: +33
  • NASDAQ: –58
  • S&P 500: –9

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• ICE on American citizens detained:
  “American citizens should not be arrested.” ([00:57], Barbara Sprunt paraphrasing ICE Acting Director)

• Keir Starmer on his leadership:
  “I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country.” ([02:07], Prime Minister Keir Starmer)

• Nate Rott with a wry aside:
  “Catchy name, huh?” ([03:58], on the wolf’s scientific tag, Bey03f)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:00–01:15] Immigration hearing and ICE detainment controversy
• [01:15–02:03] FBI update on Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother
• [02:03–02:45] UK political fallout over Epstein files
• [02:45–03:10] Susan Collins’ reelection bid
• [03:10–03:40] Immigration judge blocks student activist’s deportation
• [03:40–04:39] Appearance of a wolf in Los Angeles County
• [04:39–04:55] Closing financial news

Summary

This fast-paced installment delivers a concise yet comprehensive update on significant events: ongoing scrutiny of immigration authorities, developments in a high-profile missing persons case, diplomatic fallout over the Epstein files in the UK, a pivotal Senate race announcement, an immigration legal victory, historic wildlife sightings, and the day’s financial snapshot. The reporting blends factual updates with direct quotes and context, providing listeners with an informed overview of current affairs.