NPR News Now — February 10, 2026, 4AM EST

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise roundup of the most significant news stories as of February 10, 2026. Major topics include Ghislaine Maxwell's silence before Congress, developments in Ukraine-Russia peace talks, record-breaking performances at the Winter Olympics, a kidnapping case involving Savannah Guthrie's mother, a union vote of no confidence at American Airlines, and updates on the New York City nurses' strike.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Ghislaine Maxwell Invokes the Fifth Before House Oversight

• Summary: Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence, declined to answer questions from the House Oversight Committee regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, citing her Fifth Amendment rights. Her cooperation is conditioned on receiving clemency from former President Trump.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • James Comer, House Oversight Chairman:

    "As expected, Ghislaine Maxwell took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions. This obviously is very disappointing. We had many questions to ask about the crime she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co conspirators. We sincerely want to get to the truth to the American people and justice for the survivors." (00:36)

• Timestamps: 00:17–00:58

2. Ukrainian President Zelensky on Possible U.S.-Russia Cooperation

• Summary: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on potential U.S.-Russia cooperation that might exclude Ukraine, referencing a $12 trillion proposal put forward by Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev. Ukrainian economists and officials remain skeptical of its feasibility, suggesting it’s a tactic by Russia to influence peace talks and prolong the conflict.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Pavlo Cherenko (Ukrainian economist):

    "As of now, the economic situation in Russia is such that there is no money to be made." (01:49)
    "There is this transactional, not transparent side to negotiations." (02:00)

  • Eleanor Beardsley (NPR):

    "Ukrainians say President Putin is proposing business deals to play for time so he can continue his war on Ukraine." (02:08)

• Timestamps: 00:58–02:17

3. Winter Olympics: Speed Skating Records Fall

• Summary: Dutch speed skaters shine at the Milan Winter Olympics, with multiple Olympic records broken over three consecutive nights. Femke Kok and Juta Lierdom both set new records in quick succession. US skater Brittany Bo narrowly missed the podium, placing just behind Japan’s Miho Takagi.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Ping Huang (NPR):

    "The stadium was a sea of orange... Dutch speed skater Femke Kok set an Olympic record, finishing two and a half laps on the track in one minute, 12.59 seconds. Minutes later, her teammate Juta Lierdom beat that time by about a quarter of a second, setting a new Olympic record." (02:26)

• Timestamps: 02:17–03:13

4. Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing in Arizona

• Summary: TV host Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have publicly appealed for help finding their 84-year-old mother, presumed kidnapped for over a week. Despite ongoing investigations, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has no suspects or persons of interest.
• Memorable Moment:
  • "Savannah Guthrie says her family has reached an hour of desperation." (03:13)
• Timestamps: 03:13–03:27

5. American Airlines Flight Attendant Union Votes No Confidence in CEO

• Summary: The American Airlines flight attendant union passes a vote of no confidence in CEO Robert Isom, following the cancellation of thousands of flights due to a winter storm and perceived management failures. Pilots also raised concerns about the airline’s management and financials; Isom has agreed to meet with pilots soon.
• Speaker Quotes:
  • Dylan Duke (KERA):

    "Union leaders also criticized Isom for getting an increase in pay while the company lagged behind competing airlines. And they say the company mishandled the winter storm in January that resulted in American canceling 9,000 flights." (03:57)

• Timestamps: 03:27–04:28

6. Tentative Deal Could End NYC Nurses’ Strike

• Summary: A tentative agreement between the nurses’ union and two major New York City hospitals (Mount Sinai and Montefiore) could end a nearly month-long strike. The deal, affecting about 10,500 nurses, awaits ratification. Another 4,200 nurses at New York Presbyterian remain on strike.
• Timestamps: 04:28–04:56

Notable Quotes & Moments

• James Comer, House Oversight Chairman:
  "We sincerely want to get to the truth to the American people and justice for the survivors. That's what this investigation is about." (00:36)
• Pavlo Cherenko, Ukrainian economist:
  "As of now, the economic situation in Russia is such that there is no money to be made." (01:49)
• Ping Huang, NPR (on Dutch speed skating fans):
  "The stadium was a sea of orange." (02:26)
• News Anchor, on Savannah Guthrie’s appeal:
  "Her family has reached an hour of desperation." (03:13)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:17 — Ghislaine Maxwell’s silence before Congress
• 00:58 — Zelensky on U.S.-Russia cooperation and the $12 trillion proposal
• 02:17 — Winter Olympics speed skating records
• 03:13 — Savannah Guthrie’s mother missing in Arizona
• 03:27 — No confidence vote at American Airlines
• 04:28 — Tentative deal for NYC nurses’ strike

This episode delivers a fast-paced yet thorough update on political, international, sports, and labor developments, reflecting the ongoing complexity and urgency of news in early 2026.