NPR News Now – February 10, 2026, 5AM EST

Main Theme:

This concise, five-minute NPR News Now segment covers key updates in U.S. political developments, voter fraud allegations, student mental health and AI, international diplomacy, Olympic achievements, and environmental concerns—offering listeners a fast, reliable roundup of current events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Access to Jeffrey Epstein Justice Dept. Files

[00:34–01:17]

• Members of Congress, including Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin (Maryland), are reviewing previously unredacted Justice Department files on the late Jeffrey Epstein.
• Concerns Raised:
  • Many unnecessary redactions remain.
  • Names of victims were sometimes not properly redacted, which Raskin finds especially troubling.
• Quote ([00:34]):

  “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.”
  — Rep. Jamie Raskin

• Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted co-conspirator, invoked the Fifth Amendment before the House Oversight Committee.
• Maxwell's attorney indicated that she would speak more openly if granted clemency by President Trump.

2. Report Debunks Widespread Non-Citizen Voting Claims

[01:17–02:08]

• A study by the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation Research (CEIR) refutes President Trump’s allegations about widespread non-citizen voting.
• Key Findings:
  • Allegations often result from misunderstandings or data mischaracterizations.
  • Non-citizen registration and actual voting are extremely rare—e.g., only 35 non-citizen votes out of 1.67 million cast in Iowa in 2024 (~0.002%).
• Despite evidence, President Trump continues to incorrectly claim widespread non-citizen voting, using it to argue for centralizing control of elections.
• Quote ([01:40]):

  “It is extremely rare that noncitizens get registered and then it is infinitesimally rare that they vote.”
  — David Becker, CEIR Executive Director

3. Surge in Students Seeking Emotional Support from AI

[02:08–03:11]

• A new study covering U.S., UK, and Australian students reveals a growing trend of students turning to artificial intelligence (AI)—such as chatbots—for emotional support.
• U.S. Highlights:
  • 90% of schools are concerned about mental health effects from students’ online lives.
  • 60%+ report students using chatbots for support before turning to people.
• Expert Insight ([02:48]):

  “They are becoming [an] AI imaginary friend for these kids and what started out as curiosity for them is really increased or changed into something far more concerning.”
  — Harrison Parker, Linewise VP

• In Australia, about 75% of schools feel they can’t keep up with the pace of technology.
• Raises alarm over schools’ ability to manage mental health impacts.

4. Netanyahu Visits White House Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

[03:11–03:27]

• Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled for White House talks with President Trump regarding Iran.
• The meeting follows backchannel negotiations in Oman involving Trump’s envoy and Jared Kushner, as the U.S. military presence grows in the Middle East.

5. U.S. Wins Gold in Olympic Team Figure Skating

[03:27–04:19]

• Team USA clinched gold in team figure skating, narrowly beating Japan by a single point at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
• The competition remained intense until the final event; America’s Ilia Malinin wowed with five quad jumps and a one-footed backflip.
• Italy secured bronze for the first time in team skating—on home ice.
• Memorable Moment ([03:56]):

  “America's Ilia Malinin delivered a powerhouse performance, landing five quad jumps and a one footed backflip to put the US back on top.”
  — Rachel Treisman, NPR

6. Record Snow Drought in the Western U.S.

[04:19–04:54]

• Scientists report historically low snow cover in the West: just 155,000 sq. miles currently versus a seasonal norm of 460,000.
• Cause: Unusually warm temps—the warmest December to early February on record.
• Impacts: Oregon’s snowpack is 30% below the previous record low.
• Data Source: National Snow and Ice Data Center, NOAA.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:34] Congressman Raskin on Epstein file redactions
• [01:17] Non-citizen voter claims debunked by CEIR
• [02:08] U.S., UK, and Australia school concerns about AI and mental health
• [03:11] Netanyahu to meet Trump about Iran
• [03:48] Team USA wins Olympic team figure skating gold
• [04:19] Western U.S. snow drought data

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Raskin ([00:34]):

  “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.”

• David Becker ([01:40]):

  “It is extremely rare that noncitizens get registered and then it is infinitesimally rare that they vote.”

• Harrison Parker ([02:48]):

  “They are becoming [an] AI imaginary friend for these kids... has really increased or changed into something far more concerning.”

• Rachel Treisman ([03:56]):

  “America's Ilia Malinin delivered a powerhouse performance, landing five quad jumps and a one footed backflip to put the US back on top.”

This episode provides a rapid, factual update on significant stories shaping the U.S. and world today—from sensitive congressional investigations and election security to education technology, international policy, sports achievement, and the environment.