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

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR)
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This rapid-fire NPR News Now update covers key stories making headlines in U.S. politics, world affairs, the economy, science, and culture—including a new Justice Department affidavit on the Georgia ballots probe, political sparring over U.S. immigration and homeland security policy, Indonesia’s troop preparations for Gaza, a sobering look at retail sales, a study on caffeine’s impact on dementia risk, and Olympic mascot mania.

Key Stories & Insights

1. DOJ Releases Affidavit on Georgia Ballot Seizure

Timestamps: 00:16 – 01:02

• Investigation: The Justice Department unsealed an affidavit regarding the FBI's ongoing investigation into the handling of 2020 election ballots in Fulton County, Georgia.
• Background: The probe started due to legal efforts by Kurt Olson to overturn the 2020 election; Olson now serves as the Trump administration’s Director of Election Security and Integrity.
• Key Point:
  • Despite renewal of claims about vote counting “deficiencies,” NPR reports, “multiple claims...had already been investigated and were not substantiated.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “The filing also says this investigation was started by Kurt Olson, who tried to overturn the 2020 election.” – Stephen Fowler (01:00)

2. Democratic Leaders Reject White House Immigration Proposal

Timestamps: 01:02 – 01:37

• Congressional Response: Democrats denounce a White House plan as “incomplete and insufficient” while demanding curbs on President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
• Potential Shutdown: Schumer and Jeffries threaten a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown unless their demands are met.
• Key Quote:
  • The White House response “does not address, quote, the concerns Americans have about ICE’s lawless conduct.” (01:20)

3. Indonesia Prepares Troops for Gaza as Part of US-Brokered Ceasefire

Timestamps: 01:37 – 02:19

• International Move: Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, is training thousands of soldiers for possible Gaza deployment.
• Uncertainty: The “international stabilization force” being assembled lacks a defined mandate.
• Aid and Politics: President Trump’s Board of Peace to meet on Gaza reconstruction, but Israel insists aid cannot begin until Hamas is disarmed.
• On-the-Ground Update: Palestinian health officials report deaths from continued Israeli military action.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Indonesia…is the first to announce it’s training thousands of soldiers for potential deployment to Gaza.” – Daniel Estrin (01:41)

4. Retail Sales and Market Update

Timestamps: 02:19 – 02:59

• Economy: December retail sales flatlined, with cautious consumer behavior after a delayed report (due to prior government shutdown).
• Spending Patterns: Small uptick in groceries and gasoline, but drops in autos, furniture, electronics.
• Business Spotlight: Coca Cola faces slow sales growth; offers smaller cans to entice budget-conscious consumers.
• Stock Market:
  • S&P 500: -0.3%
  • Dow: slight gain
  • Nasdaq: -0.5%
• Notable Quote:
  • “Coke raised prices in North America by 4% in its most recent quarter. For those who are thirsty for savings, the company began offering smaller cans.” – Scott Horsley (02:51)

5. TVA Walks Back Coal Plant Closures

Timestamps: 02:59 – 03:47

• Policy: Tennessee Valley Authority announces it will keep two coal plants operational after previously planning to close them.
• Context: Board now has a majority chosen by the coal-friendly Trump administration; environmentalists voice strong concerns.
• Quote Highlight:
  • “Extending the coal plants would raise serious questions about TVA’s decision making process.” (03:32)

6. Coffee & Tea Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

Timestamps: 03:47 – 04:29

• Science: Mass General Brigham study finds moderate caffeine drinkers have an 18% lower risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline, based on a 40-year, 130,000-person review.
• Caveat: No benefits found with decaf; researchers caution more study required.
• Memorable Line:
  • “Moderation means 1 to 2 cups of tea or 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day… those who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine daily had an 18% lower risk of dementia.” – Deborah Becker (03:55)

7. Milan Cortina Olympics Mascot Craze

Timestamps: 04:29 – 04:55

• Culture: Milo and Tina, plush stoat mascots for the upcoming Olympics, are virtually sold out in host cities. Milo, representing the Paralympic Winter Games, stands out for overcoming disability (born without a paw, uses his tail).
• Human Touch:
  • “Milo was born without one paw, but learned to use his tail.” (04:45)

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• [01:00] “The filing also says this investigation was started by Kurt Olson, who tried to overturn the 2020 election.” – Stephen Fowler
• [01:20] “…does not address, quote, the concerns Americans have about ICE's lawless conduct.”
• [01:41] “Indonesia…is the first to announce it’s training thousands of soldiers for potential deployment to Gaza.” – Daniel Estrin
• [02:51] “Coke raised prices in North America by 4% in its most recent quarter. For those who are thirsty for savings, the company began offering smaller cans.” – Scott Horsley
• [03:55] “Moderation means 1 to 2 cups of tea or 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day…those who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine daily had an 18% lower risk of dementia.” – Deborah Becker
• [04:45] “Milo was born without one paw, but learned to use his tail.”

Conclusion

This concise NPR News Now edition covered a broad sweep of top stories impacting politics, governance, international relations, the economy, public health, and lighter Olympic cultural moments—offering informed reporting and quick, meaningful updates for staying in the know.