NPR News Now – 6AM EST, February 10, 2026
Overview
This episode delivers a fast-paced rundown of the top national and international news stories as of February 10, 2026, including updates on congressional scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein files, bipartisan housing legislation, U.S. military action against suspected drug traffickers, tensions between President Trump and Canada, a high-profile Olympic injury, and key Olympic event previews.
Key Stories & Discussions
1. Congress Presses DOJ on Jeffrey Epstein Files
[00:17 – 01:36]
- A bipartisan group of lawmakers gained access to new portions of the Epstein investigation files but criticized the Department of Justice for withholding information.
- Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie claims files promised to be “fully unredacted” were instead removed from access.
“Some of these files have been taken down like the DOJ produced them and for some reason they took them down. Maybe they decided that victims names were in there and that they needed further redactions. But those documents not only haven't been put back up on the site with the appropriate redactions, they were not available to us to search.” – Thomas Massie [00:35]
- Massie and Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) tracked six powerful men's names still redacted, believed connected to Epstein’s actions, and demanded their public release.
- In related news, Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell refused to cooperate in a congressional deposition, requesting clemency from President Trump for her cooperation.
2. Bipartisan Housing Legislation Passes the House
[01:36 – 02:13]
- The House passed the “Housing in the 21st Century Act,” aiming to make housing more affordable primarily by reducing regulatory barriers on building smaller housing projects.
- The bill includes:
- Provisions to streamline homebuilding.
- A directive for federal agencies to create national building and zoning guidelines.
- Passage was broadly bipartisan (eight Republicans and one Democrat opposed).
- The Senate will now consider a similar bill, though Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the House version for deregulating banks.
“The bill would not make an immediate dent in home prices... meant to encourage [building] through a few dozen provisions like getting rid of some regulations for smaller housing projects.” – Stephen Bissaha [01:36]
3. U.S. Military Targets Suspected Pacific Drug Traffickers
[02:13 – 03:13]
- The Pentagon destroyed a small boat in the eastern Pacific, which officials say was suspected of drug trafficking.
- U.S. Southern Command posted video showing the boat’s destruction: two men killed, one survivor.
- The Trump administration defends these deadly strikes as acts of war against cartels; critics call them "murder."
- Recent NPR reporting indicates cocaine seizures at the U.S.-Mexico border are up 34% since the strikes began.
“The Trump administration says these killings without trial are legal because it is at war with drug cartels. Critics say the killings amount to murder.” – Quill Lawrence [02:28]
4. Trump Threatens Detroit-Windsor Bridge Opening
[03:13 – 03:46]
- President Trump expressed renewed frustration with Canada, threatening to block the opening of a new bridge between Detroit (U.S.) and Windsor (Canada), despite Canada funding the project.
- Trump demands Canada give the U.S. government half-ownership of the bridge or face a blockade.
5. Lindsey Vonn Injured in Olympic Comeback Attempt
[03:46 – 04:25]
- U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex fracture in her left leg after crashing just seconds into her Olympic downhill race comeback.
- She had already been competing with a torn ACL.
- Vonn stated past injuries “had nothing to do with her crash,” and expressed no regrets about pursuing her return.
“It wasn't the ending she'd dreamed of, she wrote. Still, she says she has no regrets about competing.” – Becky Sullivan [04:10]
6. Other Olympic Highlights
[04:25 – 04:56]
- U.S. anticipated to medal in Olympic curling mixed doubles.
- Men's figure skating short program features Ilya Malinin, who could attempt the first-ever quadruple axel on Olympic ice.
- U.S. women's hockey team faces Canada in a major rivalry match (not yet for a medal).
Notable Quotes
- “Some of these files have been taken down like the DOJ produced them and for some reason they took them down... They were not available to us to search.”
— Thomas Massie [00:35] - “The Trump administration says these killings without trial are legal because it is at war with drug cartels. Critics say the killings amount to murder.”
— Quill Lawrence [02:28] - “It wasn't the ending she'd dreamed of, she wrote. Still, she says she has no regrets about competing.”
— Becky Sullivan [04:10]
Important Timestamps
- Epstein Files and Congressional Review: 00:17 – 01:36
- Housing Bill Passage: 01:36 – 02:13
- Pentagon Action in Pacific/Drug War: 02:13 – 03:13
- U.S.-Canada Bridge Dispute: 03:13 – 03:46
- Lindsey Vonn Injury and Comeback: 03:46 – 04:25
- Olympic Event Highlights: 04:25 – 04:56
This summary delivers a concise overview of today’s NPR News Now episode, highlighting the most newsworthy developments and memorable reporting moments for listeners who missed the broadcast.