NPR News: 02-10-2026 6PM EST

Summary

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NPR News Now: 02-10-2026 6PM EST

Host: NPR News Anchor (Ryland Barton)
Date: February 10, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

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Episode Overview

This concise news update covers major national and international stories from February 10, 2026. Highlights include escalating tensions around President Trump’s immigration enforcement, a diplomatic standoff between the U.S. and Canada over the Gordie Howe Bridge, Cuba’s deepening jet fuel crisis, a noteworthy move in the music industry in response to the Epstein files, innovation in wearable tech at the Winter Olympics, and Bulgaria’s beekeeping tradition under threat.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Immigration Crackdown and Political Fallout

[00:15 – 01:55]

• ICE Head Defends Agency’s Actions

  • Todd Lyons, head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), responds to criticism, asserting agents will remain resolute amid backlash against the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.
  • Lyons refuses to apologize for the death of Renee Macklin Good during a federal operation, increasing demands for limits on President Trump’s immigration policies.
  • Democrats threaten a partial DHS shutdown unless changes occur, while administration officials defend the crackdown as necessary for national safety.

  "Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail. Despite these perils, our officers continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve. And we are only getting started."
  — Todd Lyons, ICE Head [00:33]

• Minnesota Operation Wind-down

  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz discusses discussions with federal officials about ending a months-long ICE operation in his state.
  • Asserts hope for de-escalation but notes vigilance will continue for community safety.
  • Reports a reduction from a peak of 3,000 agents down to 700, with further withdrawals possible.
  • Cooperation from local law enforcement on transferring detainees could further reduce federal presence.

  "I'm going to remain hopeful at this moment, trusting but verifying. Every indication I have is that this thing is winding up on the front end. But I want to assure all Minnesotans, I want to assure the business owners. We don't see this as the end. Our work just starts now."
  — Governor Tim Walz [01:22]

2. U.S.-Canada Tensions Over Gordie Howe Bridge

[01:55 – 02:27]

• President Trump threatens to block completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Canada makes "unspecified concessions" in advance of a new trade pact.
• The bridge is on track to open in 2026, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expresses confidence a resolution will be reached.

3. Cuban Jet Fuel Shortage and Economic Fallout

[02:27 – 03:09]

• Cuba announces a halt to all commercial airliner refueling due to depleted jet fuel reserves, critically damaging its tourism sector.

• Air Canada stops all flights and begins evacuation of vacationing Canadians.

• The shortage is attributed to U.S. sanctions blocking Venezuelan oil imports and the threat of tariffs for those breaking the blockade.

• Broad economic impacts reported: rationing and reduced hours for schools, banks, trains, and ferries.

  "Cuba already began rationing and limiting opening hours of everything from schools to banks to trains and ferries."
  — Eder Peralta, NPR [02:58]

4. Chapel Rohn Cuts Ties with Wasserman Agency

[03:09 – 03:36]

• Singer-songwriter Chapel Rohn leaves major talent agency Wasserman after its leader, Casey Wasserman, is linked to Jeffrey Epstein in newly surfaced documents.

• Rohn’s statement underscores a demand for accountability in the music industry.

  "...She believes meaningful change in the music industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust."
  — NPR News Anchor [03:23]

5. Nike’s Electrified Footwear & Mobility Tech

[03:36 – 04:34]

• During the Winter Olympics buzz, Nike unveils "Project Amplify": sneakers with a battery-powered, app-controlled propulsion system to aid everyday mobility.

• 3D-printed titanium components and carbon fiber plates are featured.

• Other companies are aiming to address mobility challenges with similar innovations.

• Former Adidas executive Mark Olson likens the development to the impact of e-bikes.

  "We should think of these bionic footwear systems being like E-bikes, but for the feet."
  — Mark Olson [04:28]

6. Bulgarian Beekeeping and St. Haralambas Festival

[04:34 – 04:57]

• In Bulgaria, priests bless honey jars at a festival honoring St. Haralambas, the patron saint of beekeepers.
• Rituals reflect anxiety over pesticide use and climate change threatening the nation’s traditional beekeeping.

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Notable Quotes

• Todd Lyons (ICE):

  "Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail. ... We are only getting started." [00:33]

• Governor Tim Walz (Minnesota):

  "I'm going to remain hopeful at this moment, trusting but verifying." [01:22]

• Eder Peralta (NPR, on Cuba crisis):

  "Cuba already began rationing and limiting opening hours of everything from schools to banks to trains and ferries." [02:58]

• Mark Olson (Athletic Shoe Innovation):

  "We should think of these bionic footwear systems being like E bikes, but for the feet." [04:28]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• ICE Defends Deportation Agenda: 00:15 – 01:13
• Minnesota ICE Operation Wind-down: 01:13 – 01:55
• U.S.-Canada Bridge Dispute: 01:55 – 02:27
• Cuba Jet Fuel/Economic Crisis: 02:27 – 03:09
• Chapel Rohn Cuts Agency Ties: 03:09 – 03:36
• Nike Electronic Sneakers/Tech: 03:36 – 04:34
• Bulgarian Beekeepers’ Festival: 04:34 – 04:57

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Summary

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode gives listeners a snapshot of developing stories affecting policy, the economy, technology, culture, and even traditional practices. With direct reporting and memorable quotes from primary actors—ranging from ICE officials and state governors to engineers and artists—the episode delivers timely, balanced, and impactful journalism for a broad audience.

Transcript

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[NPR News Anchor]

See Terms Live from NPR News In Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is defending his officers, saying they won't be intimidated while carrying out President Trump's deportation agenda. Todd Lyons blames elected officials for rec rhetoric that endangers officers.

[Todd Lyons]

Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail. Despite these perils, our offices continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve. And we are only getting started.

[NPR News Anchor]

Lyons declined to apologize for the death of Renee Macklin Good, who was killed by federal agents during the crackdown. Democrats are demanding restrictions on Trump's immigration policies and threatening a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Officials argue the crackdown makes the country safer. The the wind down could be near for the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Bax reports that the state's governor is predicting a major pullout of federal agents within days.

[Minnesota Governor Tim Walz]

Minnesota Governor Tim Walls says he's had new conversations with White House border czar Tom Holman and chief of Staff Susie Wiles about bringing the multi month operation to a close.

I'm going to remain hopeful at this moment, trusting but verifying. Every indication I have is that this thing is winding up on the front end. But I want to assure all Minnesotans, I want to assure the business owners. We don't see this as the end. Our work just starts now.

Last week the Trump administration announced 700 agents were pulled out. That's out of a peak of as many as 3,000 agents in Minnesota. Homan has said more reductions would come if local jailers cooperate more in transferring immigrants to ICE custody. For NPR News, I'm Brian Baxt in St. Paul.

[NPR News Anchor]

The White House says President Trump has the right to block a new bridge being built between Canada and the the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario and Michigan is set to open in 2026, but Trump is demanding unspecified concessions as the two countries prepare to renegotiate a trade pact. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed confidence the issue will be resolved. Cuban authorities say its airports have run out of jet fuel. NPR's Eder Peralta reports. That's a huge hit to its tourism economy.

[Eder Peralta]

Cuba's government says as of today, commercial airliners won't be able to refuel at any of the country's airports. Air Canada announced it was suspending all its flights, saying it would also send empty planes to evacuate the 3,000 Canadians on vacation packages in Cuba. Cuba gets a lot of its foreign currency from visitors. Canadians make up a vast majority of tourists who visit Cuba. Cuba's oil woes have been made worse by increasing U.S. sanctions. The U.S. has stopped oil from coming in from Venezuela, and it has also promised tariffs on any country that breaks the blockade. The Cuban government says the restriction restrictions are affecting every part of their economy. Cuba already began rationing and limiting opening hours of everything from schools to banks to trains and ferries. Ada Paltz, NPR News, Mexico City.

[NPR News Anchor]

Stocks closed mixed today after flirting with record highs. This is NPR News from Washington. Singer songwriter Chapel Rohn has left the talent agency Wasserman after its leader Casey Wasserman's name appeared in the latest batch of files about Jeffrey Epstein. She says she's made her decision because she believes meaningful change in the music industry requires accountability and leadership that earns trust. It's the Winter Olympics, where elite athletes strap skis and skates to their feet for the glory of sport. NPR's Chloe Veltman reports. Companies like Nike are developing electronic powered sneakers for those of us who simply have a need to get around in everyday life.

[Chloe Veltman]

Nike's Project Amplify consists of a pair of fairly standard looking sneakers with a carbon fiber plate running through the soles. Close fitting 3D printed titanium shells hug the wearer's lower legs. They attach to the sneakers at the back. When activated using a phone app, the battery powered system picks up the heels and propels the feet forward. Nike says it plans to launch project Amplify in 2028. It isn't the only company working in this space. Many are focused on helping people solve mobility problems. Former Adidas executive Mark Olson has worked on several innovation projects in the athletic shoe sector.

[NPR News Anchor]

That's a huge, huge opportunity, he says.

[Chloe Veltman]

We should think of these bionic footwear systems being like E bikes, but for the feet. Chloe Veltman, NPR News.

[NPR News Anchor]

Priests in Bulgaria blessed jars of honey during a festival honoring Saint Haralambas, the patron saint of beekeepers. Beekeepers prayed for the protection of bees from chemicals and climate change. Beekeeping has a long tradition in Bulgaria, but concerns about pesticides and pollution are growing. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.

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