NPR News Now: February 10, 2026, 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman

Main Theme

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise snapshot of the morning’s top national news stories, featuring updates on Congressional hearings involving immigration enforcement, ongoing inquiries into the Jeffrey Epstein case, election integrity debates, a remarkable walk for peace by Buddhist monks, new findings in dementia prevention research, and a historic Olympic medal for the U.S. men’s cross-country ski team.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Hearings on Immigration Enforcement

[00:15-01:05]

• Capitol Hill is hosting testimony from officials representing three immigration agencies, with Democrats focusing scrutiny on the Trump administration's enforcement strategies, specifically a fatal incident in Minneapolis.
• The death of Alex Preddy, caused by federal immigration officers, has spurred Democrats to demand significant reforms to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Democrats threaten to withhold votes for DHS funding without policy changes.
• Quote:
  • "The current stopgap funding bill for DHS runs out on Friday. If an agreement can't be reached this week, Congress will likely have to pass another continuing resolution for the department."
    —Barbara Sprunt ([00:59])

2. Epstein Investigation: Congressional Review & Ghislaine Maxwell’s Testimony

[01:05-02:06]

• Bipartisan lawmakers receive access to previously withheld parts of the Department of Justice’s Epstein investigation files; however, some names (six men) remain redacted.
• Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna push for full disclosure of these names, alleging their involvement with Epstein.
• Ghislaine Maxwell, currently imprisoned, appeared via video before the House Oversight Committee. On the advice of counsel, she refused to answer lawmakers’ questions, citing a willingness to cooperate only in exchange for clemency from President Trump.
• Quote:
  • "House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Maxwell's decision not to answer questions was a disappointment."
    —Claudia Grisales ([02:02])

3. Report Dismisses Claims of Widespread Non-Citizen Voting

[02:06-03:09]

• A report by the Center for Election Innovation Research (CEIR) debunks widespread claims of non-citizen voting in U.S. elections, attributing these allegations primarily to misinformation.
• CEIR’s David Becker: only 35 non-citizen votes found in Iowa’s 2024 election, out of 1.67 million ballots (.002%).
• Despite this, former President Trump continues to press the narrative and calls for “nationalizing” U.S. election systems.
• Quote:
  • "It is extremely rare that non-citizens get registered, and then it is infinitesimally rare that they vote."
    —Miles Parks ([02:26])

4. Buddhist Monks’ Walk for Peace Reaches Washington, D.C.

[03:09-03:55]

• A group of Buddhist monks, accompanied by a rescue dog, concludes a months-long, silent peace walk from Texas to the nation’s capital.
• The journey has garnered significant social media attention and public support.
• Their final visits include the Washington National Cathedral and the Lincoln Memorial.

5. Mental Exercises Show Long-Term Cognitive Benefits

[03:55-04:33]

• New research published in Alzheimer's & Dementia shows that cognitive speed training can reduce dementia risk by 25%—effects lasting for two decades.
• The study followed over 2,800 participants using Medicare records, tracing results back to brain training exercises started in 1998.
• Quote:
  • "The fact that it's lasted and had an impact over 20 years is astonishing."
    —Marilyn Albert, Johns Hopkins ([04:14])

6. U.S. Men’s Cross-Country Skiing Makes History at Winter Olympics

[04:33-04:54]

• For the first time in 50 years, the U.S. men’s team wins a Winter Olympics medal in cross-country ski racing.
• Ben Ogden of Vermont secures silver, with Norwegian skiers clinching gold and bronze.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It is extremely rare that non-citizens get registered, and then it is infinitesimally rare that they vote."
  —Miles Parks, [02:26]

• "The fact that it's lasted and had an impact over 20 years is astonishing."
  —Marilyn Albert, Johns Hopkins, [04:14]

• "House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Maxwell's decision not to answer questions was a disappointment."
  —Claudia Grisales, [02:02]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:15] — Immigration Hearings on Capitol Hill
• [01:05] — Congressional Review of Epstein Case, Maxwell's Testimony
• [02:18] — Report on Non-Citizen Voting
• [03:09] — Buddhist Monks Peace Walk in Washington, D.C.
• [03:55] — Study on Dementia & Cognitive Training
• [04:33] — Historic Olympic Medal for U.S. Men’s Cross-Country Skiing

This episode blends hard news and hopeful narratives, capturing a pivotal morning in American politics, societal progress, and global sports. Perfect for listeners seeking a comprehensive, fact-driven update in just five minutes.