NPR News Now — 10AM EST, February 11, 2026

Episode Overview

This five-minute news update delivers the latest headlines from Washington and across the U.S., covering breaking governmental, legal, economic, and educational stories. Key topics include the sudden reversal of an FAA airspace closure, notable developments in job growth, a grand jury's decision regarding Democratic lawmakers, legal defense of journalists involved in a protest, updates on the Epstein investigation, the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, and the San Francisco teachers' strike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FAA Averts Airspace Closure Over El Paso, Texas

• The FAA swiftly reversed a surprise 10-day airspace closure around El Paso. Initially attributed to security reasons, the closure ended far earlier than announced.
• [00:17] Korva Coleman: “The FAA closed the airspace overnight with no warning... It’s unclear why the El Paso airspace closure has now been lifted.”

2. U.S. Job Growth Surpasses Expectations

• January saw stronger job growth, especially in healthcare and construction.
• Key numbers:
  • January 2026: +130,000 jobs (vs. low gains in Nov-Dec).
  • Sectors: Healthcare, construction, bars/restaurants (+28,000), factories (+5,000).
  • Average monthly job growth in 2025, after revision: only 15,000.
  • Unemployment remains low due to retiring baby boomers and decreased immigration.
• [01:00] Scott Horsley: “Hiring picked up steam in January after anemic gains in November and December.”
• Caution: Revised figures show 2025's job growth was “much weaker than first reported.”

3. Grand Jury Declines to Indict Democratic Lawmakers

• A D.C. grand jury declined federal prosecutors’ bid to indict several Democrats who, in 2025, urged military personnel via video to refuse illegal orders.
• Not clear which federal laws were considered.
• [01:32] Korva Coleman: “NPR has learned that a grand jury... has rejected an effort by federal prosecutors to indict several Democratic lawmakers.”
• Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, argue such actions are illegal.
  • [01:56] Mike Johnson (clip): “I think that anytime you’re obstructing law enforcement... it probably is a crime.”
• President Trump previously called the lawmakers' actions seditious but later backed away from suggesting capital punishment.
• Memorable moment: Trump retracts prior extreme statements.

4. Legal Defense for Journalists Accused in Minnesota Church Protest

• Two black journalists, Don Lemon and Georgia Ford, are being defended by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
• Accused with activists of “conspiring to violate the civil rights of worshippers” after a protest.
• Charges invoke a law last used historically against the Ku Klux Klan.
• Context: Recent DOJ actions and resignations over pressure to investigate cases involving law enforcement.
• [02:33] Matt Sepik: “Joe Thompson, who’s on Lemon’s defense team, previously led the prosecution of social service program fraud in Minnesota... Former fraud prosecutor Matt Ebert entered private practice last year. He’s part of Ford’s defense team.”

5. Epstein Investigation: Attorney General to Testify

• Attorney General Pam Bondi set to testify to the House Judiciary Committee on document releases linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Ongoing controversy about “redacted” names in released files.
• [03:14] Korva Coleman: “Some lawmakers say some names of men allegedly involved with Epstein are still being redacted by the agency.”

6. Disappearance Investigation: Nancy Guthrie

• A person questioned and released in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie (mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie).
• FBI released images of an unidentified, armed individual outside the Guthrie home.
• [03:27] Korva Coleman: “Authorities in Southern Arizona detained a person for questioning... there are unconfirmed reports that person has now been released.”

7. San Francisco Teachers’ Strike Continues

• Day 3: Nearly 50,000 students without classes as teachers demand full coverage of family healthcare premiums in a high-cost city.
• The district is offering 80% premium coverage but faces a $100 million deficit.
• Educators and union leaders vow to strike until demands are met.
  • [04:28] Natalie Horizzi (Union leader): “We walk the line until it’s 100%, and we walk the line until para-educators and certificated get the raise. We deserve to stay in our city.”
• [04:13] Aya Ali Ahmad: “Thousands of educators march through the heart of the city demanding the district fully cover family health care.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [01:00] Scott Horsley: “Hiring picked up steam in January after anemic gains in November and December.”
• [01:56] Mike Johnson: “...anytime you’re obstructing law enforcement and getting in the way of these sensitive operations, it’s a very serious thing and it probably is a crime.”
• [04:28] Natalie Horizzi: “We walk the line until it’s 100%, and we walk the line until para-educators and certificated get the raise. We deserve to stay in our city.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:17] FAA El Paso airspace closure update
• [00:50] Job growth and economic analysis
• [01:29] Grand jury decision on Democratic lawmakers’ video
• [02:27] Legal defense for Minnesota protest journalists
• [03:05] Attorney General Bondi/House Judiciary Committee—Epstein files
• [03:27] Savannah Guthrie’s mother disappearance
• [04:12] San Francisco teachers’ strike

This episode succinctly covers the latest, fast-moving national news with impartial reporting and direct statements from key individuals, maintaining NPR’s concise and informative style.