NPR News Now – February 11, 2026 (11PM EST)

Host: Giles Snyder – NPR
Episode Theme:
A concise five-minute newscast covering the day’s top U.S. political developments, policy debates, major polling data, and standout moments from the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Capitol Hill: DOJ Hearing on Epstein Oversight

• Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense questioning from House Democrats during a congressional hearing focused on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling of information related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Elena Moore (00:34): Described the hearing as “combative,” with Bondi “sidestepping questions and hurling personal attacks.”
  • Some Republicans defended Bondi, while Democrats pressed her about transparency and redacted information.
  • Contentious Exchange Highlight:
    • [00:49] Jamie Raskin (implied), Committee Democrat:
      “You can let her filibuster all day long, but not on our watch, not on our time. No way.”
    • Bondi’s Position: Stood by DOJ’s conduct, pledging to “fight for all survivors,” but Democrats argued DOJ shielded powerful individuals instead.
• Notable Quote (Bondi):
  • [01:02] “Bondi stood by the DOJ’s oversight on the issue and pledged to fight for all survivors.” —Elena Moore summarizing

2. Congress: Tariffs and Voter ID Legislation

• Tariffs on Canada:
  • The House voted to reject President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports, with some Republicans breaking ranks.
  • The resolution aims to end Trump’s national emergency justifying the tariffs, but is “mostly symbolic” as he is unlikely to sign.
• Voter Registration Requirements (Save America Act):
  • Hansi Lo Wang (01:46):
    The bill would “require US Citizens to show their birth or naturalization certificate, passport or another document proving their citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections,” in addition to a photo ID at the polls.
  • Supporters’ Argument:
    • Intended “to prevent illegal voting by non US Citizens, which is incredibly rare.”
  • Critics’ Concerns:
    • Could disenfranchise eligible voters, as “1 in 10 adult US citizens do not have their citizenship documents or cannot quickly find one to show the next day.”
  • Senate Outlook:
    • "[W]hile a bill has passed the House, it’s not clear there are enough votes for it to pass in the Senate."
  • Notable Quote (Hansi Lo Wang):
    • [02:03] “Supporters of the bill say they are trying to prevent illegal voting by non US Citizens, which is incredibly rare. But voting rights groups are concerned that the bill, if enacted, would make it harder for many eligible voters to vote.”

3. Polling: Trump’s Support Among White Christians

• Bob Smetana, Religion News Service (02:37):
  • Pew Research Center survey finds a notable drop in President Trump’s support among white Christians:
    • Down to 57% from 66%.
    • Notably, even among “his most ardent backers,” white evangelicals, just 40% are confident he behaves ethically as president.
  • Majority Still in His Corner:
    • “White Christians support Trump more than any other Americans.”—Bob Smetana
  • Notable Quote (Bob Smetana):
    • [02:52] “More than half of white evangelicals still support President Trump’s policies, but just 40% are confident that he behaves ethically as president, according to the survey.”

4. National News Briefs

• El Paso Airport Reopens (03:15)
  • FAA lifted a ground stop after the military mistakenly shot down a party balloon with a laser weapon, suspecting it was a drone.
  • The shutdown disrupted travel and medical evacuation flights for over seven hours.

5. Winter Olympics Highlights

• American Speed Skater Jordan Stolz’s Gold & Record (03:53)
  • Ping Huang reports Stolz “was a little behind” after his first lap in the 1000-meter race but pushed through:
  • Jordan Stolz’s reaction (04:08):
    • “You know, being able to win one and doing it in the 1000 meter, you wait four years to be able to do it, it means a lot. So I’m happy so far.”
  • Set a new Olympic record, holds both Olympic and World records in 1000m.
  • Eyeing medals in three other events.
• Additional Winter Games Headliners (04:37):
  • American ice dancers Evan Bates and Madison Chock: edged out by the French team.
  • Switzerland’s Francho Van Allman: First man since 1968 to win gold in three Alpine skiing events after his Super G victory.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Jamie Raskin (implied), Committee’s Top Democrat:
  • [00:49] “You can let her filibuster all day long, but not on our watch, not on our time. No way.”
• Jordan Stolz, U.S. speed skater:
  • [03:57] “I knew I’d have to have a really good last lap. I threw two arms down just because I really didn’t want to lose.”
  • [04:08] “Being able to win one and doing it in the 1000 meter... you wait four years to be able to do it, it means a lot. So I’m happy so far.”
• Bob Smetana, on Trump’s evangelical support:
  • [02:52] “More than half of white evangelicals still support President Trump’s policies, but just 40% are confident that he behaves ethically as president, according to the survey.”
• Hansi Lo Wang, on voter ID bill impact:
  • [02:13] “Survey suggests 1 in 10 adult US citizens do not have their citizenship documents or cannot quickly find one to show the next day.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 00:18 | DOJ hearing: Attorney General Bondi grilled on Epstein | | 01:17 | House votes: Canada tariffs, Voter ID bill explained | | 02:29 | Poll: Trump’s declining support among white Christians | | 03:15 | El Paso Airport reopens after FAA military mishap | | 03:53 | Jordan Stolz’s Olympic gold, record, and reactions | | 04:37 | Other Olympic highlights: ice dancing & Alpine skiing |

Overall Tone

• Crisp, factual, with flashes of direct quotes capturing tension or triumph:
  • The segment on Bondi and the House hearing reflects a tense, combative political climate.
  • Polling and legislation items are presented straightforwardly, with an eye to both facts and stakes.
  • Olympic reporting is enthusiastic, relaying athlete emotion and accomplishment.

For listeners:
This five-minute update delivers key developments in U.S. politics (partisan hearings, legislative battles, public opinion shifts), notable national incidents (FAA and El Paso Airport), and vivid sports moments from the Winter Olympics—all in NPR’s signature brisk and balanced style.