NPR News Now – February 11, 2026, 12AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update covers major overnight headlines, including the release of the Justice Department’s affidavit on Georgia election ballots, developments in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, updates from a close New Jersey congressional primary, a mass shooting at a Canadian school, US-Canada tensions over a new bridge, and Moderna’s FDA challenge for its mRNA flu vaccine.

Key Stories and Insights

1. DOJ Affidavit on Georgia Ballots (00:15–01:03)

• Summary:
  The Justice Department released an affidavit outlining FBI investigation into alleged deficiencies in ballot counts in Georgia’s Fulton County after the 2020 presidential election.

• Key Points:

  • The investigation was initiated by lawyer Kurt Olsen, now working as "Director of Election Security and Integrity" in the Trump administration.
  • Much of the evidence cited included already-disproven claims from the 2020 elections.
  • The affidavit was released following a lawsuit by Fulton County Commission Chair Rob Pitts, who argues the search was politically motivated.
  • Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State called for the country to "move on from past elections."

• Notable Quote (00:34):
  “The FBI is looking into, quote, deficiencies in Fulton County's counting and hand counting and recounting of the 2020 presidential race. It includes as evidence multiple claims that had already been investigated and were not substantiated.”
  — N. Stephen Fowler, NPR Atlanta

2. Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie (01:03–01:52)

• Summary:
  Nancy Guthrie, 84, and mother of “Today Show” host Savannah Guthrie, is missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona. Authorities have detained a person for questioning.
• Key Points:
  • Guthrie disappeared more than a week ago.
  • Local police have not released further details about the person detained.

3. New Jersey Democratic Primary Results (01:52–02:26)

• Summary:
  Former Congressman Tom Malinowski concedes to Analia Mejia in a tightly contested Democratic special primary in New Jersey’s 11th district.

• Key Points:

  • Race remained too close to call after election night.
  • Mejia leads by about 600 votes with several thousand outstanding.
  • The Associated Press has not officially called the race.

• Notable Quote (01:52):
  “Election day ended with two of the 11 candidates in the Democratic primary in NJ's 11th District locked in a tight race at the top. Days later, Mejia leads Malinowski by just about 600 votes, with several thousand votes still outstanding.”
  — Mike Hayes, WNYC

4. Mass Shooting in British Columbia (02:26–03:36)

• Summary:
  A school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, leaves at least nine dead (including the suspected shooter), with over 25 injured—two critically.

• Key Points:

  • The shooter appears to have died by self-inflicted injury inside the school.
  • Two additional victims found at a nearby home are believed connected to the incident.
  • Motive remains unclear, with authorities saying they "are not in a place to understand why" (02:26).

• Notable Quote (02:42):
  “As part of the initial response, officers entered the school to locate the source of the threat. During their search, police located multiple victims. The individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased from what appears to be a self inflicted injury.”
  — Ken Floyd, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

5. US-Canada Tensions Over the Gordie Howe Bridge (03:36–04:15)

• Summary:
  Diplomatic tension flares after President Trump threatens to block the opening of the new Gordie Howe Bridge, claiming inadequate US labor/materials were used.

• Key Points:

  • Canadian PM Mark Carney reminded Trump that Canada fully financed the $4 billion project; proceeds will be shared after costs recouped.
  • Former Michigan Governor notes the US gets half-ownership with no direct investment.
  • Trump administration demands further negotiation over revenue sharing.

• Notable Quote (03:36):
  “Kearney reminded the president that Canada alone paid for the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge—$4 billion. And those costs will be recouped from tolls once the bridge is open. Once it is paid for, the revenue will be split evenly.”
  — Dan Karpenschuk, NPR Toronto

6. FDA Refusal of Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Application (04:15–04:54)

• Summary:
  The US FDA has declined to review Moderna’s application for an mRNA-based flu vaccine, sending a “refusal to file” letter. Moderna is seeking urgent talks with the agency.
• Key Points:
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously criticized mRNA technology.
  • No additional details from FDA or Moderna on specific reasons for refusal.
  • Coverage includes brief update on global stocks: positive movement in Japan, mixed finish for US markets.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• N. Stephen Fowler (00:34):
  “The FBI is looking into, quote, deficiencies in Fulton County's counting and hand counting and recounting of the 2020 presidential race. It includes as evidence multiple claims that had already been investigated and were not substantiated.”

• Mike Hayes, WNYC (01:52):
  “Election day ended with two of the 11 candidates in the Democratic primary in NJ's 11th District locked in a tight race at the top. Days later, Mejia leads Malinowski by just about 600 votes, with several thousand votes still outstanding.”

• Ken Floyd, RCMP (02:42):
  “As part of the initial response, officers entered the school to locate the source of the threat. During their search, police located multiple victims. The individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased from what appears to be a self inflicted injury.”

• Dan Karpenschuk, NPR Toronto (03:36):
  “Kearney reminded the president that Canada alone paid for the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge—$4 billion. And those costs will be recouped from tolls once the bridge is open. Once it is paid for, the revenue will be split evenly.”

Useful Timestamps

• Justice Dept. affidavit/Georgia ballots: 00:15–01:03
• Georgia political response & Secretary of State: 01:03–01:21
• Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie: 01:21–01:52
• NJ Democratic primary update: 01:52–02:26
• British Columbia school shooting: 02:26–03:36
• US-Canada bridge dispute: 03:36–04:15
• Moderna/FDA news & global markets update: 04:15–04:54

This episode delivers a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of key events shaping news headlines at midnight on February 11, 2026.