NPR News Now — 3PM EST, February 11, 2026

Host: Lakshmi Singh | Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now covers key national and international headlines from February 11, 2026. Major topics include high-profile congressional testimony regarding the Justice Department, updates on the US labor market and economic perceptions, the passing of actor James Van Der Beek, renewed tensions over nuclear weapons testing between the US and China, and a remarkable peace walk by Buddhist monks.

Key Segments and Insights

1. Congressional Hearing: DOJ Accusations & Epstein Survivors

[00:16 - 01:28]

• Context: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the House Judiciary Committee amid accusations of the DOJ being "weaponized" by President Trump.
• Key Issues:
  • Accusations focus on transparency failures regarding Jeffrey Epstein's victims and broader claims of political manipulation.
  • Raskin sharply criticizes Bondi and the DOJ for not engaging with Epstein’s survivors.
  • Bondi defends her record of advocacy for victims and assures her commitment to justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Jamie Raskin (Ranking Democrat) [00:45]:

  "To promote justice for the people, you've got to listen to the victims, like the women seated behind you today. Those are just some of the hundreds of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's global sex trafficking ring who are demanding that the truth be told and are demanding accountability for the abusers who trafficked and raped them. You still haven't met with these survivors."

• Pam Bondi (Attorney General) [01:11]:

  "I have spent my entire career fighting for victims, and I will continue to do so. I am deeply sorry for what any victim, any victim has been through, especially as a result of that monster."

2. U.S. Labor Market & Economic Sentiment

[01:28 - 02:46]

• January Jobs Report:

  • Non-farm payrolls rose by 130,000.
  • Unemployment down to 4.3%.
  • Previous job reports for 2025 revised downward amidst disruptions from a government shutdown.

• Presidential Response:

  • President Trump claims credit for the current economic performance, distancing the economy from his predecessor’s influence.
  • In a Fox Business interview, he emphasizes the need to "sell" his economic stewardship to secure midterm support.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [02:25]:

  "We have the hottest country in the world. I guess I have to sell that because we should win in a landslide and we'll do everything we can to do it."

• Public Opinion:

  • NPR/PBS News/Marist poll: 59% disapprove of President Trump’s economic handling.

3. Remembering James Van Der Beek

[02:46 - 03:31]

• News: Actor James Van Der Beek, famous for "Dawson's Creek," has died at 48 following a public battle with stage three colon cancer.
• Family Statement:
  • Van Der Beek "passed away peacefully this morning," his family shared on Instagram.

4. US-China Tensions Over Nuclear Testing

[03:31 - 04:13]

• US Accusations:

  • US alleges that China conducted a secret nuclear test in 2020 and is planning more.

• China’s Rebuttal:

  • Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian calls the US claims "groundless" and suggests the US is paving the way to resume its own nuclear tests.

• Expert Concern:

  • Jeffrey Lewis (Middlebury College) warns resumption of testing could reignite a nuclear arms race.

Notable Quotes:

• Lin Jian (China Foreign Ministry spokesman as quoted by Jeff Brumfiel) [03:31]:

  "[The US is] seeking to justify its own return to nuclear testing..."

• Jeffrey Lewis [04:03]:

  "There's no real stopping point once we all start doing bigger and bigger tests."

5. Buddhist Monks Complete Peace Walk

[04:13 - 04:55]

• Event:
  • Nineteen Buddhist monks complete a 108-day, Texas-to-DC walk for peace.
  • Their arrival in Washington, D.C. is marked by public welcomes and global social media support.
  • Stops included interfaith dialogues at American University and the National Cathedral.
  • "Their peace dog" accompanies them, symbolizing unity and non-violence.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jamie Raskin on Justice & Victims [00:45]
• Pam Bondi on Fighting for Victims [01:11]
• Donald Trump on Economy & Elections [02:25]
• Jeffrey Lewis' Caution on Nuclear Testing [04:03]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• DOJ/Epstein Hearing: 00:16 – 01:28
• Labor Market & Economy: 01:28 – 02:46
• James Van Der Beek’s Passing: 02:46 – 03:31
• US-China Nuclear Testing Tensions: 03:31 – 04:13
• Buddhist Peace Walk: 04:13 – 04:55

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Reporters Featured: Tamara Keith, Jeff Brumfiel
Major Figures: Pam Bondi, Jamie Raskin, President Donald Trump, James Van Der Beek, Lin Jian, Jeffrey Lewis