NPR News Now – 5PM EST – February 11, 2026
Overview
This five-minute news update from NPR News Now offers a concise roundup of major headlines on February 11, 2026. Topics include combative hearings on Capitol Hill regarding Attorney General Pam Bondi, a rejected grand jury indictment against Democratic lawmakers, shifting U.S.-Venezuela oil relations, a positive U.S. jobs report, Olympic controversy involving a Ukrainian athlete, cutting-edge gene therapy for cholesterol, and Bad Bunny’s record-breaking Super Bowl aftermath.
Key News Segments & Discussion Points
1. Capitol Hill Hearing: Attorney General Pam Bondi Faces Scrutiny
(00:15–00:54)
- Attorney General Pam Bondi confronts accusations about handling the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, with heated exchanges at a congressional hearing.
- Bondi defends herself and President Trump, redirecting attention to presidential accomplishments and transparency.
- Victims of Epstein’s abuse were present, signaling their lack of access to the Justice Department.
Pam Bondi [00:38]:
“This is so ridiculous and that they are trying to deflect from all the great things Donald Trump has done. There is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime. Everyone knows that this has been the most transparent presidency.”
- Notable moment: The presence of Epstein victims raising hands silently underscores ongoing frustrations about transparency and victim engagement.
2. Grand Jury Rejects Prosecutors’ Push Against Lawmakers
(01:13–01:50)
- Federal prosecutors targeted six Democratic lawmakers for releasing a video urging US military members to refuse illegal orders.
- High-profile names include Senators Alyssa Slotkin and Mark Kelly.
- The grand jury declined to indict, which is notable given its rarity.
- No comment from the US Attorney’s Office yet.
Ryan Lucas [01:13]:
“It is very rare for a grand jury to reject prosecutors’ efforts to secure an indictment, although it did happen several times during the surge of federal agents in Washington, D.C. last summer.”
3. U.S.-Venezuela: Oil Diplomacy & Sanctions
(01:50–02:22)
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright visits Venezuela amid easing US sanctions.
- He meets Acting President Delsey Rodriguez and key oil executives.
- Venezuela has recently enabled private investment in oil—an overhaul the US is encouraging.
4. U.S. Jobs Report: Surprising Gains with Caveats
(02:22–03:01)
- January saw 130,000 jobs added, surpassing recent months’ gains.
- Unemployment dipped to 4.3%.
- Biggest growth in health care and construction; losses persisted in transportation and government sectors.
- Revised numbers show 2025 job growth was much weaker than first reported—just 181,000 jobs total for the year.
Scott Horsley [02:22]:
“Employers added just 181,000 jobs in all of 2025. That averages out to about 15,000 jobs a month.”
5. Market Update
(03:01–03:31)
- Despite strong job numbers, major US indexes slipped: S&P 500 steady, Dow and Nasdaq fractionally down.
6. Olympic Controversy: Ukrainian Skeleton Racer’s Protest
(03:31–04:17)
- Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Karaskevich wore a helmet depicting athletes killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, in defiance of Olympic rules against political statements.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred him from competing in the helmet.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy voiced support, describing the gesture as a global reminder.
- The IOC offered the athlete a black armband instead, but Karaskevich refused.
Vladislav Karaskevich [03:59]:
“I truly believe that AFC don’t have so much black bands to honor all the atlas who was fallen in this.”
- The Ukrainian public regards his act as a victory for their struggle, irrespective of competition outcome.
7. Science Brief: Gene Editing for High Cholesterol
(04:17–04:45)
- Researchers are testing gene-editing as a one-time potential cure for high cholesterol.
- Trials are at an early stage, with only a few dozen participants, but initial results are promising for reducing artery-clogging cholesterol.
- Much larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.
8. Entertainment: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Boost
(04:45–04:57)
- Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show led to a 175% spike in streaming of his catalog in the US, following his Grammy win for Album of the Year.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Pam Bondi [00:38]: Her forceful defense of Trump, calling the accusations “ridiculous” and touting transparency.
- Ryan Lucas [01:13]: On the unusual nature of the grand jury’s rejection.
- Scott Horsley [02:22]: The sobering reappraisal of 2025’s job creation numbers.
- Vladislav Karaskevich [03:59]: His emotionally charged statement about Ukrainian athletes killed in war and the inadequacy of a simple symbol of mourning.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:15 – Attorney General Bondi’s combative testimony
- 01:13 – Grand jury dismisses charges against Democratic lawmakers
- 01:50 – US-Venezuela oil relations
- 02:22 – January jobs report and yearlong employment revision
- 03:01 – Stock market update
- 03:31 – Olympic political protest by Ukrainian skeleton racer
- 04:17 – Gene editing breakthrough for cholesterol
- 04:45 – Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl impact
Tone & Style
The reporting remains brisk, factual, and direct, typical of NPR’s news bulletins, but the inclusion of primary quotes and on-the-ground voices (especially in the Ukraine segment) add emotional resonance and immediacy.