NPR News Now – February 11, 2026, 6PM EST

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: NPR News Anchor (Rylan Barton)
Length: 5 minutes
Date: February 11, 2026

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now segment delivers a concise rundown of the top news stories from the U.S. and around the globe. The episode covers political clashes over DOJ transparency, controversy and confusion over a Pentagon drone incident in Texas, escalating rhetoric between the U.S. and China over alleged nuclear testing, Iran's revolution anniversary amid political strain, a water crisis protest in South Africa, and an unusual wildlife rescue in Florida.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DOJ and Jeffrey Epstein Reporting Tension

[00:15–01:14]

• Main Story: Attorney General Pam Bondi faces contentious questioning from Democrats on Capitol Hill regarding the DOJ’s handling of information about Jeffrey Epstein.
• Highlights:
  • Republicans defended Bondi, while Democrats pressed her on transparency issues.
  • The exchange was combative, with Bondi at times sidestepping questions and engaging in personal attacks.
• Notable Quote:
  • “You can let her filibuster all day long, but not on our watch, not on our time. No way.” — Committee's top Democrat Jamie Raskin ([00:46])
  • “Bondi stood by the DOJ's oversight on the issue and pledged to fight for all survivors. But Democrats say the agency has done the opposite, over redacting information to protect powerful individuals instead of survivors.” — Elena Moore ([00:59])

2. Texas Airspace Incident & Pentagon Drone Claims

[01:14–02:27]

• Main Story: Pentagon authorizes Customs and Border Patrol to deploy a counter-drone laser system near El Paso, Texas, resulting in a chaotic airspace shutdown.
• Details:
  • The targeted "drone" may have actually been a harmless party balloon.
  • FAA closed El Paso airspace for “special security reasons,” but lifted restrictions hours later.
  • Trump administration cited cartel drone incursion without evidence.
  • Mayor of El Paso described “chaos on the ground.”
• Notable Quotes:
  • “The details are disputed.” — Joel Rose ([01:44])
  • “A source on Capitol Hill ... says it was the Defense Department that deployed counter drone technology before the FAA had completed its safety assessment.” — Joel Rose ([02:10])

3. U.S.-China Nuclear Testing Accusations

[02:27–03:14]

• Main Story: China denies U.S. claims of illicit nuclear weapons testing.
• Highlights:
  • Chinese Foreign Ministry labels U.S. allegations as “groundless.”
  • U.S. accused China of secret nuclear tests in 2020 and planning more.
  • Nuclear policy expert Jeffrey Lewis warns of an escalating arms race.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called the US allegations of Chinese nuclear testing, quote, groundless.” — Jeff Brumfiel ([02:34])
  • “There’s no real stopping point once we all start doing bigger and bigger tests.” — Jeffrey Lewis ([03:06])

4. Iran’s Islamic Revolution Anniversary Amid Unrest

[03:14–03:38]

• Main Story: Iran marks the 47th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution, facing both U.S. pressure and domestic discontent.
• Key Details:
  • State TV shows massive pro-government rallies, anti-America chants.
  • Iran’s president expresses willingness to negotiate and verify nuclear program.
  • Official acknowledgment that anti-government protest crackdowns caused “great sorrow.”

5. Water Crisis Protests in Johannesburg, South Africa

[03:38–04:28]

• Main Story: Johannesburg residents protest nearly a month without water amid intense summer heat and a wave of infrastructure failures.
• Details:
  • Multiple city areas have had dry taps for 24 days.
  • Citizen voices frustration directly to city officials; speaks to years of neglect.
• Notable Quote:
  • “You can smell me. I haven’t had water for 24 days.” — Unidentified Johannesburg Resident ([04:07])
  • “The problems stem from years of municipal neglect and well documented mismanagement, resulting in poorly maintained and broken infrastructure.” — Kate Bartlett ([04:10])

6. Florida Manatee Rescue

[04:28–04:57]

• Main Story: A 410-pound manatee is recovering at SeaWorld Orlando after being found trapped in a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, Florida.
• Details:
  • Multiple agencies coordinated rescue and transport.
  • Manatee now safe in a rehabilitation pool; noted against wider backdrop of species vulnerability due to recent starvation events.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Committee Drama:
  “You can let her filibuster all day long, but not on our watch, not on our time. No way.” — Jamie Raskin ([00:46])
• Expert Warning:
  “There’s no real stopping point once we all start doing bigger and bigger tests.” — Jeffrey Lewis ([03:06])
• Raw Protest Sentiment:
  “You can smell me. I haven’t had water for 24 days.” — Johannesburg Resident ([04:07])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Attorney General Bondi & Epstein hearing: [00:15–01:14]
• Texas airspace/drone controversy: [01:14–02:27]
• China/U.S. nuclear allegations: [02:27–03:14]
• Iran revolution & civil unrest: [03:14–03:38]
• South Africa water crisis protests: [03:38–04:28]
• Florida manatee rescue: [04:28–04:57]

This episode of NPR News Now provides a brisk, impactful look at global politics, local crises, and unique human-interest stories, offering listeners a snapshot of the world in just five minutes.