NPR News Now: 7AM EST, February 11, 2026

Host: Korva Coleman, NPR
Duration: ~5 minutes

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise yet comprehensive roundup of significant national and international news stories as of February 11, 2026. Coverage includes developments in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Capitol Hill hearings on the Jeffrey Epstein case, Senate inquiries into Border Patrol use of force, a sudden FAA airspace closure in Texas, political tensions over the removal of the pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument, and the start of Olympic ice hockey in the men’s division.

KEY STORIES & DISCUSSION POINTS

1. Update in Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

[00:18] - [01:01]

• Reporter: Alana Wise
• Authorities in Southern Arizona detained a person in connection with Nancy Guthrie's disappearance (mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie), during a traffic stop south of Tucson.
• Although some outlets report the person was released, NPR has not independently confirmed this.
• Eyewitness: The man seen leaving a courthouse told reporters he is not a suspect and hopes Guthrie is found safe.
• Notable procedures: The Pima County Sheriff's Department conducted a court-authorized search; FBI has released images and two short videos of a masked person outside Guthrie’s home, carrying a backpack and what looks like a holstered gun.

2. Congressional Hearings: Epstein Files & Immigration Oversight

[01:01] - [02:29]

• Host: Korva Coleman

• U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on the release of Epstein-related documents. Lawmakers dispute redactions of names involved.

• Senate and House oversight continues regarding immigration enforcement, sparked by the killing of two Minneapolis protesters.

  Sen. Rand Paul’s View ([01:59])

  • “I think there needs to be some publicly announced rules and restrictions on what the proper use of force is.” – Sen. Rand Paul
  • Paul calls for public guidelines to restore trust in immigration agencies.

  Partisan Divide:

  • Republicans and Democrats remain far from agreement on border enforcement.
  • Imminent short-term DHS funding deadline, raising stakes for compromise.

3. Federal Airspace Closures in El Paso, TX & Santa Teresa, NM

[02:29] - [03:12]

• Reporter: Aaron Montes (KTEP)

• FAA issued a 10-day flight restriction (no prior local/military notification) spanning 10 nautical miles radius, up to 18,000ft.

• Affects: Commercial, cargo, and general aviation.

• Reason cited: “Security,” but no details from the White House or Pentagon.

  • “No local officials were warned about the flight restriction ahead of time, including military leaders at Fort Bliss.” – Aaron Montes, El Paso [02:43]

4. Diplomacy & LGBTQ Rights: Stonewall National Monument Flag Removal

[03:12] - [04:41]

• President Trump welcomes Israeli PM Netanyahu; Iran nuclear talks ongoing, with U.S. military escalation in the Middle East.

• The Trump administration has removed the pride flag from Stonewall National Monument, prompting outcry in NYC.

  Community Response ([03:47] - [04:06])

  • “It's not surprising. It's incredibly upsetting. And I'll say this, the LGBT community in New York City is not going to take it standing down.” – Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoyleman Siegel [03:55]
  • Plan to re-raise the flag by Thursday, in defiance of federal orders permitting only U.S., Department of the Interior, and POW flags.
  • “New York is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement and no act of erasure will ever change or silence that history.” – NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani (via social media, quoted by Catalina Canelo) [04:15]

5. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Begins

[04:41] - [04:57]

• First games: Slovakia vs. Finland (today); U.S. faces Latvia tomorrow.
• Quick mention amidst heavier news.

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Rand Paul on border enforcement:
  “I think there needs to be some publicly announced rules and restrictions on what the proper use of force is.” ([01:59])
• Brad Hoyleman Siegel on Stonewall flag removal:
  “It's not surprising. It's incredibly upsetting. And I'll say this, the LGBT community in New York City is not going to take it standing down.” ([03:55])
• NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s statement:
  “New York is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement and no act of erasure will ever change or silence that history.” ([04:15], via Catalina Canelo)

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

• Nancy Guthrie investigation update: [00:18] – [01:01]
• Congressional hearings (Epstein, border enforcement): [01:01] – [02:29]
• El Paso airspace closure: [02:29] – [03:12]
• Stonewall Monument pride flag removal: [03:12] – [04:41]
• Olympic hockey coverage: [04:41] – [04:57]

This episode keeps a brisk and information-dense pace, offering a snapshot of complex, unfolding news stories with firsthand statements and clear factual reporting—ideal for listeners seeking a comprehensive morning update.