NPR News Now – February 11, 2026, 7PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: ~5 minutes
Theme: Fast-paced headlines and explanations of critical U.S. and global events, focusing on breaking political and world news, business, sports, and social stories from the day.

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode delivers the latest news highlights, covering military mishaps at the U.S.–Mexico border, contentious political hearings in Washington, updates on U.S.–Israel–Iran relations, rare congressional pushback against the Trump administration, an Olympic triumph, and an inspiring peace march. The tone is concise but urgent, reflecting NPR’s signature journalistic style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Border Incident: U.S. Military Laser Shoots Down “Cartel Drone”—Turns Out to Be Balloon

• [00:15–01:21]
• The Trump administration announced a military success: a laser weapon shot down what they claimed was a drug cartel drone near El Paso.
• El Paso’s airspace was closed as a precaution for 10 days—but the closure was lifted within hours.
• Twist: NPR sources reveal the object was actually a Mylar party balloon, not a drone, and posed no threat.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “The agency then shot down a suspected drone, but it now appears the object was a Mylar party balloon that posed no threat.” – Greg Myre ([01:10])

2. Attorney General Pam Bondi Faces Fiery Hearing Over Epstein Files

• [01:21–02:15]
• Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense questioning from House Democrats, specifically about the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and the DOJ’s actions against Trump’s perceived enemies.
• Notably contentious exchanges occurred, especially with Maryland’s Jamie Raskin.
  • Quote (Raskin):
    • “You can let her filibuster all day long, but not on our watch, not on our time. No way.” ([01:42])
• Democrat Hank Johnson called Bondi’s performance a “Jekyll and Hyde act”—amiable with Republicans, combative with Democrats.
• Bondi also clashed with Republican Thomas Massie, who had advocated for the Epstein files’ release.

3. Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Iran Nuclear Deal and Middle East Stability

• [02:15–03:13]
• President Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss U.S.–Iran nuclear talks.
• Netanyahu expressed skepticism about the talks, with an insider saying Israel believes further military action against Iran is inevitable and that they would join any such strikes.
• Trump maintained a preference for ongoing negotiations but again mentioned the possibility of more strikes.
  • Insight: This reflects deepening U.S.–Israel alignment on military posture toward Iran, despite diplomatic overtures.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “Trump says he insisted that negotiations with Iran continue... Trump again floated the idea of more strikes on Iran.” – Franco Ordonez ([02:25–03:13])

4. Congress Rebukes Trump Tariffs on Canada

• [03:13–03:50]
• The House voted, with six Republicans joining Democrats, to rescind President Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods—a rare legislative check on his trade agenda.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson tried to prevent the vote, but failed.
  • Insight: Reflects pressure from businesses and consumers hurt by ongoing trade wars, symbolizing intra-party dissent.

5. Olympic Gold: Speed Skater Jordan Stolz Sets Record in Milan

• [03:50–04:31]
• 21-year-old American Jordan Stolz overcame a deficit to win gold in the 1,000-meter event at the Winter Olympics, setting a new Olympic record (1:06.28).
• Stolz is seen as a breakout star, with potential to win more medals.
  • Quote (Stolz):
    • “Finally, to have the timing right and do it at the Olympics, that’s something that takes a lot of planning and I think I did it well.” – Jordan Stolz ([04:12])

6. Inspiring Journey: Buddhist Monks’ 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace

• [04:31–04:57]
• A group of 19 Buddhist monks and their dog completed a 108-day walk for peace, from Texas to Washington, D.C.
• Their trek ended at the Lincoln Memorial, drawing large crowds along the way.
• The monks’ leader called for daily mindfulness and peaceful practice—a gentle antidote to the day’s grittier headlines.
  • Insight: Adds a human, hopeful note to the news cycle.

Memorable Moments & Quotes by Timestamp

• [01:10] Greg Myre: “The agency then shot down a suspected drone, but it now appears the object was a Mylar party balloon that posed no threat.”
• [01:42] Jamie Raskin (via Ryland Barton): “You can let her filibuster all day long, but not on our watch, not on our time. No way.”
• [02:25–03:13] Franco Ordonez: “Trump says he insisted that negotiations with Iran continue... Trump again floated the idea of more strikes on Iran.”
• [04:12] Jordan Stolz: “Finally, to have the timing right and do it at the Olympics, that’s something that takes a lot of planning and I think I did it well.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:15 – Start of news; U.S. military laser incident
• 01:21 – Attorney General Bondi’s congressional hearing
• 02:15 – Trump–Netanyahu meeting on Iran
• 03:13 – House votes to end Trump’s Canada tariffs
• 03:50 – Jordan Stolz wins Olympic gold in speed skating
• 04:31 – Buddhist monks complete peace march

Conclusion

This NPR News Now episode packed a day's worth of developments into five brisk minutes, balancing breaking news on military mistakes and tense political hearings with stories of sports triumph and grassroots peace activism. The episode's tone moves from urgent and at times confrontational to ultimately reflective and hopeful—a microcosm of the wider news cycle.