NPR News Now: February 11, 2026 — 8AM EST

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise, five-minute roundup of the most pressing national and international news stories as of February 11, 2026, 8AM EST. Major topics include looming government funding issues affecting the Department of Homeland Security, the ongoing investigation into Georgia elections, Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian military targets, unexplained FAA airspace closures, Amtrak’s new trains, and Maine Senator Susan Collins’ re-election bid.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Looming Department of Homeland Security Funding Deadline

• Host (Korva Coleman) [00:15]: Highlights that DHS funding will expire Friday unless Congress reaches an agreement.
• Congressional Deadlock: Standoff centers on disagreements over federal immigration rules.
• Tensions Rise: After deadly federal agent confrontation with Minneapolis protesters, emotions are heightened.
• Field Report (Ximena Bustillo) [00:45]:
  • Even with a partial government shutdown, core immigration operations (Border Patrol, ICE) remain operational due to recently allocated emergency funds.
  • Services like TSA and disaster response could face slowdowns.
  • Quote: “Border Patrol and ICE got that infusion of cash last summer from Congress... they can continue to work and get paid even if there is a shutdown.” — Ximena Bustillo [00:58]

2. Newly Unsealed FBI Affidavit in Georgia Election Probe

• Federal Judge Order [01:04]: Unsealing of affidavit reveals why FBI searched an elections office near Atlanta.
• Initiating Source: Investigation began upon referral from a Trump campaign attorney; based on previously debunked Georgia vote fraud claims.
• Field Report (Sarah Kallis, GPB) [01:35]:
  • FBI seized ballots and tabulator tapes from 2020 recount; details disclosed due to a lawsuit by Fulton County Commission chair Rob Pitts.
  • Quote: “These accusations have already been debunked, but here we go again on a merry go round.” — Rob Pitts [01:53]
  • Georgia Secretary of State affirms elections' security, calls for moving past “old wounds.”

3. Ukraine’s Major Drone Strike on Russian Military Facility

• Update [02:14]: Ukraine reports destruction of nearly 6,000 Russian drones, striking a facility in Rostov-on-Don.
• Context (Eleanor Beardsley) [02:32]:
  • Drones play pivotal role; new technology (fiber optic cabling) prevents jamming, allows remote targeting.
  • Seven miles of front line now deemed “the kill zone;” high casualties, little maneuverability.
  • Notable Fact: In January, Ukraine claims it killed more Russian soldiers (30,000) than Russia recruited (22,000), with many attacks documented on video.
  • Tone: Grim, emphasizes deadly technological arms race.

4. FAA’s Sudden Airspace Closures Over El Paso and New Orleans

• Announcement [03:11]: FAA unexpectedly shuts down airspace over El Paso (through Feb. 20) and New Orleans (Feb. 14–19). Reasons undisclosed.
  • Raises questions about potential security or operational concerns.
  • No further details from federal authorities.

5. Amtrak Unveils New “Aero” Trains

• Preview (Joel Rose) [03:44]: Amtrak shows off its latest “aero” trains at Washington D.C.’s Union Station.
  • Debuting in Pacific Northwest; intended to update the Northeast’s aging fleet.
  • Quote: “It really is a complete renewal of the customer experience in the Northeast... and that’s what’s really so exciting.” — Amtrak President Roger Harris [04:00]
  • New trains top out at 125 mph (slower in practice), described as reliable “workhorses.”

6. Senator Susan Collins Announces Re-election Bid

• Headline [04:24]: Republican Senator Susan Collins will seek a sixth term.
  • Noted for bipartisan support; reelected in 2020 even as Maine voted for President Biden.
  • Will face Democratic Governor Janet Mills and veteran-oyster farmer Graham Platner.

Notable Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:58 | Ximena Bustillo | “Border Patrol and ICE got that infusion of cash last summer from Congress... they can continue to work and get paid even if there is a shutdown.” | | 01:53 | Rob Pitts (via Kallis) | “These accusations have already been debunked, but here we go again on a merry go round.” | | 04:00 | Roger Harris (Amtrak) | “It really is a complete renewal of the customer experience in the Northeast on Amtrak, and that’s what’s really so exciting.” |

Important Timestamps

• 00:15: DHS funding dispute and potential impact
• 01:04: Georgia election investigation—FBI affidavit unsealed
• 02:14: Ukraine’s drone strike on Russian facility
• 03:11: FAA airspace closures in El Paso and New Orleans
• 03:44: Amtrak previews next-generation trains
• 04:24: Senator Susan Collins’ re-election announcement

Tone & Style

The episode maintains NPR’s signature calm, factual reporting style. The language is clear, concise, and avoids dramatization—conveying urgency on political and global developments while offering measured commentary on ongoing investigations and innovations.