NPR News Now – 02-11-2026 9PM EST

Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Ryland Barton

Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners a concise rundown of major national and international news stories, including a heated congressional hearing on the Jeffrey Epstein files, political tension over military orders, a significant energy policy reversal by the Tennessee Valley Authority, nuclear treaty uncertainty with Russia, controversy surrounding the 2028 LA Olympics, and the death of actor Bud Cort. Key voices featured include NPR reporters, lawmakers, and officials at the heart of each story.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Justice Department Under Fire for Epstein File Redactions

[00:15–01:13]

• Congressional Hearing: Attorney General Pam Bondi faces aggressive questioning on Capitol Hill regarding how the Justice Department handled sensitive information in the Jeffrey Epstein case.
  • Criticism from Lawmakers: Congressman Thomas Massie leads criticism, pointing out that an Epstein co-conspirator’s name was redacted, while victims’ names were left exposed.
    • Quote:

      "In the materials that were made public, the Justice Department redacted the name of an Epstein co-conspirator, but left unredacted a list of the names of Epstein's victims." — Ryan Lucas (relaying Massie’s statement), [00:33]

  • Survivors Impacted:
    • Quote:

      "Literally the worst thing you could do to the survivors, you did. And they're getting phone calls. A lot of these people didn't want to be known." — Pam Bondi, [00:50]

  • Political Tension: Bondi responds to criticism amid heated exchanges, with additional commentary suggesting partisan antagonism.
    • Quote:

      "This guy has Trump derangement syndrome. He needs to—you're a failed politician." — Jeanine Pirro (attributed in context), [01:01]

  • Department’s Response: Bondi said the department has tried to correct mistakes in redactions when these are identified.

2. Democratic Lawmakers Targeted Over Military Orders Video

[01:13–02:10]

• Grand Jury Decision: Six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video urging the military to resist illegal orders are vindicated after federal prosecutors fail to indict them.
  • Context: President Trump labeled the video “treasonous,” leading to an investigation.
  • Quote:

    "The video that no one has to follow orders that violate the Constitution. Trump called the message treasonous and federal prosecutors opened an investigation." — Sam Greenglass, [01:32]

  • Senator Alyssa Slotkin’s Reaction: She applauds the grand jury:
    • Quote:

      "Yesterday, 20 anonymous Americans who we will never meet, who made up that grand jury, told us more about the values of America than Jeanine Pirro or Pam Bondi or certainly this President." — Senator Alyssa Slotkin, [01:47]

  • No Official Response: No comment from Pam Bondi or U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro.

3. TVA Reverses Clean Energy Transition

[02:10–03:11]

• Policy Shift: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) scraps plans to transition to renewable energy, opting to maintain coal power under a Trump-influenced board.
  • Board Shakeup: Months-long effort by President Trump to remake board membership culminates in this decision.
    • Quote:

      "The new board voted Wednesday to strip renewable energy generation from TVA’s strategic plan in favor of keeping its coal power plants, which burn millions of tons of coal each year." — Pierce Gentry, [02:23]

  • TVA Praise for Administration:
    • Quote:

      "Would not be in the position today to recommend continuing to operate over 3,000 megawatts of beautiful clean coal that will directly support energy resiliency, reliability, and low-cost power for the 10 million people we serve." — Tom Rice, TVA VP (quoted by Pam Bondi), [02:46]

  • Critics Voice Concerns: Activists allege lack of public input in the decision.

4. International & Cultural Headlines

[03:11–04:49]

• U.S.–Russia Nuclear Arms Uncertainty:
  • Treaty Lapse: Russia pledges to adhere to limits in expiring nuclear arms agreement only if the U.S. reciprocates.
  • Context: Absence of restrictions on atomic arsenals raises fears of a nuclear arms race.
• LA Olympics & Epstein Connection:
  • Casey Wasserman Remains: Despite scrutiny over 2003 emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, Wasserman will continue to head the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
    • Impact: Several artists depart Wasserman’s agency in protest.
• In Memoriam – Bud Cort:
  • Death Announced: The “Harold and Maude” actor dies at 77.
  • Film Legacy: Known for his role as Harold, a young man learning the value of life from Maude.
    • Quote:

      "She even gets him to sing. Bud Cort grew up loving theater in New Rochelle, New York. He started off in Hollywood working with director Robert Altman in the movies M.A.S.H. and Brewster MacLeod. He performed in dozens of TV shows and movies ranging from quirky comedies to crime dramas." — Netta Ulaby, [04:23]

  • Memorable Moment:
    • Audio Clip:
      • Actor (Bud Cort’s character): "What is your name?" [04:20]
      • Ryland Barton: "Harold." [04:21]
      • Pam Bondi: "Harold Chase." [04:22]
  • Voice of Legacy:
    • Quote:

      "Over the course of the film, Maude teaches Harold to take pleasure in being alive." — Netta Ulaby, [04:23]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "Literally the worst thing you could do to the survivors, you did." — Pam Bondi, [00:50]
• "The new board voted Wednesday to strip renewable energy generation from TVA’s strategic plan in favor of keeping its coal power plants..." — Pierce Gentry, [02:23]
• "Yesterday, 20 anonymous Americans...told us more about the values of America than Jeanine Pirro or Pam Bondi or certainly this President." — Senator Alyssa Slotkin, [01:47]
• "There are no restrictions on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half century, and that's fueling fears of an unconstrained nuclear arms race." — Ryland Barton, [03:11]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Files Hearing: [00:15–01:13]
• Democratic Lawmakers/Grand Jury: [01:13–02:10]
• TVA Coal Power Shift: [02:10–03:11]
• U.S.–Russia Nuclear Arms Context: [03:11–03:45]
• LA Olympics/Wasserman & Epstein: [03:45–04:01]
• Bud Cort Remembrance: [04:07–04:49]

Final Notes

This rapid-fire news episode encapsulates a turbulent political climate with partisan clashes over justice and energy policy, deep divides in national security discourse, provocative international developments, and reflective cultural remembrance. Quotes and soundbites are direct and unvarnished, consistent with NPR’s straightforward reporting.