NPR News Now – February 7, 2026, 12AM EST

Host: Dan Ronan (NPR)
Episode Theme: A concise roundup of major news stories in politics, law, finance, sports, and business—the latest headlines in a rapidly changing world.

Main Theme

This episode delivers a quick, five-minute summary of the most pressing news in the U.S. and abroad. Major stories include a federal judge's intervention in a significant infrastructure project, new charges related to the Benghazi attack, historic developments in the stock market, calls for an Olympics official to step down, and a shift in the consumer goods sector.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Judge Orders Funds Released for Key Infrastructure Project

• [00:15-01:17]
• Host Dan Ronan introduces the halt of funding for the Gateway Project in the Amtrak Northeast Corridor, leading to a work stoppage.
• Steve Kastenbaum (Reporter):

  • Judge Jeanette Vargas sided with New Jersey's legal argument, preventing "irreparable harm" if the project site was left abandoned.

  • Earlier statements from Sen. Cory Booker challenged the president’s authority to halt funding.

  • New Jersey Governor Mikey Sherrill accused President Trump of "continually moving the goalposts."

  • A market analyst cynically speculates about Trump's motives (possibly wanting Penn Station named after him).

  • The White House claims funding was stopped to prevent use for "DEI principles."

    “Judge Jeanette Vargas sided with a lawyer for the state of New Jersey, who argued they’d suffer irreparable harm if left with a giant abandoned hole in the ground.”
    — Steve Kastenbaum [00:35]

    “New Jersey Governor Mikey Sherrill accused President Trump of continually moving the goalposts.”
    — Steve Kastenbaum [00:56]

2. Benghazi Attack: Main Suspect in U.S. Custody

• [01:18-02:13]

• Ryan Lucas (NPR):

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi identifies Zub Hubert Al Bakush as a chief participant in the 2012 Benghazi attacks.

• Rachel Treisman (Clip):

  “Ala. Kush will now face American justice on American soil. We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law.”
  — Attorney General Pam Bondi (voiced by Rachel Treisman) [01:43]

• Al Bakush faces multiple charges; two others have previously been convicted in connection with the attack.

3. Wall Street Milestone: Dow Breaks 50,000

• [02:13-03:10]

• The Dow closes above 50,000 for the first time after several days of market losses.

• Maria Aspen (Financial Correspondent): Notes investor concern over large tech firms heavily investing in AI but not yet seeing tangible returns. Traditional software companies are particularly worried.

  “There are these huge fears that AI is going to eliminate jobs or make some businesses really redundant. It seemed like that came closer to reality for some companies this week.”
  — Market Analyst [02:40]

• AI startups (OpenAI and Anthropic) released tools automating tasks typically handled by legacy software companies, prompting stock drops for firms like Salesforce and Workday.

4. Casey Wasserman and the Olympics: Epstein Connection

• [03:10-04:00]
• Calls for LA 2028 Olympics head Casey Wasserman to step down following leaked emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.
• No criminal activity cited, but the correspondence's tone is described as "suggestive."
• Politicians urge action as Wasserman expresses "regret" over his association with Epstein and Maxwell.

5. Winter Olympics Update: Team U.S. Leads in Figure Skating

• [04:00-04:39]

• Recap of the Winter Games in Italy, where the U.S. figsre skating team is leading after strong performances by Alysa Liu and Madison Chock/Evan Bates.

• Fierce competition continues, with Japan and Italy close behind.

  “As of Friday, the US is in the lead, thanks to strong performances from Alyssa Liu and ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates. But Japan and Italy are close behind, and there are still two more days of competition to go.”
  — Rachel Treisman [04:06]

• The men’s short program to feature U.S. gold medal hopeful Ilya Malinin.

6. Coca-Cola Discontinues Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate

• [04:39-04:53]
• Coca-Cola (Minute Maid’s parent company) announces the end of its iconic frozen concentrate OJ line—on shelves since WWII.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Judge Jeanette Vargas sided with a lawyer for the state of New Jersey, who argued they'd suffer irreparable harm if left with a giant abandoned hole in the ground.”
  — Steve Kastenbaum [00:35]

• “New Jersey Governor Mikey Sherrill accused President Trump of continually moving the goalposts.”
  — Steve Kastenbaum [00:56]

• “Ala. Kush will now face American justice on American soil. We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law.”
  — Attorney General Pam Bondi (via Rachel Treisman) [01:43]

• “There are these huge fears that AI is going to eliminate jobs or make some businesses really redundant. It seemed like that came closer to reality for some companies this week.”
  — Market Analyst [02:40]

• “As of Friday, the US is in the lead, thanks to strong performances from Alyssa Liu and ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates.”
  — Rachel Treisman [04:06]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:15–01:17: Gateway Project funding dispute and resolutions
• 01:18–02:13: Benghazi attack suspect apprehension
• 02:13–03:10: Stock market record and AI sector impact
• 03:10–04:00: Casey Wasserman controversy
• 04:00–04:39: Winter Olympics update, U.S. figure skating
• 04:39–04:53: Coca-Cola ends frozen OJ concentrate

This NPR News Now episode offers a brisk but comprehensive briefing on critical U.S. headlines—from judicial and legislative decisions to financial milestones and developments in international sport—delivered in NPR’s clear, authoritative style.