NPR News Now: 1PM EST, February 8, 2026 — Episode Summary

Overview

This concise five-minute newscast delivers urgent updates on major developments in U.S. government funding, protests and vigils in Minneapolis, an alleged assassination attempt in Russia, upcoming U.S.-Israel talks, violence in Nigeria, severe weather along the U.S. East Coast, and a dramatic moment at the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown Looms Over DHS Funding

• Summary: Congress faces a fast-approaching deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with negotiations deadlocked.

• Democratic Demands: After DHS agents killed two Minnesotans, Democrats push for:

  • Judicial warrants for certain operations
  • Improved identification for DHS officers
  • Updated use-of-force standards

• Political Stalemate: Senate Republican leaders deem these demands "unrealistic." No further discussions have occurred in days.

• Quote:

  “Unfortunately, we haven't heard back from the White House or Mike Johnson or Speaker or Leader Thune in terms of the demands that we've put on the table.”
  — Anne Jeffries, as reported by Luke Garrett (00:37)

• Potential Impact: Agencies like the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA could be affected by a funding lapse, but mass deportation measures would continue.

2. Community Response to DHS-Related Killings in Minneapolis

• Summary: A vigil was held for Renee Macklin Good, one of the two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration officers.
• Community Resilience: A rabbi read a powerful statement from Macklin Good’s wife, reflecting on the city's solidarity.
• Quote:

  “People in Minneapolis stand up for each other even in the middle of grief.”
  — Statement by Becca Goode, read at the vigil (01:44)

3. Russia: High-Profile Shooting Linked to Ukraine

• Incident: Russian officials announced the arrest of a suspect—detained in Dubai—for the shooting of Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow.
• Details: Alekseyev (first deputy head of GRU intelligence) was shot three times, is in recovery, and expected to survive.
• Accusations and Denials: Russian authorities blame Ukrainian intelligence; Kyiv denies involvement. This fits a recent pattern of attacks on Russian military officials since the 2022 invasion.
• Notable Insight:

  “Since the beginning of Russia’s full scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the assassination of several senior Russian officers, including in the Russian capital.”
  — Charles Maynes (02:54)

4. U.S.-Israel Summit: Iran in Focus

• Upcoming Meeting: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet President Trump in Washington on Wednesday.
• Key Concerns: Netanyahu insists that any agreement with Iran must address its ballistic missile program and support for regional militant groups (proxy forces).

5. Rising Kidnappings and Violence in Northern Nigeria

• Incident: A Catholic priest and 10 others were abducted from his residence; three people killed.
• Broader Issue: Spike in kidnappings by both Islamist militants and armed gangs—impacting both Christian and Muslim communities.
• U.S. Criticism: The U.S. Government has condemned Nigeria's failure to protect religious minorities.

6. Extreme Cold Hits U.S. East Coast

• Conditions: Gigantic Arctic air mass brings hazardous cold from North Carolina through New Hampshire.
• Dangerous Wind Chills: New York wind chills drop below minus 20°F, with extreme lows as far south as North Carolina.
• Forecast: Temperatures may rise above freezing later in the week, but only slightly.
• Quote:

  “New York has already shivered through one of the coldest winters in recent memory, but a new blast of arctic air whipped up by strong winds are making for life threatening conditions up and down the Eastern Seaboard.”
  — Bruce Konweiser (03:53)

7. Olympic Drama: Lindsey Vonn’s Crash

• Event: Lindsey Vonn crashed near the top of the downhill course at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
• Aftermath: Vonn was attempting a comeback after retirement; her teammate Breezy Johnson won the event.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Anne Jeffries on DHS Negotiations (00:37)
  “Unfortunately, we haven't heard back from the White House or Mike Johnson or Speaker or Leader Thune...”
• Becca Goode’s Statement (01:44)
  “People in Minneapolis stand up for each other even in the middle of grief.”
• Charles Maynes on Russian Officer Attacks (02:54)
  “Since the beginning of Russia’s full scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the assassination of several senior Russian officers...”
• Bruce Konweiser on Arctic Cold (03:53)
  “New York has already shivered through one of the coldest winters in recent memory...”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:20] DHS funding stalemate and impact, with reporting by Luke Garrett
• [01:25] Minneapolis vigil for Renee Macklin Good
• [02:13] Moscow shooting and Russian allegations against Ukraine
• [02:54] Upcoming Netanyahu-Trump meeting and Nigeria kidnappings
• [03:53] Extreme cold weather warning from North Carolina to New Hampshire
• [04:35] Lindsey Vonn’s crash at the Winter Olympics

This summary covers the central topics and emotional tone of the episode, highlighting each headline with concise explanations and context, suitable for listeners seeking a quick but thorough written briefing.