NPR News Now: 02-08-2026 2AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: February 8, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now update delivers major headlines from the U.S. and around the world in under five minutes. Today’s episode covers a Minneapolis protest on the anniversary of the Renee Goode shooting, Russia’s escalation against Ukraine’s energy grid, U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, Super Bowl counterfeit merchandise efforts, and highlights from the 2026 Winter Olympics and Phoenix Open golf tournament.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Minneapolis Protest: Anniversary of Renee Goode Shooting

• [00:16] A protest held outside the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis marked one month since Renee Goode was shot. Organized by Native Americans, the demonstrators called for justice and highlighted police treatment of Indigenous relatives.
  • Quote:

    “We're here to offer our prayers of strength, prayers of healing and sustenance to endure ourselves and those that are fighting for the freedom and liberation for our relatives.”
    — Native American Protester (00:36)

• [00:48] Sheriff’s office confirmed overall peacefulness but reported several dozen arrests after some protesters threw ice chunks at police.

Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukrainian Energy Grid

• [01:11] Russia escalated drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, targeting Kyiv during an extreme winter.
  • Details:
    • Largest energy provider, Detec, reported damage to two thermal power plants and key substations.
    • Nuclear plant output was reduced, worsening electricity shortages (typical access: only 1.5 to 2 hours per day).
    • 70% of Ukraine’s electricity comes from nuclear sources.
  • Quote:

    “This is a level of attack that no terrorist in the world has ever allowed itself… Russia, he said, must feel the response of the entire world.”
    — President Volodymyr Zelensky, referenced by Eleanor Beardsley (01:49)

• [01:59] Story is reported by Eleanor Beardsley from Kharkiv, Ukraine.

US-Iran Indirect Talks in Oman

• [02:01] The United States and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Oman, agreeing to future meetings.
  • [02:16] Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. International authorities report no clear evidence of bomb development but U.S. skepticism persists.
  • The U.S. continues financial pressure tactics, including sanctions and alleged currency destabilization.
  • Quote:

    “The Trump administration has made clear that what it really wants is regime change.”
    — Jane Areraf (02:31)

  • Quote:

    “U.S. treasury Secretary Scott Besant said this week that the U.S. engineered a free fall of the Iranian currency that sparked protests in Iran in December.”
    — Jane Areraf (02:44)

  • Reported by Jane Areraf.

Trump–Honduras Talks on Security and Drugs

• [03:00] President Trump reported a meeting with the president of Honduras, emphasizing both nations’ cooperation on security and drug trafficking in the region.

NFL, Super Bowl & Crackdown on Counterfeit Merchandise

• [03:27] As the Super Bowl approaches, NFL and Bay Area law enforcement step up efforts to seize counterfeit souvenirs.
  • [03:41] Ivan Arvillo (National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center) gives insight:
    • Top targets: counterfeit jerseys, towels, hats.
    • Quote:

      “Jersey is usually the prime item that people want to buy.”
      — Ivan Arvillo (03:47)

    • Prices lure consumers, despite the illegality.
    • Quote:

      “And I get it. It's hard to turn down a good deal, right?”
      — Ivan Arvillo (04:01)

  • Last year, nearly $40 million in unlicensed NFL merchandise seized.
  • Reported by Steve Futterman in San Francisco.

2026 Winter Olympics: First Medals Awarded

• [04:17] First medals handed out in Italy:
  • Host nation Italy wins three medals, including a gold by speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida.
  • Switzerland’s Franjo Van Allman wins men’s downhill gold.
  • US has not yet won any medals.

PGA Phoenix Open Update

• [04:36] Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama shoots a three-under 68 for a one-shot lead at 13 under par.
  • Struggled on 17th, left a potential birdie on the 18th hole’s edge.

Notable Quotes

• [00:36] Native American Protester:
  “We're here to offer our prayers of strength, prayers of healing and sustenance to endure ourselves and those that are fighting for the freedom and liberation for our relatives.”
• [01:49] President Volodymyr Zelensky (as reported by Eleanor Beardsley):
  “This is a level of attack that no terrorist in the world has ever allowed itself… Russia, he said, must feel the response of the entire world.”
• [02:31] Jane Areraf:
  “The Trump administration has made clear that what it really wants is regime change.”
• [02:44] Jane Areraf:
  “U.S. treasury Secretary Scott Besant said this week that the U.S. engineered a free fall of the Iranian currency that sparked protests in Iran in December.”
• [03:47] Ivan Arvillo:
  “Jersey is usually the prime item that people want to buy.”
• [04:01] Ivan Arvillo:
  “And I get it. It's hard to turn down a good deal, right?”

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:16 – Minneapolis protest for Renee Goode
• 01:11 – Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid
• 02:01 – US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman
• 03:00 – Trump meets Honduras president on security
• 03:27 – Super Bowl and NFL counterfeit merchandise crackdown
• 04:17 – 2026 Winter Olympics: first medals summary
• 04:36 – Phoenix Open (Golf) update

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a swift yet thorough update on February 8, 2026.