NPR News Now – February 8, 2026, 2PM EST

Host: Nora Ram
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode features the top news stories as of 2PM EST, including breaking international diplomacy in the Middle East, significant policy shifts at Harvard University by the Pentagon, updates on a severe flu season, global political and sporting headlines, and a lighthearted feature on the annual Puppy Bowl.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netanyahu's Sudden Washington Trip Amid Iran Talks

• [00:14–01:19]
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moves up his planned visit to Washington to meet President Trump, aligning with renewed US-Iran diplomatic negotiations.
  • NPR’s Daniel Estrin highlights:
    • This is the first US-Iran negotiation since the US attacked Iran’s nuclear sites in June.
    • Iran's Foreign Minister indicates nuclear issues are negotiable, but missile programs are “for defense purposes” and not up for discussion.
    • Israel is particularly concerned about Iranian missiles, which have previously targeted Israeli sites.
    • Netanyahu demands that any future negotiation with Iran includes limits on ballistic missiles and an end to Iranian proxy support.
    • Despite diplomacy, Israeli officials fear a US attack on Iran remains likely.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Daniel Estrin: “Israeli officials believe despite the US Talks with Iran, a US Attack on Iran is inevitable.” [01:13]

2. Pentagon Ends Military Education Ties with Harvard University

• [01:19–02:12]
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegsef announces all Pentagon professional military education and fellowships with Harvard University will be terminated.
  • Chandelyse Duster reports Hegsef’s reasoning: officers are returning from Harvard with “radical ideologies.”
  • Hegsef, a Harvard alumnus himself, criticizes the university directly in a social media post.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Pete Hegsef: “For too long, this department has sent our best and brightest officers to Harvard hoping the university would better understand and appreciate our warrior class. Instead, too many of our officers came back looking too much like Harvard.” [01:48]
  • Existing students may complete current programs.

3. CDC Reports New Child Flu Deaths Amid Severe Season

• [02:12–02:58]
  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports eight more pediatric deaths from the flu, bringing the total to at least 52 children this season.
  • Rob Stein explains that visits for flu-like symptoms are rising again, indicating a potential second peak in a particularly deadly season.
  • Last season, flu claimed more than 280 children.
  • Notably, the CDC has recently stopped recommending that all children routinely receive flu shots, sparking controversy.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Rob Stein: “Still, the CDC recently made a controversial decision to stop recommending that all children routinely get a flu shot.” [02:55]

4. Global Political Headlines

• [02:58–03:56]
  • Japan: Preliminary election results grant Prime Minister Sanayae Takaichi’s party a supermajority in the lower house, giving her more legislative freedom.
  • Portugal: Voters are selecting a new president in a runoff between a center-left socialist and a hard-right populist; polls favor the socialist as a moderate choice.
  • Winter Olympics: The U.S. wins its first medal in Italy—Breezy Johnson takes gold in women's downhill skiing; Lindsey Vaughn is out after a fall.

5. Puppy Bowl: A Heartwarming Super Bowl Tradition

• [03:56–04:42]
  • Amy Held reports on the 21st annual Puppy Bowl, which has become a beloved TV event before the Super Bowl.
  • 150 adopted dogs from 72 shelters participate, with themed teams Team Fluff and Team Ruff, and a halftime show featuring older dogs (“Team Oldies” and “Team Goldies”) to promote senior dog adoption.
  • The segment is filled with light humor:
    • “Touchdown. He can't get Emma off his tail.” [04:02]
    • “Her bark is bigger than her bite.” [04:05]
    • “So do the on field deposits, you dirty dog.” [04:07]
  • The Puppy Bowl draws nearly 13 million viewers.
  • Purpose: Promotes pet adoption alongside entertainment.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Amy Held: “It’s more than just fun and games. The Puppy bowl promotes pet adoption… Still, the Puppy Bowl’s not too Shaggy, with nearly 13 million viewers tuning in.” [04:37]

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Daniel Estrin on Israeli-U.S.-Iran Diplomacy:
  “Netanyahu says any negotiations with Iran must include limitations on its ballistic missiles and ending support for militant proxy groups in the region.” [01:07]

• Pete Hegsef on Harvard:
  “Instead, too many of our officers came back looking too much like Harvard.” [01:53]

• Rob Stein on CDC's shift in flu vaccine guidance:
  “Nevertheless, the CDC recently made a controversial decision to stop recommending that all children routinely get a flu shot.” [02:55]

• Amy Held, on the Puppy Bowl:

  • “Touchdown. He can’t get Emma off his tail.” [04:02]
  • “So do the on field deposits, you dirty dog.” [04:07]
  • “It’s more than just fun and games. The Puppy bowl promotes pet adoption.” [04:10]
  • “Still, the Puppy Bowl’s not too Shaggy, with nearly 13 million viewers tuning in.” [04:38]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Netanyahu’s trip, Iran nuclear & missile negotiations: [00:14–01:19]
• Pentagon severs Harvard ties: [01:19–02:12]
• CDC flu update & controversial vaccine guidance: [02:12–02:58]
• Global elections & Winter Olympics: [02:58–03:56]
• Puppy Bowl coverage: [03:56–04:42]

Tone & Takeaway

The episode delivers concise, factual, and balanced news coverage in NPR’s signature straightforward and measured style. Despite covering heavy topics—international tensions, policy disputes, and public health concerns—the show ends on an uplifting, communal note with the delightfully playful Puppy Bowl segment.