NPR News Now: February 8, 2026, 7PM EST

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: February 8, 2026
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This succinct, five-minute news update covers the latest headlines from the U.S. and around the globe. Key stories include looming government shutdown talks in Washington, Japan’s decisive election results, an attempted assassination of a top Russian intelligence official, an impending San Francisco teacher strike, Super Bowl Sunday fan fervor, and economic data to watch in the coming week.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming U.S. Government Shutdown

[00:35]

• Negotiations over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are deadlocked.
• Democratic demands:
  • Judicial warrants for certain DHS actions
  • Better identification for DHS officers
  • New use-of-force standards
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismisses these as “unrealistic.”
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries laments lack of response from the White House and GOP leaders:

  “Unfortunately, we haven’t heard back from the White House or Mike Johnson or Speaker or Lita Thune in terms of the demands that we've put on the table.” (Hakeem Jeffries, 00:54)

• Funding deadline: Midnight Friday. A shutdown would impact agencies like the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA. Notably, funds for DHS’s mass deportation agenda would continue even if a shutdown happens.

2. Japan’s Snap Election Results

[01:23]

• Prime Minister Shnae Takaichi of Japan achieves a landslide, securing a supermajority.
• Implications:
  • Accelerating her conservative agenda
  • Bolstering Japan’s economy and military
  • Strengthening ties with the U.S.
• Result signals further assertiveness in Asian geopolitics amid tensions with China.

3. Russian Assassination Attempt

[02:03]

• Russian authorities apprehend a suspect in the shooting of Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev, first deputy head of the GRU (military intelligence).
• Details:
  • Alekseyev was shot three times but is expected to survive after surgery.
  • Suspect captured in Dubai and brought to Moscow; Russia alleges Ukrainian involvement, which Kyiv denies.
• Quote:

  “Russian authorities claim the apparent assassin was working for Ukrainian intelligence, a charge Kyiv has denied in this case.” (Charles Maynes, 02:24)

• Reflects ongoing tit-for-tat violence targeting top officers since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

4. San Francisco Teachers’ Strike

[02:45]

• Teachers in San Francisco plan to strike over pay, healthcare, and class sizes.
• Last contract talks failed; a new meeting did not yield an agreement.
• If it happens, it will be the first teachers’ strike since 1979.
• Service Employees Union International members (e.g., janitors) to hold a sympathy strike.

5. Super Bowl Sunday Fan Fervor

[03:28]

• New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, CA.
• Highly confident fans from both teams; the fandom’s bravado is showcased.
  • Seattle fan, Dylan Johnson:

    “I'm rooting. I'm not doubting it. 100%.” (Dylan Johnson, 03:41)

  • New England fan, Nate Mullen:

    “Hats are winning, not a question. 100% guaranteed. Put money on it.” (Nate Mullen, 03:55-03:58)

• If Patriots win, they set an NFL record with seven Super Bowl wins.

6. Upcoming Economic Data

[04:16]

• Investors will get delayed federal jobs data for January on Wednesday.
• Focus: Has job growth improved? What’s the new unemployment rate?
• Annual revisions may reveal job growth was weaker than previously thought.
• December retail sales data will be tracked closely—personal spending drives the U.S. economy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hakeem Jeffries (00:54):

  “Unfortunately, we haven’t heard back from the White House or Mike Johnson or Speaker or Lita Thune in terms of the demands that we've put on the table.”

• Charles Maynes (02:24):

  “Russian authorities claim the apparent assassin was working for Ukrainian intelligence, a charge Kyiv has denied in this case.”

• Dylan Johnson, Seahawks fan (03:41):

  “I'm rooting. I'm not doubting it. 100%.”

• Nate Mullen, Patriots fan (03:55-03:58):

  “Hats are winning, not a question. 100% guaranteed. Put money on it.”

Segment Timestamps

• Government Shutdown Talks: 00:35 – 01:23
• Japan Election Results: 01:23 – 02:03
• Russian Assassination Attempt: 02:03 – 02:45
• San Francisco Teachers’ Strike: 02:45 – 03:28
• Super Bowl Fandom: 03:28 – 04:16
• Economic Outlook: 04:16 – 04:56

This NPR News Now episode delivers a rapid but comprehensive rundown of today’s most pressing headlines, capturing ongoing political drama, international intrigue, local labor disputes, major sports energy, and financial uncertainty—all in a matter of minutes.