NPR News Now — 02-08-2026, 9AM EST
Host: Windsor Johnston
Air Date: February 8, 2026
Episode Overview
This concise five-minute newscast delivers updates on major breaking stories in the U.S. and beyond, with a focus on media shakeups, social justice in Minneapolis, severe winter weather, Olympic triumphs and mishaps, and a dose of lighthearted news through the annual Puppy Bowl.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Leadership Change at The Washington Post
[00:13–01:25]
- Will Lewis Resigns: The Washington Post publisher & CEO Will Lewis steps down after a contentious two-year tenure marked by financial losses and PR crises.
- Backstory: Lewis, who previously served as CEO of The Wall Street Journal, was “dogged by controversies from his days as an executive for Rupert Murdoch's papers in London.” (David Folkenflick, 00:38)
- Recent Turmoil:
- The Post slashed 300 journalism jobs.
- Owner Jeff Bezos was involved in editorial decisions — notably shelving an endorsement for Kamala Harris and directing the editorial board to be more favorable to former President Trump.
- Resulted in major digital subscriber cancellations.
- Lewis was notably absent during layoffs but attended a California event before Super Bowl weekend.
- Succession: Bezos appointed the company’s CFO as Lewis’s replacement, promising "an exciting and thriving next chapter for the Post." (David Folkenflick, 01:20)
2. Minneapolis Vigil & ICE Protests
[01:25–02:33]
- Community Vigil: A vigil in Minneapolis marked one month since Renee Macklin Good’s fatal shooting by a federal immigration agent.
- Rebecca Good, the victim's wife, was present; a statement from her was read by Rabbi Ariel Lacoch Rosenberg:
- “Minneapolis has shown me that even in the middle of grief and fear, people still show up for each other. For that, I want to say thank you.” (Rabbi Ariel Lacoch Rosenberg, 01:44)
- Rebecca Good, the victim's wife, was present; a statement from her was read by Rabbi Ariel Lacoch Rosenberg:
- Continued Tensions:
- Weeks later, ICU nurse Alex Preddy was also shot and killed by a federal immigration agent.
- Protests against ICE presence and activity have continued, though the Trump administration recently initiated a partial withdrawal of ICE from Minnesota.
- Active-duty troops alerted for possible deployment have now been stood down.
3. Extreme Winter Weather
[02:33–03:12]
- Arctic Air Mass: An exceptionally cold air mass from Eastern Canada brings temperatures as much as 30°F below average—potentially deadly conditions across wide swathes of the eastern U.S.
- Regional Impact:
- Boston: Overnight lows in the single digits.
- Washington D.C.: Winds up to 55 mph.
- Affected area stretches from the Great Lakes, Vermont, to as far south as North Carolina.
- Ongoing risk due to previous snow accumulations.
- Public Health Alert: Exposure could lead to hypothermia or frostbite; forecasters urge caution.
- “Extreme cold and high winds ... exposure to the extreme cold could be deadly.” (Marie Andrusevich, 02:53)
4. Winter Olympics: U.S. Victory and Mishap
[03:12–04:06]
- Breezy Johnson Wins Gold: American skier Breezy Johnson takes first place in the women’s downhill, earning Team USA its first medal in these Games.
- Lindsey Vonn Crash: Pre-race favorite Lindsey Vonn, recently returned from retirement after a knee replacement, crashes during her run.
- Details on her condition are unknown at time of reporting.
- “The 41 year old had retired from competitive skiing in 2019 after repeated injuries, but following a partial knee replacement, she returned to World Cup competition in 2024.” (Windsor Johnston, 03:33)
5. Puppy Love on Super Bowl Day: The Puppy Bowl
[04:06–04:53]
- 21st Annual Puppy Bowl: “Let the Puppy Bowl begin.” (Marie Andrusevich, 04:06)
- Details:
- 150 rescue dogs compete, representing 72 shelters.
- Matchup includes returning teams: Team Fluff (featuring Chapel Bone, a corgi) and Team Ruff (with Lobster Roll, a bulldog-border collie mix).
- Humorous commentary, canine antics, and a focus on pet adoption.
- Inclusivity Spotlight: Halftime show features Team Oldies vs. Team Goldies, highlighting the challenges senior dogs face in finding homes.
- Audience & Impact: Nearly 13 million viewers; emphasizes animal welfare and adoption ahead of the Super Bowl.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On community support amidst tragedy:
“Minneapolis has shown me that even in the middle of grief and fear, people still show up for each other. For that, I want to say thank you.” (Rabbi Ariel Lacoch Rosenberg, 01:44) -
On the scale of the Puppy Bowl:
“150 dogs, three hours. Countless cute canine antics.” (Amy Held, 04:07) -
Puppy Bowl puns in action:
“Her bark is bigger than her bite.” (David Folkenflick, 04:15)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:13 — Will Lewis resigns from The Washington Post
- 01:25 — Minneapolis vigil for Renee Macklin Good
- 01:44 — Rabbi Ariel Lacoch Rosenberg reads statement
- 02:33 — Extreme cold grips eastern U.S.
- 03:12 — Breezy Johnson wins Olympic gold; Lindsey Vonn crashes
- 04:06 — Puppy Bowl preview and pet adoption advocacy
Tone and Language
The episode maintains a brisk, factual, and neutral tone, in keeping with NPR’s style, but includes moments of warmth, particularly in community and human-interest segments.
