NPR News Now – February 9, 2026, 10AM EST

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Korva Coleman, delivers concise updates on major global and U.S. stories: Israeli cabinet decisions affecting the West Bank, a political dispute involving Governor Wes Moore, financial news centered on weight loss drugs, the discontinuation of Minute Maid’s frozen juice, and highlights from Super Bowl 60. The news is fast-paced and authoritative, balancing world affairs, U.S. politics, business, and culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Israel Approves Measures Expanding West Bank Control

[00:15-01:14]

• Summary:
  Israel’s cabinet passed measures that increase Israeli and settler control over the occupied West Bank, decrease the powers of the Palestinian Authority, and give Israel more authority over ancient religious sites.
• Details:
  • Easier real estate purchases for Israelis in the West Bank.
  • Greater authority for Israel to conduct demolitions within Palestinian cities.
  • Israel gains more direct control of two religious sites.
  • Jordan and Egypt have condemned the actions, warning of potential annexation.
  • Upcoming White House meeting between Israeli PM Netanyahu and President Trump to discuss Iran.
• Notable Quote:
  • Daniel Estrin (01:05): "Jordan and Egypt condemned the move and warned against Israeli annexation of territory where Palestinians want a sovereign state."

2. U.S. Homeland Security Funding Dispute

[01:14-01:42]

• Summary:
  Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is at risk of expiring unless Congress resolves partisan disagreements, chiefly around immigration enforcement.
• Additional Context:
  • Tied to a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans on federal immigration rules.
• No direct quotes here; quick informational update.

3. Governor Wes Moore Excluded from White House Dinner

[01:42-02:02]

• Summary:
  Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the only Black governor in the U.S. and vice chair of the National Governors Association, stated the White House rescinded his invitation to a related dinner, calling the move "highly disrespectful."
• Details:
  • Moore expresses pain and exclusion over the decision.
  • The National Governors Association winter meeting is upcoming in Washington.
  • The Association's executive director criticized the White House’s apparent partisanship.
• Notable Quote:
  • Wes Moore (01:49): "It's not lost to me that I am the only black governor in this country. And I find that to be particularly painful considering the fact that the president is trying to exclude me from an organization that...my peers have asked me to help to lead, but then also a place where I know I belong in."

4. Stock Market & Weight Loss Drugs

[02:02-03:10]

• Summary:
  Markets opened mixed. Weight loss drugs drive movements in pharmaceutical stocks.
• Details:
  • Novo Nordisk stock is up after a competitor, Hims and Hers Health, withdrew a cheaper knockoff pill under legal and regulatory pressure.
  • Hims and Hers stock declines.
  • Kroger appoints a new CEO—Greg Faran, formerly of Walmart.
  • Japan’s Nikkei surges after the ruling party’s electoral win.
• Notable Quote:
  • Scott Horsley (02:29): "GLP1 drugs can produce big gains and losses in the stock market as well as patients' waistlines."

5. Minute Maid Discontinues Frozen Juice Concentrates

[03:10-04:13]

• Summary:
  Coca-Cola will halt sales of Minute Maid frozen juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada by April, ending an 80-year tradition.
• Details:
  • Sales have declined as consumer tastes shift to fresh juices and premium beverages.
  • Remaining stock will be sold until supplies run out.
  • Corporate strategy now leans towards zero sugar and fresh product lines.
• Notable Quote:
  • Marlon Hyde (03:29): "Many who grew up cracking open a can of Minute Maid frozen OJ...will soon say bye to the iconic drink."

6. Seattle Seahawks Win Super Bowl 60; Cultural Tensions at Halftime

[04:13-04:55]

• Summary:
  Seattle wins Super Bowl 60, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13. The halftime show, led by Bad Bunny, faced criticism from conservative circles who offered an alternative event.
• Details:
  • Victory parade planned in Seattle.
  • Bad Bunny, performing in Spanish, was falsely labeled a foreigner by some critics; NPR clarifies Puerto Ricans are Americans.
  • Ex-President Trump publicly disparaged Bad Bunny’s show.
• Notable Quote:
  • Korva Coleman (04:41): "Some conservatives had lashed out at the NFL for selecting Bad Bunny, who performs in Spanish. Some wrongly labeled him a foreigner—Puerto Ricans are Americans."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Daniel Estrin on Israeli measures ([01:05]):
  "Jordan and Egypt condemned the move and warned against Israeli annexation of territory where Palestinians want a sovereign state."

• Wes Moore on White House exclusion ([01:49]):
  "It's not lost to me that I am the only black governor in this country. And I find that to be particularly painful..."

• Scott Horsley on weight loss drugs and stocks ([02:29]):
  "GLP1 drugs can produce big gains and losses in the stock market as well as patients' waistlines."

• Marlon Hyde saying farewell to an iconic product ([03:29]):
  "Many who grew up cracking open a can of Minute Maid frozen OJ...will soon say bye to the iconic drink."

• Korva Coleman clarifying Bad Bunny's American status ([04:41]):
  "Some wrongly labeled him a foreigner—Puerto Ricans are Americans."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:15 – Israel expands West Bank control (Daniel Estrin)
• 01:14 – U.S. Homeland Security funding debate
• 01:42 – Gov. Wes Moore discusses White House exclusion
• 02:28 – Weight loss drug impact on stock market (Scott Horsley)
• 03:29 – Minute Maid frozen juice discontinued (Marlon Hyde)
• 04:13 – Seahawks win Super Bowl 60 + halftime show controversy

Tone & Style

The episode maintains NPR’s signature blend of impartial reporting and incisive commentary, punctuated by memorable quotes and context. The tone is informative, occasionally somber (in political coverage), and at moments nostalgic and reflective (on Minute Maid’s discontinuation).

Helpful for listeners:
This episode offers a snapshot of the day’s top stories, providing updates across politics, global affairs, business, cultural moments, and sports without editorializing, making it an excellent catch-up for anyone who missed the news.