NPR News Now – February 9, 2026, 12PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm
Network: NPR
Episode Type: News Update

Episode Overview

This episode delivers key developments in U.S. politics, international affairs, security, and culture in under five minutes. Notable stories include the latest Congressional investigations into the Epstein case, looming government funding issues, Israeli actions in the West Bank, Vice President Vance's diplomatic trip to the Caucasus, avalanche warnings in Italy, a major sentencing in Hong Kong, and widespread excitement over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show.

Key News Highlights

Congressional Hearing: Ghislaine Maxwell & Epstein Investigation

[00:15] – [00:57]

• The House Oversight Committee questioned Ghislaine Maxwell virtually, as she is serving 20 years in prison for sex trafficking.
• Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer any committee questions.
• Chairman James Comer (R-KY) expressed disappointment and emphasized the committee’s intent to uncover truths about Epstein's crimes and potential co-conspirators.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “Elaine Maxwell took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions. This obviously is very disappointing. We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co conspirators. We sincerely want to get to the truth to the American people and justice for the survivors.” – James Comer (00:35)
• The committee plans to continue its inquiry, including public questioning of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, both of whom have requested to testify publicly.

DHS Budget Crisis & Potential Government Shutdown

[01:00] – [02:00]

• Congress has five days left to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Top Democrats are awaiting a response from the White House regarding DHS funding after recent incidents in which DHS agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens.
• House and Senate Democrats are withholding support until demands are addressed.
• Political stakes are high, especially regarding the Hispanic vote. Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez suggests communication, not just policy, must improve:
  • Notable Quote:
    • “And if we want to keep that long term, we do have to make a shift, not necessarily in policy but in communication.” – Tony Gonzalez (01:47)
• Oversight hearings on the DHS killings will be held this week in Congress.

Israeli Cabinet Moves to Strengthen West Bank Control

[02:02] – [03:00]

• Israel approved measures making it easier for settlers to buy real estate in the West Bank and increased Israeli authority over demolitions in Palestinian-administered cities.
• The government aims to “ensure land reserves for future Jewish settlement” and expands control over two ancient religious sites.
• Jordan and Egypt condemned the move; international concerns grow over potential annexation.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet President Trump at the White House to discuss Iran.
  • Notable Segment:
    • “The new measures would also grant Israeli authorities power to carry out demolitions in Palestinian cities administered by the Palestinian Authority.” – Daniel Estrin (02:31)

Vice President J.D. Vance Visits Armenia and Azerbaijan

[03:00] – [03:20]

• VP Vance is on a three-day diplomatic mission to further a U.S.-brokered peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, aimed at ending conflict in the region.

International Headlines

[03:20] – [04:07]

• Italy: At least 10 people have died in avalanches in the Alps due to an “exceptionally unstable snowpack.”
• Hong Kong: Media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy to endanger national security and publishing seditious materials under Beijing's 2020 security law.
  • Lai, aged 78 and in poor health, had been a vocal critic of the Chinese government. Two former employees received shorter sentences.

Bad Bunny Steals the Super Bowl Halftime Show

[04:07] – [04:47]

• Puerto Rican global superstar Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, capturing as much—if not more—attention than the game itself.
• In San Juan, fans celebrated him as a symbol of Puerto Rican pride.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “We don't know anything about the Super Bowl. The super bowl belongs to Benito.” – Mirelis Pinaros Rojas, San Juan (04:19)
  • Sisters Mirelis and Arelis Pinaros Rojas expressed overwhelming excitement and pride at his representation of the island on a global stage.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• James Comer on Maxwell’s refusal:
  “We sincerely want to get to the truth to the American people and justice for the survivors.” (00:40)

• Tony Gonzalez on GOP strategy:
  “We do have to make a shift, not necessarily in policy but in communication.” (01:47)

• San Juan fans on Bad Bunny:
  “The super bowl belongs to Benito.” (04:19)
  “The feeling doesn't fit inside her chest of watching him for 15 minutes represent an entire island.” (04:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• House Epstein Hearing & Maxwell: 00:15 – 00:57
• DHS Funding & Political Fallout: 01:00 – 02:00
• Israeli Measures in West Bank: 02:02 – 03:00
• VP Vance's Caucasus Mission: 03:00 – 03:20
• Global News (Avalanche, Hong Kong): 03:20 – 04:07
• Bad Bunny at Super Bowl: 04:07 – 04:47

This concise episode distills the day’s most impactful events, ranging from high-profile investigations and international politics to cultural milestones, providing listeners with need-to-know updates in a matter-of-fact, accessible tone.