NPR News Now: 02-09-2026 1PM EST

Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Nora Raum
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This brisk NPR News Now update delivers the top headlines of the hour, covering high-profile developments spanning global politics, U.S. Olympic controversies, a missing-person investigation, labor negotiations, pediatric media guidelines, and corporate bankruptcy. Each story is presented succinctly, with expert reporting from NPR correspondents in Washington, London, Milan, and elsewhere.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Ghislaine Maxwell Refuses to Testify Before House Committee, UK Political Fallout

[00:15 – 01:33]

• Ghislaine Maxwell’s Refusal:

  • Maxwell, convicted sex offender, appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee and invoked her Fifth Amendment right, declining all questions about her association with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • She continues to serve a 20-year prison term for sex trafficking.

• UK Political Turmoil:

  • British PM Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure after his chief of staff and communications chief resign amid scandal involving Epstein associations.
    • “Starmer's chief of staff resigned over his role recommending one of Epstein's friends as ambassador to Washington.” — Lauren Freyr ([00:51])
  • Criticism mounts for Starmer’s judgment, especially the nomination of Peter Mandelson as ambassador.
  • Starmer apologizes to victims, but opposition and some party members call for his resignation.
  • The royal family is affected: Prince William and Kate are “deeply concerned about the latest Epstein files”; Prince Andrew alleged to have passed confidential trade info to Epstein.

2. President Trump Versus U.S. Olympians

[01:33 – 02:31]

• Trump Targets Skier Hunter Hess:
  • Trump uses Truth Social to call 27-year-old U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess a “real loser” after Hess expresses “mixed emotions” about representing the U.S. due to the current political climate.
    • “Trump fired back Sunday on his truth social platform, calling Hess a real loser, adding, ‘Very hard to root for someone like this.’” — Brian Mann ([01:47])
  • The backdrop is a rising chorus of U.S. Olympians criticizing Trump’s immigration crackdown.
• Abuse of Athletes for Advocacy:
  • Figure skater Amber Glenn reports increased threats after voicing LGBTQ support.
    • “I’ve never had so many people wish me harm before,” — Amber Glenn ([reported by Brian Mann, 01:47])
  • U.S. Olympic Committee acknowledges and is responding to increased abuse directed at athletes speaking out.

3. Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

[02:31 – 03:13]

• Ongoing Investigation:

  • Second week of the search for Nancy Guthrie, 84 year-old mother of TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie, last seen January 31 in Arizona.

• Ransom Notes Surface:

  • Multiple ransom notes sent to local media; one demands $6 million by Monday evening.
    • “KGUN said they received a ransom note that demanded $6 million by Monday evening, and that’s later today.” — Bill Chappell ([02:45])
  • FBI is involved, advising the Guthrie family but leaving the ransom decision to them.
  • Police have not publicly confirmed specifics about the ransom.

4. Nurses Strike in New York City

[03:13 – 03:55]

• Strike Resolution:
  • Over 10,000 nurses in NYC reach a tentative agreement to end a strike that began January 12th over staffing and safety concerns.
  • The deal still needs union member ratification.
  • Strikes are ongoing at New York Presbyterian.

5. New Pediatric Screen Time Guidelines

[03:55 – 04:41]

• Shift from Time to Content:
  • American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends a strict 2-hour daily limit.
  • Emphasis shifts to the quality and context of screen use.
    • “It’s not just on quantity, it’s about the quality.”— Dr. Tiffany Munzer (reported by Amy Held, [03:55])
    • “Screen time with a business over kid model, think endless scrolling, can hurt. Then there’s higher quality screen time that can encourage kids’ learning and well-being.” — Dr. Munzer ([03:55])
  • Parents are encouraged to focus on sleep, movement, and real-world connection, not just limiting digital exposure.

6. Eddie Bauer Declares Bankruptcy

[04:41 – 04:58]

• The iconic outdoor brand, founded in 1920 and famed for outfitting the first American Everest climbers, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Starmer’s communications chief has stepped down as well. Opposition politicians and even some members of Starmer’s own party are calling for the prime minister to resign over his judgment.” — Lauren Fryer ([00:51])
• “Trump fired back Sunday on his truth social platform calling Hess a real loser, adding, ‘very hard to root for someone like this.’” — Brian Mann ([01:47])
• “I’ve never had so many people wish me harm before,” — Amber Glenn, U.S. Figure Skater ([relayed at 01:47])
• “It can really have positive effects on children’s development. But kids still need sleep, movement, in-person connection…” — Dr. Tiffany Munzer ([reported by Amy Held, 03:55])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Maxwell & UK Politics: [00:15–01:33]
• Trump/Olympians: [01:33–02:31]
• Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Missing: [02:31–03:13]
• NYC Nurses Strike: [03:13–03:55]
• Screen Time Guidelines: [03:55–04:41]
• Eddie Bauer Bankruptcy: [04:41–04:58]

This summary focuses strictly on the news content, omitting sponsor messages and other non-editorial segments, maintaining NPR's concise, impartial tone.