NPR News Now – 7AM EST, February 9, 2026

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Korva Coleman
Length: ~5 minutes
Summary Prepared By: NPR News Summarizer

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode (7AM EST, Feb 9, 2026) delivers the key news headlines from around the world in five minutes. Topics include new Israeli measures in the West Bank, developments in the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, a tight congressional race in New Jersey, an update on Ghislaine Maxwell’s deposition, a funding dispute in Congress, the death of Three Doors Down's lead singer Brad Arnold, and the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl victory parade.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Israel’s Cabinet Approves Expansion Measures in the West Bank

[00:18-01:14]

• Israeli cabinet approves measures to "strengthen Israeli control" in the occupied West Bank and limit the Palestinian Authority's powers.
• NPR’s Daniel Estrin explains:
  • The measures enable the Israeli government and settlers to more easily purchase real estate in the West Bank.
  • Israeli authorities gain greater power to demolish structures in Palestinian cities under the Palestinian Authority.
  • Israel also gains more control over two ancient religious sites.
  • Jordan and Egypt condemn the move, citing concerns of annexation in territory sought by Palestinians for a sovereign state.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet President Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss Iran negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“This would ensure land reserves for future Jewish settlement... Israel would have more control over two ancient religious sites.”
— Daniel Estrin, [00:34-00:50]

2. Ongoing Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mother in Arizona

[01:14-01:59]

• Federal and state authorities are entering the second week of the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie.
• The Guthrie family has received a message from those who abducted Nancy Guthrie.
• Bill Chappell reports:
  • Multiple ransom notes have been sent to Tucson media.
  • KGUN TV received a demand for $6 million by Monday evening.
  • Police have not publicly confirmed ransom details.
  • The FBI advises the family, but the decision to pay the ransom remains theirs.
  • The Guthrie family released a video over the weekend affirming willingness to pay.

Notable Quote:

“Any decision about whether to pay a ransom or not is up to them.”
— Bill Chappell, [01:48-01:52]

3. Tight New Jersey Congressional Special Election

[01:59-02:55]

• A special election is underway for a vacant New Jersey congressional seat.
• Bruce Konviser reports:
  • Republican primary winner: Joe Hathaway, the mayor of Randolph.
  • Democratic primary is close: Analia Mejia (progressive liberal) vs. Tom Malinowski (centrist moderate).
  • Mejia leads Malinowski by less than 500 votes as of Thursday night; by Sunday, her lead grows to nearly 900 with 93% counted.
  • The seat was vacated after Mikey Sherrill's gubernatorial win in November.

Notable Quote:

“Mejia is the progressive liberal, Malinowski, the centrist moderate. They're vying to fill a seat that was vacated after Mikey Sherrill won the state's gubernatorial race in November.”
— Bruce Konviser, [02:26-02:41]

4. Ghislaine Maxwell to Testify Before Congress

[02:55-03:17]

• Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking, is scheduled to give a virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee concerning the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
• Timing undisclosed.
• A Democratic lawmaker claims Maxwell plans to refuse to answer questions.

5. Department of Homeland Security Funding Impasse

[03:17-03:53]

• DHS funding will expire at week's end unless Congress acts.
• Disputes over federal immigration enforcement linger after the killing of two Minneapolis protesters last month.
• The House and Senate to hold oversight hearings on the killings this week.

6. Brad Arnold, Lead Singer of Three Doors Down, Dies at 47

[03:53-04:39]

• NPR’s Amy Held reports the passing of Brad Arnold, founding member and lead singer-songwriter of Three Doors Down.
  • Known for hits: “Kryptonite,” “Here Without You,” and “When I’m Gone.”
  • Wrote "Kryptonite" at age 15 in his math class.
  • Announced a kidney cancer diagnosis (metastasis to lung) in May.
  • Band cancelled summer tour.
  • Arnold requested prayers, referencing the band’s song “It’s Not My Time.”

Notable Quotes:

“It’s stage four and that’s not real good.”
— Brad Arnold, [04:24]
“It’s Not My Time.”
— Brad Arnold, [04:32]

7. Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade Announcement

[04:39-04:56]

• Seattle to hold a victory parade Wednesday for the Seahawks.
• The Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl 60.

Memorable Moments

• The Guthrie family’s public willingness to pay ransom underscoring the emotional weight of the kidnapping.
• Brad Arnold’s candid and poignant comment on his diagnosis: “It’s stage four and that’s not real good.” [04:24]
• Israel’s new moves in the West Bank drawing sharp Middle East and international reactions.
• The high drama of a razor-thin special election in New Jersey, with implications for party control.

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:18] - Israeli Cabinet Actions in the West Bank
• [01:14] - Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Kidnapping Case
• [01:59] - New Jersey Congressional Race
• [02:55] - Ghislaine Maxwell Congressional Testimony
• [03:17] - Homeland Security Funding Deadline
• [03:53] - Brad Arnold of Three Doors Down Passes Away
• [04:39] - Seattle Seahawks Victory Parade

This summary provides a concise yet comprehensive glimpse at the latest national and world headlines as reported by NPR News Now at 7AM EST on February 9, 2026.