NPR News Now: 02-09-2026 8AM EST

Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Korva Coleman
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers rapid coverage of the top national headlines, including congressional hearings tied to the Epstein case, a court order on seized 2020 election materials in Georgia, an impending federal funding deadline and related immigration protests, breaking sports news, and cultural commentary on the Super Bowl halftime show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ghislaine Maxwell to Face House Committee (00:18 - 01:09)

• Main Story:
  Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted sex trafficker and associate of Jeffrey Epstein, will privately answer questions before a House committee via virtual deposition.
• Focus:
  • Republicans on the House Oversight Committee want information on Epstein’s crimes and the identities of powerful associates (including President Trump).
  • Particular interest centers on “25 men” for whom Maxwell claims secret legal settlements were reached.
  • Maxwell is widely expected to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights and likely will reveal little.
• Notable Quote:
  • Scott Newman (01:00):

    “Some lawmakers want to know the names of 25 men who Maxwell says in court papers entered into secret settlements and were not part of the Epstein investigation. But Maxwell is expected to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination and may say little or nothing to the committee.”

2. FBI Ordered to Release Georgia 2020 Election Affidavit (01:09 - 01:51)

• Main Story:
  A federal judge demands the FBI release a redacted affidavit by Tuesday, explaining its seizure of over 650 boxes of 2020 election materials from Fulton County, Georgia.
• Focus:
  • The seizure occurred on January 28; details have been scarce.
  • The action has re-ignited speculation and conspiracy theories around the 2020 election results, especially in Atlanta.
  • NPR reiterates that “there’s no evidence of widespread fraud in elections, including the 2020 race.”
• Notable Quote:
  • Stephen Fowler (01:46):

    “There’s no evidence of widespread fraud in elections, including the 2020 race, which concluded more than five years ago.”

3. Looming Government Shutdown & Immigration Protests (01:51 - 03:06)

• Main Story:
  The Department of Homeland Security faces a funding deadline at week’s end, threatening a partial government shutdown if no agreement is reached in Congress.
• Focus:
  • Negotiations hit gridlock over federal immigration enforcement rules.
  • Recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis by federal officers stoked protests and community tensions.
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and local business leaders warn of the crackdown's economic impact.
  • Small business owner Andrea Corbin highlights disrupted business and employee anxiety.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Stephen Fowler (Minneapolis) (02:40):

    “Small businesses are experiencing a 10 to 20 million dollars loss every single week.”

  • Andrea Corbin (02:59):

    “It’s corporations, you know, that have booked events here are canceling.”

• Additional Note:
  President Trump publicly blames Democrats and Minnesota state/local officials for the sustained protests.

4. Sports Update: Lindsey Vonn Injury & Super Bowl Recap (03:06 - 04:28)

• Lindsey Vonn Ski Crash (03:06):
  • American skier Lindsey Vonn is hospitalized in Italy after a crash during an alpine downhill event.
  • She suffered a fractured left leg requiring surgery, but is in stable condition.
• Super Bowl Result – Seattle Seahawks Victory (03:23 - 04:28):
  • Seahawks defeat the Patriots 29-13 in a much-anticipated rematch.
  • Emotional closure for Seattle fans after their 2015 Super Bowl loss to New England.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Kate Stone (KUOW) (03:49):

    “A fierce battle of defenses in a rematch against the Patriots, who came out on top in Seattle’s last trip to the Super Bowl in 2015. That heartbreaking moment now a distant memory for lifelong fan Greg Sifferman.”

  • Greg Sifferman, Seahawks fan (04:10):

    “Absolute perfect ending to get it against New England and set everything right.”

5. Cultural Note – Super Bowl Halftime Show Controversy (04:28 - 04:56)

• Main Story:
  • Bad Bunny headlines the NFL halftime show, facing criticism from conservative groups who object to the Spanish-language performance.
  • In protest, Turning Point USA hosts a counter-event with Kid Rock and country acts.
  • NPR underscores the factual inaccuracy of calling Bad Bunny a “foreigner”: "Puerto Ricans are Americans."
• Notable Quote:
  • Korva Coleman (04:50):

    “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.”

Memorable Moments

• Secrets & Silence: Maxwell’s expected silence before Congress, despite lawmakers’ pressing for high-profile names. (01:00)
• Economic Toll: The quantified weekly loss to Minneapolis due to federal immigration operations. (02:40)
• Fan Redemption: Seattle fans’ cathartic celebration of a Super Bowl rematch win over New England. (03:49-04:15)
• Cultural Tension: The inclusion of language and identity in the Super Bowl halftime controversy. (04:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 – Maxwell hearing preview (Korva Coleman, Scott Newman)
• 01:09 – FBI, Georgia 2020 ballot records order (Korva Coleman, Stephen Fowler)
• 01:51 – Government shutdown, Minneapolis protests, and economic impact (Korva Coleman, Stephen Fowler, Andrea Corbin)
• 03:06 – Lindsey Vonn injury, Seahawks win Super Bowl (Korva Coleman, Kate Stone, Greg Sifferman)
• 04:28 – Halftime show controversy & cultural politics (Korva Coleman)

This concise news episode offers an urgent, authoritative snapshot of major headlines shaping the national conversation, blending politics, policy, sports, and culture in under five minutes.