NPR News: 02-08-2026 9AM EST

Summary of NPR News: 02-08-2026 9AM EST

by NPR

5m•February 8, 2026
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Overview of NPR News: 02-08-2026 9AM EST

A morning newscast from NPR covering national media leadership changes, local protests over federal immigration enforcement, dangerous winter weather across the eastern U.S., an Olympic skiing result, and lighthearted coverage of the Puppy Bowl — plus sponsor messages from Capital One and Bombas.

Top stories

Washington Post leadership shake-up

  • Will Lewis is stepping down as publisher and CEO of The Washington Post after roughly two years in the role.
  • His tenure was marked by controversy and financial losses; promised innovations failed to stop red ink.
  • Lewis’s past included contentious episodes while working for Rupert Murdoch’s UK papers and a prior role as CEO of The Wall Street Journal.
  • Owner Jeff Bezos intervened in editorial decisions (including canceling a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris and making editorial pages friendlier to Donald Trump), which led to large digital subscriber cancellations.
  • The Post announced layoffs of about 300 journalists (roughly one-third of staff). Lewis was reportedly absent during the announcement but was seen at an unrelated event the following night.
  • Bezos named the paper’s chief financial officer as Lewis’s replacement and said he expects “an exciting and thriving next chapter” for The Post.
  • Reporter: David Folkenflik (NPR)

Minneapolis vigil and protests over ICE shootings

  • A vigil in Minneapolis marked one month since the shooting death of Renee Macklingood by a federal immigration agent.
  • Macklingood’s wife, Rebecca, did not speak at the vigil; Rabbi Arielle Lakach‑Rosenberg read a statement from her: “Minneapolis has shown me that even in the middle of grief and fear, people still show up for each other.”
  • Weeks later, another person — 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Preddy — was also shot and killed by a federal immigration agent.
  • Protests against ICE agents have continued in Minnesota despite a partial withdrawal announced by the Trump administration; troops previously put on notice to deploy were told to stand down.

Extreme winter weather — Great Lakes to eastern U.S.

  • An Arctic air mass from eastern Canada is driving extreme cold into the Great Lakes and much of the eastern U.S.; tens of millions are under extreme cold warnings.
  • Temperatures in places are up to 30°F below average; Boston saw single‑digit overnight lows. Washington, D.C. experienced damaging wind gusts up to 55 mph.
  • The cold and high winds are moving through Vermont and as far south as North Carolina; areas still coping with snow from January storms may see additional hazards.
  • Forecasters warn of life‑threatening risks: hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the conditions.
  • Reporter: Marie Andrusovich (NPR)

Winter Olympics — Women’s downhill

  • American skier Breezy Johnson won the gold medal in the women’s downhill — Team USA’s first medal of these Games.
  • Lindsey Vonn (41), a favorite and comeback competitor who returned to World Cup racing in 2024 after a partial knee replacement, crashed earlier in the event; her condition was not yet known at the report.

Puppy Bowl promotes adoption ahead of Super Bowl

  • The 21st annual Puppy Bowl aired on Animal Planet, featuring 150 dogs from 72 shelters and promoting pet adoption.
  • The event includes special segments to highlight senior dogs (Team Oldies/Team Goldies) and drew nearly 13 million viewers.
  • Coverage notes the Puppy Bowl’s role as a lighter, adoption-focused companion to Super Bowl Sunday.
  • Reporter: Amy Held (NPR)

Notable quotes

  • From Rebecca (read by Rabbi Arielle Lakach‑Rosenberg): “Minneapolis has shown me that even in the middle of grief and fear, people still show up for each other.”
  • Jeff Bezos on the Post’s future: an “exciting and thriving next chapter.”

Practical takeaways

  • If you live in affected areas, heed extreme cold warnings: minimize outdoor exposure, watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and prepare for high winds and additional snow hazards.
  • The Washington Post is undergoing significant leadership and staffing changes that may affect its editorial direction and newsroom operations.
  • Local protests and tensions around federal immigration enforcement remain active in Minneapolis; stay informed if you are in or near those areas.

Sponsors mentioned

  • Capital One (Venture X Card) — opening sponsor message.
  • Bombas — closing sponsor message with a promotion for sports socks.

Sources: NPR reporting and correspondents cited in the broadcast.