Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 10AM EST
This episode of NPR News covers top national and international headlines, financial market movement, corporate and consumer-product news, and sports highlights. Major stories include new Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank, a looming U.S. Homeland Security funding deadline, a dispute over a governor’s White House invitation, market volatility tied to weight-loss drugs, corporate leadership changes, and the end of a long-running consumer product.
Key headlines
- Israel’s cabinet approved measures to expand Israeli control in the occupied West Bank and reduce Palestinian Authority powers.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding faces a deadline at week’s end amid partisan disputes over immigration enforcement rules.
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says the White House rescinded his invitation to a National Governors Association dinner; he calls the action disrespectful.
- U.S. stocks opened mixed; the Dow fell roughly 150–170 points amid volatility tied to weight-loss drug (GLP-1) developments.
- Kroger names former Walmart executive Greg Ferran as its new CEO.
- Coca-Cola will discontinue Minute Maid frozen juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada by April.
- Seattle plans a victory parade after the Seahawks’ 29–13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60; halftime controversy centers on Bad Bunny and conservative pushback.
Story details
Israel — West Bank measures
- Israeli cabinet approved steps that:
- Make it easier for the Israeli government and settlers to purchase real estate in the West Bank.
- Grant Israeli authorities power to carry out demolitions in Palestinian Authority–administered cities.
- Increase Israeli control over two ancient religious sites.
- Regional reaction: Jordan and Egypt condemned the move and warned against de facto annexation of territory Palestinians seek for statehood.
- Related diplomatic item: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House to discuss Iran negotiations.
U.S. domestic politics & DHS funding
- DHS funding will expire at the end of the week unless Congress reaches an agreement.
- Funding negotiations are stalled in part due to disputes over new federal immigration enforcement rules.
Governor Wes Moore / National Governors Association
- Gov. Wes Moore (vice chair of NGA) says his invitation to a White House dinner was rescinded; he criticized the action as disrespectful and noted he is the only Black governor in the U.S.
- NGA executive director criticized the White House for limiting participation around the governors’ meeting and politicizing the event.
Markets and corporate news
- Stocks: Early trading showed mixed results; Dow dropped about 150–170 points.
- Weight-loss drug (GLP-1) sector activity:
- Novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy) gained after Hims & Hers withdrew a cheaper knockoff pill.
- Hims & Hers shares fell amid FDA pressure and a patent-infringement suit from Novo Nordisk.
- Kroger: Greg Ferran (former Walmart exec) appointed CEO, nearly a year after predecessor left amid an investigation into personal conduct.
- Tokyo markets: Nikkei rose nearly 4% after Japan’s governing party won a supermajority in recent elections.
Consumer product update — Minute Maid frozen juice
- Coca-Cola will discontinue Minute Maid frozen juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada by April to focus on fresh-juice offerings.
- The product, introduced in 1946, will remain available while supplies last. Sales have declined in recent years.
Sports & culture — Super Bowl 60 fallout
- Seattle Seahawks defeated New England Patriots 29–13 to win Super Bowl 60; the city plans a victory parade.
- Halftime show controversy:
- Headliner: Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny (performance in Spanish).
- Conservative group Turning Point USA staged competing halftime entertainment headlined by Kid Rock and country acts.
- Some conservatives criticized the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny; NPR notes the inaccurate framing that Puerto Ricans are “foreign” (Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens).
- President Trump also criticized Bad Bunny’s performance.
Notable quotes
- Gov. Wes Moore: “It's not lost to me that I'm the only black governor in this country. And I find that to be particularly painful…” — on the White House rescinding his dinner invitation.
Takeaways and implications
- Israel’s new West Bank measures could heighten regional tensions and complicate international diplomacy around a two-state solution; neighboring countries (Jordan, Egypt) have publicly warned against annexation.
- DHS funding and immigration-rule disputes create a short-term fiscal deadline with potential political standoffs and operational risks for homeland security operations.
- Market volatility tied to GLP-1 drugs continues to affect pharmaceutical and health-related companies; patent and regulatory pressure can move stocks sharply.
- Corporate leadership and product-line shifts (Kroger leadership change; Coca-Cola discontinuing frozen Minute Maid) reflect ongoing strategic adjustments in retail and consumer-packaged goods sectors.
- Cultural and political polarization around high-profile events (Super Bowl halftime) continues to intersect with national politics and identity debates.
Sponsors mentioned
- Charles Schwab (wealth-management and trading services).
- Greenlight (family account monitoring and protection services).
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