Summary of NPR News: 02-09-2026 12PM EST

Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 12PM EST

This midday newscast (hosted from Washington by Noor Rahm) covers a range of national and international stories: congressional hearings related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, a looming budget deadline for the Department of Homeland Security, Israeli cabinet moves in the West Bank, U.S. diplomacy in the Caucasus, deadly avalanches in the Alps, a high-profile sentencing in Hong Kong, and reactions to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. The program also included brief sponsor messages from Capital One and Rosetta Stone.

Top stories

• House Oversight Committee hearing with Ghislaine Maxwell

  • Ghislaine Maxwell (transcript mistakenly names “Elaine Maxwell”) refused to answer questions in a virtual hearing while serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
  • Committee Chair James Comer said Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment and would not testify, calling it “very disappointing” and saying the committee will continue investigating Epstein-related crimes and potential co-conspirators.
  • Comer indicated questioning of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be made public; the Clintons have asked to testify publicly rather than be deposed privately.

• Department of Homeland Security budget standoff

  • Congress has five days to agree on DHS funding or face a partial shutdown.
  • Top House and Senate Democrats say they have sent DHS demands to the White House but received no response; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “The ball is in the court right now of the Republicans.”
  • Democrats (Schumer and Jeffries) are withholding support amid controversy after DHS agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens; oversight hearings on the killings in Minnesota are planned this week.
  • Rep. Tony Gonzalez warned the GOP risks losing Hispanic voters unless they change their communication approach.

• Israeli cabinet approves measures affecting the West Bank

  • New measures would make it easier for the Israeli government and settlers to buy West Bank land, allow demolitions in Palestinian Authority-administered areas, and increase Israeli control over two ancient religious sites.
  • Jordan and Egypt condemned the moves and warned against annexation.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump to discuss Iran negotiations.

• U.S. diplomacy in the Caucasus

  • Vice President J.D. Vance began a three-day trip to Armenia and Azerbaijan to push a U.S.-brokered deal aimed at ending conflict between the two countries.

• Italy avalanches

  • Rescue officials warned of dangerous conditions in the Alps after at least 10 avalanche deaths in a week due to an unstable snowpack.

• Hong Kong sentencing: Jimmy Lai

  • Media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy to endanger national security and publishing seditious materials under the 2020 national security law; he is 78 and reportedly in poor health. Two former employees received shorter sentences.

• Pop culture: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime

  • Bad Bunny’s halftime performance drew heavy attention, especially in Puerto Rico, where fans celebrated the representation and visibility he brought to the island.

Key takeaways

• The Oversight Committee’s probe into Epstein-linked activity will continue despite Maxwell’s refusal to cooperate; public questioning of prominent figures (the Clintons) is anticipated.
• A short window remains to resolve DHS funding; political tensions over recent DHS shootings complicate bipartisan agreement and raise shutdown risks.
• Israeli policy shifts in the West Bank have regional diplomatic implications (condemnation from Jordan and Egypt) and may affect U.S.-Israel discussions.
• The U.S. is actively engaged in conflict mediation between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the vice-presidential level.
• Natural hazard alerts continue in Europe after deadly avalanches; travelers and outdoor users should exercise caution.
• Hong Kong’s use of the national security law continues to result in lengthy sentences for prominent critics of Beijing.

Notable quotes and voices

• James Comer (House Oversight Chair): “This obviously is very disappointing. We had many questions to ask... We sincerely want to get to the truth of the American people and justice for the survivors.”
• Hakeem Jeffries (House Minority Leader): “The ball is in the court right now of the Republicans.”
• Rep. Tony Gonzalez on GOP outreach: “If we want to keep that long term, we do have to make a shift, not necessarily in policy, but in communication.”
• Fan reaction to Bad Bunny in San Juan (Mireli): “The feeling doesn't fit inside her chest.”

What’s next / Upcoming developments to watch

• Continued Oversight Committee hearings on Epstein-related matters; public testimony of high-profile figures may be scheduled.
• Five-day DHS funding deadline — potential partial shutdown if Congress doesn’t reach agreement.
• Oversight hearings this week into the DHS shootings that led Democrats to withhold support.
• Netanyahu’s meeting with President Trump (scheduled Wednesday) — outcome may affect Israel’s regional posture and Iran diplomacy.
• Progress (if any) from Vice President Vance’s Armenia-Azerbaijan mediation trip.

Sponsors / Promotions mentioned

• Capital One Venture X Card: advertised travel benefits (double miles, $300 annual travel credit, lounge access).
• Rosetta Stone: promotion for 50% off a lifetime membership to language courses (25 languages).

(Transcript contained a few minor name inconsistencies—e.g., “Elaine Maxwell” likely intended to be Ghislaine Maxwell; host name appears as Noor/Nora Rahm—summary uses the forms presented and the most likely corrections for clarity.)