NPR News: 02-09-2026 4AM EST

Summary of NPR News: 02-09-2026 4AM EST

by NPR

5m•February 9, 2026
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Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 4AM EST

This broadcast delivers a roundup of national and international headlines: a federal judge ordered the FBI to release a redacted affidavit tied to the seizure of 2020 election material in Fulton County, Georgia; the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl; Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) scored a major parliamentary victory under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi; Nicaragua tightened entry rules for Cuban citizens; Asian markets rose; New York City continues to cope with deadly cold and snow cleanup; weekend box office and golf results are reported.

Top stories (quick list)

  • Federal judge orders FBI to publish redacted affidavit related to seizure of 2020 election ballots in Fulton County by Tuesday.
  • Seattle Seahawks defeat New England Patriots in Super Bowl, 29–13; Kenneth Walker III named MVP; kicker Jason Myers makes all five field-goal attempts (Super Bowl record).
  • Japan’s LDP wins a two-thirds supermajority in a snap election; PM Sanae Takaichi’s popularity credited for the landslide.
  • Nicaragua now requires visas for Cuban citizens, closing a migration route to the U.S.
  • Asian stock markets surge (Tokyo Nikkei +~5%, South Korea KOSPI +~4%); metals up; U.S. futures higher.
  • New York City: at least 18 cold-related deaths this winter; warming centers in use; bike-share docks being cleared after Jan. 25 storm.
  • Box office: survivalist thriller Send Help remains #1 with ~$10M; Solomio ~$7.2M; First Lady documentary revenue sliding sharply.
  • Golf: Chris Godderup wins the Phoenix Open in a playoff over Hideki Matsuyama.

Detailed summaries

Georgia election-material seizure — FBI affidavit order

  • A federal judge ordered the FBI to publish a redacted copy of the affidavit used to justify the seizure of election material from Fulton County’s elections office.
  • The seizure (over 650 boxes) occurred Jan. 28 with little public explanation; Fulton County (Atlanta) has been a focal point of conspiracy claims about the 2020 election.
  • NPR notes there is no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. The affidavit is due to be released by Tuesday (per the judge’s order).

Super Bowl: Seahawks 29, Patriots 13

  • Seattle’s defense dominated; Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record by converting all five field-goal attempts.
  • Kenneth Walker III named Super Bowl MVP.
  • Fan reaction highlighted by a Seattle supporter: “This is the best … we came out here knowing that we were going to win this game and we freaking dominated.”

Japan election: LDP landslide under PM Sanae Takaichi

  • The ruling Liberal Democratic Party won a two-thirds supermajority in the lower house in a snap election — one of its largest victories.
  • PM Sanae Takaichi maintained roughly 60% approval since taking office (October), which helped sweep opponents, including a new centrist alliance and other parties.
  • The supermajority gives the LDP power to override upper-house vetos; Takaichi signaled intentions to pursue tax cuts and higher defense spending.

Nicaragua changes visa rules for Cuban citizens

  • Nicaragua began requiring visas from Cuban citizens, reversing a prior exemption.
  • The change reduces a key overland migration route used by Cubans headed toward the U.S.
  • Context: the move comes amid increased U.S. pressure on Latin American countries regarding immigration and security policies.

Markets and commodities

  • Asian markets rose strongly Monday: Tokyo’s Nikkei jumped ~5%, South Korea’s KOSPI surged ~4%.
  • U.S. futures were modestly higher; gold and silver prices also increased.

New York City cold, storm aftermath

  • At least 18 deaths attributed to the extreme cold this winter.
  • Warming centers remain open; about 460 people used them Saturday night.
  • Crews are clearing Citi Bike docks frozen since the Jan. 25 storm: ~600 of 2,200 stations cleared so far; availability of bikes may be limited while maintenance teams catch up.
  • Temperatures expected to climb into the 30s and then the 40s later in the week.

Entertainment: box office and film notes

  • Survivalist thriller Send Help remained #1 for a second weekend with ~$10M domestically.
  • Solomio finished second with ~$7.2M.
  • A First Lady documentary declined 67% from opening week despite expanding to 300+ more theaters; Amazon reportedly spent $75M on production and promotion.

Golf: Phoenix Open

  • Chris Godderup won at TPC Scottsdale after a playoff birdie over Hideki Matsuyama.
  • This marks Godderup’s second win this season (also won the Sony Open).

Notable quotes

  • Seattle fan Dustin Franz: “This is the best … we came out here knowing that we were going to win this game and we freaking dominated.”
  • Reported assertion: “There’s no evidence of widespread fraud in elections, including the 2020 race,” in context of reporting on Fulton County seizures.

Key takeaways and implications

  • The ordered release of the FBI affidavit could increase public transparency about the Fulton County seizure and may clarify the FBI’s basis for the action.
  • Japan’s LDP supermajority strengthens the government’s ability to enact contested policies (tax cuts, higher defense spending) and could shift domestic and regional policy.
  • Nicaragua’s visa restriction for Cubans is likely to reduce a migration corridor to the U.S. and reflects shifting regional migration-management policies.
  • Weather impacts in NYC remain serious: continued sheltering needs and infrastructure/transport recovery will be ongoing in the coming days.
  • Market moves reflect investor reaction to major political developments (Japan) and risk sentiment.

Where to find more

  • NPR and local reporting for follow-ups on the FBI affidavit release, detailed election-material reporting, and updates on weather recovery and public-safety responses.