Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 7AM EST
This broadcast (hosted by Korva Coleman) covers a mix of international and U.S. news, including Israeli government moves in the West Bank, the continuing search for the mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, a tight special-election primary in a New Jersey congressional district, Ghislaine Maxwell’s planned virtual deposition to Congress, a funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security, the death of Three Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold, and Seattle’s planned Super Bowl victory parade. The hour also includes sponsor messages from Mattress Firm and 1Password.
Major international news
- Israel-West Bank measures
- Israel’s Cabinet approved measures to expand Israeli control in the occupied West Bank and to reduce Palestinian Authority powers.
- Measures would make it easier for the government and settlers to purchase West Bank real estate, allow Israeli authorities to carry out demolitions in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority, and increase Israeli control over two ancient religious sites.
- Jordan and Egypt condemned the move and warned against annexation of territory sought by Palestinians for a sovereign state.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss Iran negotiations (as reported).
U.S. news — crime, politics, and government
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Search for Nancy Guthrie (mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie)
- Federal and state authorities in Arizona continue searching into a second week after Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home.
- The Guthrie family says they received a message from the abductors; local media outlets reported ransom notes demanding $6 million by Monday evening (police have not publicly confirmed ransom specifics).
- The FBI is advising the family; the family released a short video saying they are willing to pay.
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New Jersey special-election primary (congressional seat)
- A Republican primary winner: Joe Hathaway (identified as mayor of Randolph).
- Democratic primary remains too close to call between progressive Annalilia Maia and former Congressman Tom Malinowski; Maia led by fewer than 500 votes on Thursday and by about 900 votes with 93% of ballots counted as of Sunday night.
- The seat was vacated after Mikie Sherrill (named in the report) won the state gubernatorial race.
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Department of Homeland Security funding
- DHS funding will expire at the end of the week unless Congress (House and Senate) agrees on new legislation.
- Disputes continue over federal immigration enforcement rules related to recent killings of two Minneapolis protesters; oversight hearings are scheduled in both chambers this week.
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Ghislaine Maxwell deposition
- Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell is scheduled to give a virtual deposition to the House Oversight Committee about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation; no time disclosed.
- A Democratic lawmaker reports Maxwell intends to refuse to answer questions.
Crime & legal developments
- Continued national attention on the Guthrie abduction and ransom reports.
- Maxwell deposition could affect ongoing congressional and public scrutiny of the Epstein network.
Culture & sports
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Death of Brad Arnold (Three Doors Down)
- Brad Arnold, lead singer/songwriter and founding member of Three Doors Down, died of cancer at 47.
- He wrote the band’s hit “Kryptonite” as a teenager; later hits include “Here Without You” and “When I’m Gone.”
- Arnold announced in May that he had stage IV kidney cancer that had spread to his lung, forcing tour cancellations.
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Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl victory
- Seattle beat the New England Patriots 29–13 to win Super Bowl 60.
- Seattle city officials plan a victory parade on Wednesday.
Sponsor messages (brief)
- Mattress Firm: President’s Day Sale—save up to $500 on select Tempur-Pedic Adapt mattresses; mattress experts can help match sleepers to a mattress that relieves pressure.
- 1Password: Promotes secure password management, two-week free trial at 1Password.com/NPR.
Key takeaways & upcoming items to watch
- Israeli cabinet measures in the West Bank may escalate regional tensions; Netanyahu’s meeting with President Trump on Wednesday could signal U.S.-Israel discussions on related policy and Iran.
- The Guthrie family kidnapping case remains active; reported ransom timeline and family statements are immediate developments to monitor.
- DHS funding deadline at week’s end requires congressional action to avoid a lapse.
- Ghislaine Maxwell’s virtual deposition to the House Oversight Committee may be contentious if she refuses to answer questions.
- Close New Jersey Democratic primary could determine control of a competitive seat—final results pending.
Notable lines
- “This is NPR.” (standard sign-off used in the broadcast)
- Brad Arnold on his diagnosis (reported in the segment): “It’s stage four and that’s not real good,” and he asked listeners for prayer.