Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 8PM EST
This newscast delivers a roundup of national and international headlines on politics, science, labor, public safety, environment and agriculture. Major items include Israeli cabinet moves in the West Bank, disruptions to U.S. scientific work under the second Trump administration, tentative contract deals for striking New York City nurses, an apparent high-profile kidnapping, Cuba’s fuel/transport troubles, a critical Colorado River water forecast, and a U.S. effort to stop screwworm spread along the Texas–Mexico border.
Top stories and key takeaways
- Israel’s cabinet approved measures that expand Israeli control in the occupied West Bank, easing settler land purchases, enabling demolitions in Palestinian Authority–administered cities, and increasing control over two ancient religious sites; Jordan and Egypt condemned the steps.
- Scientists report major disruption to research and federal science jobs following the start of the second Trump administration, citing grant cuts and workforce reductions.
- The New York State Nurses Association reached tentative agreements with Mount Sinai and Montefiore (12% raises over three years plus staffing improvements); members will vote to ratify contracts.
- Investigators have no suspects in the apparent kidnapping of the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie; ransom notes with a new deadline remain active and the family says it is prepared to pay.
- Cuba is experiencing a fuel shortage that has forced airlines to stop refueling on the island (Air Canada suspended service); the crisis is tied to reduced oil access following U.S. pressure on Venezuela and Mexico.
- Colorado River water outlook is the worst in 35 years: much of the Rocky Mountain watershed has roughly half the normal snowpack or less, threatening reservoirs such as Lake Powell.
- The U.S. opened a center to release millions of sterile male screwworm flies in South Texas (and across the border) to prevent establishment of the flesh-eating parasite in U.S. cattle.
Detailed story summaries
Israeli cabinet moves in the West Bank
- Measures approved to make it easier for the Israeli government and settlers to buy real estate in the occupied West Bank, secure land for future Jewish settlements, and broaden Israeli authority to carry out demolitions in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority.
- Israel would gain more control over two ancient religious sites.
- Regional reaction: Jordan and Egypt condemned the move and warned against de facto annexation where Palestinians seek statehood.
- Context: Netanyahu scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House to discuss Iran negotiations.
Science community disruptions under second Trump administration
- Scientists report difficulty continuing research due to sweeping cuts to research grants and federal scientific workforce reductions.
- Example: Doug Kluck, former NOAA Central Region Climate Services Director, retired early; he emphasized climate change is a scientific/physics issue that will affect everyone.
- Administration response (via Kush Desai): the administration is “committed to cutting taxpayer funding of left‑wing pet projects.”
NYC nurses strike: tentative agreements
- Tentative agreements reached with Mount Sinai Health System and Montefiore Medical Center, according to the New York State Nurses Association.
- Key terms reportedly include 12% raises over three years and staffing improvements; contracts must be ratified by a union vote ending Wednesday.
- Talks with New York Presbyterian remain ongoing.
Apparent kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother
- Authorities report no suspects yet. The 84-year-old’s alleged abductors sent ransom notes with a new deadline; the family says they are prepared to pay.
Cuba fuel shortages and transportation impacts
- Airlines reportedly cannot refuel on the island; Air Canada has suspended service.
- Shortages tied to U.S. pressure that cut Cuba’s access to oil from Venezuela and Mexico.
- Effects include reduced bank hours, canceled cultural events, and halted public transport.
Colorado River snowpack and water supply
- Forecast described as the worst in 35 years: most parts of the watershed have below-average snowpack—many areas roughly half of normal or less.
- Potential consequences: Lake Powell and other reservoirs could face critical lows; federal managers may need to move water from upstream reservoirs.
Screwworm-control program in South Texas
- New U.S. center will distribute millions of sterile male screwworm flies on both sides of the border to prevent the flesh-eating parasite from establishing in U.S. herds.
- Method: sterile males mate with wild females, producing eggs that don’t hatch.
Notable quotes
- Doug Kluck (former NOAA): “We’re all going to be affected by it, whether we like it or not. And I’m not saying this is a belief system. This is a pure science and physics issue.”
- Kush Desai (Trump spokesman): Administration “is committed to cutting taxpayer funding of left‑wing pet projects.”
Implications and action items
- For readers tracking Middle East diplomacy: Israel’s new West Bank measures may complicate negotiations and regional relations; monitor international responses and U.S.–Israel discussions.
- For scientists and research institutions: anticipate continued uncertainty in federal funding and personnel policies; consider contingency planning and diversified funding.
- For NYC healthcare stakeholders: nurses’ union votes will determine whether walkouts end at two hospital systems; negotiations continue at others.
- For travelers: check airline advisories for Cuba travel given refueling suspensions.
- For water managers and Southwestern residents: prepare for potential water restrictions and downstream impacts if snowpack and reservoir inflows remain low.
- For livestock producers near the border: follow USDA/extension updates on screwworm monitoring and control operations.
Reporters and sourcing
- NPR — Rylan Barton (anchor)
- Daniel Estrin — Israel/West Bank coverage (NPR, Tel Aviv)
- Kate Grumke — Harvest Public Media (science funding story)
- Carolyn Lewis — WNYC (NY nurses)
- Alex Hager — KJZZ (Colorado River)
- Other items: brief newsroom updates on Cuba, kidnapping, screwworm program
(Program included sponsored messages for Mint Mobile and WISE.)