Overview of NPR News: 02-09-2026 9AM EST
This edition of NPR News (hosted from Washington by Corva Coleman) covers a mix of U.S. politics, a high‑profile missing‑person case, major sports/culture coverage from the Super Bowl, and international human‑rights developments. Key themes: a looming funding fight over the Department of Homeland Security, an unfolding abduction investigation, Seattle’s Super Bowl win and Bad Bunny’s halftime draw, and continuing repression and legal actions abroad.
Top stories
DHS funding standoff — risk of a partial shutdown
- Democrats have paused support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package after two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by DHS agents.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: “The ball is in the court right now of the Republicans.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is aligned with withholding support.
- Oversight hearings are scheduled this week in both the House and Senate focused on the two DHS killings in Minnesota.
- GOP Rep. Tony Gonzalez told CBS News the party risks losing Hispanic voters and may need to change messaging (not necessarily policy).
Nancy Guthrie (mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie) reported abducted in Tucson, Arizona
- Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson home.
- Multiple ransom notes reportedly sent to local media; one Tucson TV station said it received a note demanding $6 million by that evening.
- The Guthrie family posted a video saying they will pay; investigators say they have no identified suspects, persons of interest, or linked vehicles yet. Pima County Sheriff’s Office continues active investigations around the home.
Super Bowl: Seattle Seahawks defeat New England Patriots (29–13)
- Final score: Seattle 29, New England 13. Seattle’s defense dominated; Patriots didn’t score until the fourth quarter.
- Halftime show star Bad Bunny (from Puerto Rico) drew massive global attention—many viewers tuned in primarily for his performance.
- Scenes from San Juan: fans queued hours early for Bad Bunny’s 15‑minute set, describing it as a point of pride for the island.
Ghislaine Maxwell deposition scheduled
- Convicted sex‑trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell is set to give a deposition to the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Jeffrey Epstein and related matters.
- Maxwell was convicted of helping Epstein and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Venezuela: opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa released, then re‑arrested
- Authorities briefly released former Governor Juan Pablo Guanipa (ally of Maria Corina Machado) after eight-plus months in detention, then re‑arrested him hours later.
- Relatives and activists report he was seized by at least 10 heavily armed men in civilian clothing.
- Venezuela’s attorney general claims Guanipa violated release conditions and will be placed under house arrest; human‑rights groups note hundreds of political prisoners remain jailed.
Iran: Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi sentenced again
- Human‑rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Narges Mohammadi was reportedly sentenced to an additional seven years in prison, per her lawyer.
- Mohammadi had been briefly released for medical reasons in 2024. The report underscores ongoing violent repression of protesters in Iran.
Notable quotes
- Hakeem Jeffries: “The ball is in the court right now of the Republicans.”
- GOP Rep. Tony Gonzalez (on Hispanic voters): If the party wants to keep that vote long term, “we do have to make a shift, not necessarily in policy, but in communication.”
- Fans in San Juan about Bad Bunny: “The Super Bowl belongs to Benito.” / “The feeling doesn’t fit inside her chest.”
Main takeaways
- The DHS funding fight could produce a partial government shutdown; the recent killings by DHS agents have reshaped Democratic leverage and public scrutiny.
- The Nancy Guthrie abduction is active with ransom demands reported but no public leads—investigation remains ongoing.
- Cultural influence can eclipse sports: Bad Bunny’s halftime performance mobilized large non‑sports audiences and spotlighted Puerto Rican pride.
- High‑profile legal and human‑rights stories continue internationally: Maxwell/ Epstein oversight in the U.S., repressions and arrests in Venezuela, and renewed imprisonment of Iran’s Narges Mohammadi.
Reporters / credits
- Capitol Hill reporting: Piers‑Luke / Luke Garrett (NPR)
- Missing‑person update: Bill Chappell (NPR)
- Super Bowl/Bad Bunny coverage from San Juan: Isabel (Isabela) Gomez‑Sarmiento (NPR)
- Venezuela coverage: Carrie (Pierce) Khan (NPR)
Sponsors / ads mentioned
- Capital One — Venture X Card (travel benefits, lounge access; terms apply)
- Greenlight — Family Shields account monitoring and crash detection
(End of summary.)