NPR News Now – February 1, 2026, 4PM EST
Episode Overview
This concise five-minute news update, hosted by Dan Ronan, delivers a round-up of top headlines: a partial federal government shutdown, severe winter weather in the Southeast, deadly Russian attacks in Ukraine, a historic Australian Open tennis victory, and congressional shifts following a Texas special election. The episode also highlights anticipation for the upcoming Grammy Awards.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Partial Federal Government Shutdown
- Status: The federal government is partially shut down after Congress failed to pass full funding.
- Outlook:
- Senate has passed a massive spending bill funding much of the government.
- The bill now awaits a vote in the House, where some Republicans express concern over only a two-week funding window for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Speaker Mike Johnson expects the House to pass the bill and President Trump to sign it this week.
- Quote: "We'll get all this done by Tuesday." – Mike Johnson [00:51]
- Johnson also suggests bipartisan cooperation with Democrats for DHS reforms.
- Quote: "Some of the reforms and the processes are fine with them. We want body cameras on Immigration Customs Enforcement agents." – Mike Johnson [01:00]
- Context: Democrats demand DHS reforms following lethal incidents involving agents.
2. Winter Storm Devastates Southeastern U.S.
- Impact:
- Over a foot of snow blankets regions unaccustomed to such weather, from Georgia to Virginia.
- Dangerous road conditions, numerous accidents, and closures have resulted:
- Tractor-trailer collision with a train (no injuries reported).
- National Guard deployed after a major wreck north of Charlotte, NC, that stranded about 100 vehicles.
- 750 collisions reported in North Carolina; authorities urge residents to stay home except in emergencies.
- Regional Context:
- Florida experiences record-lows—mid-20s, coldest in 90 years.
- Quote: "Keep in mind this is a region that isn't used to this much snow and the roads really did become dangerous." – Nick Delacanal [01:34]
3. Russian Attacks in Ukraine Target Civilians, Energy Infrastructure
- Deadly Strikes:
- Russian drone attack on a Ukrainian energy company kills at least 12, injures 16; many victims were coal miners returning from work.
- Quote: "This is the deadliest attack on the company's workers since Russia's full scale invasion began nearly four years ago." – Pavlo Bilodad (via Joetta Kassis) [02:28]
- Separate Russian attack damages a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia, injuring at least six.
- Russian drone attack on a Ukrainian energy company kills at least 12, injures 16; many victims were coal miners returning from work.
- Diplomatic Context:
- Energy Minister’s statement calls it a “cynical and targeted attack.”
- Ongoing “productive” talks between Trump administration representatives and Russia.
- Quote: "Talks with Russia have been, quote, productive." – Steve Witkoff (via Joetta Kassis) [02:50]
4. Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz Makes Tennis History
- Result:
- Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic, becoming the youngest to win all four Grand Slam titles (age 22).
- Match lasted just over three hours.
- Djokovic denied record 25th Grand Slam title.
- Emotional Moment:
- Quote: "I'm just really grateful for everyone I have in the corner right now. And just as I said, this trophy is always yours." – Carlos Alcaraz [03:48]
5. Congressional Update: Special Election in Texas
- Outcome:
- Democrat Christian Menefee wins special election, filling the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seat.
- Results narrow the House majority: 218 Republicans vs. 214 Democrats, with three vacancies.
- Additional special elections upcoming.
6. Grammy Awards Preview
- The 68th Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles tonight.
- Artists vying for Album of the Year include Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar.
- Airs on CBS.
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- On resolving the shutdown:
"We'll get all this done by Tuesday." – Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House [00:51] - On DHS reforms:
"Some of the reforms and the processes are fine with them. We want body cameras on Immigration Customs Enforcement agents." – Mike Johnson [01:00] - Winter storm severity:
"Keep in mind this is a region that isn't used to this much snow and the roads really did become dangerous." – Nick Delacanal, WFAE [01:34] - Ukrainian energy sector attack:
"...the deadliest attack on the company's workers since Russia's full scale invasion began nearly four years ago." – Pavlo Bilodad, Detec spokesman [02:28] - Productive Russia–US talks:
"Talks with Russia have been, quote, productive." – Steve Witkoff [02:50] - Alcaraz’s gratitude after his win:
"I'm just really grateful for everyone I have in the corner right now. And just as I said, this trophy is always yours." – Carlos Alcaraz [03:48]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- [00:16] Federal government shutdown and spending bill latest
- [01:17] Southeast winter storm details and impacts
- [02:04] Record-cold temperatures in Florida
- [02:08] Russian drone attack in Ukraine and diplomatic efforts
- [03:13] Carlos Alcaraz wins Australian Open
- [04:05] Special election in Texas and congressional update
- [04:31] Grammy Awards preview
This episode delivers a snapshot of pressing national and global stories, with direct quotes and vivid reporting from the ground, all in NPR’s trademark succinct, factual style.
