NPR News Now: February 1, 2026, 5PM EST

Episode Overview

In this concise update, NPR News Now delivers the latest headlines from the U.S. and around the globe in just five minutes. This episode covers immigration developments, government funding negotiations, updates from Gaza, extreme winter weather impacts, Grammy Awards news, and updates on journalists' rights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Immigration Crackdown & Release of Minnesota Family

• Summary:
  A preschooler, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, both seeking asylum from Ecuador, were released after a controversial ICE operation during President Trump's latest immigration crackdown.
• Details:
  • ICE agents used the 5-year-old boy to approach his own home in an attempt to lure out other adults.
  • The family was detained and transported to a Texas facility.
  • A federal judge ordered their release, condemning ICE's tactics.
• Notable Quote:
  • "In ordering their release Saturday, Judge Fred Beary called the move a perfidious lust for unbridled power that's bereft of human decency." ― Matt Sepik (00:39)
• Family Status:
  • The family is focusing on recovery and peace after their legal entry for asylum in 2024.
• Segment Timestamp: 00:14 – 01:20

Federal Government Funding Standoff

• Summary:
  House Speaker Mike Johnson prepares for a critical vote to reopen the government with a $1.3 trillion funding bill, facing roadblocks over Department of Homeland Security funding.
• Key Points:
  • Johnson anticipates a vote by Tuesday despite logistical challenges.
  • There is significant disagreement with Democrats over DHS funding.
  • A rule likely needs to be passed with primarily Republican support.
  • Plans for two weeks of negotiations before finalizing DHS-related changes.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Well, let's say I'm confident that we'll do it at least by Tuesday. We have a logistical challenge of getting everyone in town." ― Speaker Mike Johnson (01:42)
  • "Because of the conversation I had with Hakeem Jeffries, I know that we've got to pass a rule and probably do this mostly on our own. I think that's very unfortunate." ― Speaker Mike Johnson (01:49)
• Segment Timestamp: 01:20 – 01:57

Gaza Border Crossing Preparations

• Summary:
  Israeli and international authorities are coordinating to reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing for the first time since 2024, a significant development in ceasefire efforts.
• Details:
  • The crossing has been “almost completely sealed” since Israeli forces’ capture.
  • Limited movement is expected: daily, only 50 medical patients (plus 2 companions each) may exit Gaza.
  • Over 20,000 medical patients require treatment abroad.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "The Rafah border crossing has been almost completely sealed since Israeli forces captured it in 2024. Most Palestinians have not been able to leave or enter Gaza since." ― Daniel Estrin (02:19)
  • "Gaza health officials say 20,000 medical patients need to travel abroad for treatments unavailable in Gaza." ― Daniel Estrin (02:48)
• Segment Timestamp: 01:57 – 03:01

Brief U.S. and Global News Highlights

Extreme Winter Weather

• 18,000+ flight delays and 1,700+ cancellations due to dangerous conditions.
• Significant ground stops at Charlotte Douglas International and other airports.
• Mississippi's Governor reports 23 storm-related deaths and persistent power outages since last month's storm.
• Segment Timestamp: 03:01 – 03:54

Grammy Awards Preview

• Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, including Album of the Year.
• If he wins for GNX, it will mark the first hip hop album victory in this category since Outkast in 2004.
• Fellow contenders: Tyler, the Creator; Clipse; Sabrina Carpenter; Lady Gaga; Bad Bunny.
• Notable Quote:
  • "If Lamar's album GNX wins, it will be the first time in 22 years that the Recording Academy awards Album of the Year to a hip hop record." ― Isabella Gomez Sarmiento (04:05)
• Segment Timestamp: 04:05 – 04:42

Press Freedom and Protest Arrests

• Independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Forch pledge to keep reporting after being arrested at an ICE protest.
• Segment Timestamp: 04:42 – 04:53

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Judicial condemnation of ICE tactics:
  "A perfidious lust for unbridled power that's bereft of human decency." – Judge Fred Beary, via Matt Sepik (00:39)
• Speaker Mike Johnson on government funding:
  "We've got to pass a rule and probably do this mostly on our own. I think that's very unfortunate." (01:49)
• On Gaza crossing reopening:
  "Most Palestinians have not been able to leave or enter Gaza since." – Daniel Estrin (02:19)
• On Kendrick Lamar's Grammy run:
  "It will be the first time in 22 years that the Recording Academy awards Album of the Year to a hip hop record." – Isabella Gomez Sarmiento (04:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Immigration Crackdown & Family Release: 00:14 – 01:20
• Government Funding Negotiations: 01:20 – 01:57
• Gaza Border Crossing Update: 01:57 – 03:01
• U.S. Winter Weather Impacts: 03:01 – 03:54
• Grammy Awards Coverage: 04:05 – 04:42
• Journalists Arrested at Protest: 04:42 – 04:53

This episode provides a rapid, information-rich update for listeners seeking the latest headlines across politics, international affairs, arts, and civil rights.