NPR News Now: 02-01-2026 9PM EST

Date: February 2, 2026
Host: Dwahlisa Kowtow, NPR

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers the latest headlines across U.S. government developments, extreme winter weather in the South, updates on the Gaza border crossing, the weekend box office, and deadly attacks in Pakistan. The news is concise, highlighting urgent political events, human interest stories, and global affairs in five minutes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Federal Government Partial Shutdown

[00:00 - 01:20]

• Cause & Status:
  The federal government is partially shut down after Congress failed to reach a full funding agreement.
• Spending Bill Progress:
  The Senate passed a massive funding bill, now awaiting approval in the House.
• House GOP Concerns:
  Some Republicans are hesitant over a short-term (two-week) funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Speaker Mike Johnson's Take:
  Johnson, citing negotiation by former President Trump, expects the GOP-led House to pass the bill by Tuesday.

  "We'll get all this done by Tuesday." — Speaker Mike Johnson [00:54]
  He indicates willingness to work with Democrats on certain DHS reforms. "Some of the reforms and the processes are fine with them. For example, we want body cameras on Immigration Customs Enforcement agents." — Speaker Mike Johnson [01:02]

• DHS Reform Context:
  Democratic demands for reform follow the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by DHS agents in Minnesota last month.

2. Extreme Winter Weather Hits the Southeast

[01:20 - 02:11]

• Scope & Severity:
  Unusually cold weather and heavy snow impacted Florida and North Carolina, with more than a foot of snow in some areas.
• Impact in North Carolina:
  Governor Josh Stein reported 1,000 traffic accidents and two deaths, urging residents to stay home.
• Impact in Florida:
  Record low temperatures, dipping into the 20s. Orlando had its coldest temperature in 90 years.
• Expert Commentary:
  Brian McNoldy (cyclone specialist) noted the lack of preparedness:

  "So it's just something that people aren't used to. I mean, not every house even has heat. A lot of people don't have heavy coats, you know, because it's not common." — Brian McNoldy [01:53]

3. Gaza Rafah Border Crossing Pilot Program

[02:11 - 03:08]

• Background:
  The Rafah border crossing has been nearly shut since Israeli capture in 2024, limiting Palestinian movement.
• Development:
  A pilot opening is being arranged, with Egyptian, Palestinian, and EU supervision.
• Humanitarian Significance:
  Starting Monday, up to 50 medical patients per day (each with two companions) will be allowed to leave Gaza.

  "Gaza health officials say 20,000 medical patients need to travel abroad for treatments unavailable in Gaza." — NPR's Daniel Estrin [02:54]

4. Box Office Report: Surprises and Standouts

[03:08 - 04:16]

• Top Performer:
  Disney thriller Send Help predicted #1 with $20M in ticket sales.
• Breakout Hit:
  Iron Lung, a low-budget video-game adaptation by YouTuber-turned-director Mark Fischbach, unexpectedly surged to second place after a viral theater campaign, earning $17M across 3,000 screens:

  "It was originally slated for 60 screens, but after director Mark Fischbach urged his online followers to request it at their local theaters, Iron Lung ended up on 3,000 screens." — NPR's Bob Mondello [03:40]

• Documentary Notables:
  Melania, a documentary on First Lady Melania Trump, did better than expected, earning $7M—a solid figure for a doc but underwhelming compared to its $35M advertising spend.

  "Not bad for a documentary, but not great since Amazon spent more than $35 million to advertise it." — NPR's Bob Mondello [04:09]

  • Quote from Melania Trump:

    "I feel energized to serve the American people." — Melania Trump [04:01]

5. Deadly Attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province

[04:16 - 04:57]

• Casualties & Context:
  More than 100 killed after coordinated suicide bombings and gun attacks by extremists linked to the Baloch Liberation Army.
• Official Response:
  Authorities confirm 145 "killed terrorists" are in government custody, with some identified as Afghan nationals.

  "The bodies of these 145 killed terrorists are in our custody and some of them are Afghan nationals." — Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti [04:32]

• Counterterrorism Operation:
  The operation lasted 40 hours across over a dozen sites.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We'll get all this done by Tuesday." — Speaker Mike Johnson [00:54]
• "Some of the reforms and processes are fine with them. For example, we want body cameras on Immigration Customs Enforcement agents." — Speaker Mike Johnson [01:02]
• "So it's just something that people aren't used to. I mean, not every house even has heat..." — Brian McNoldy [01:53]
• "Gaza health officials say 20,000 medical patients need to travel abroad for treatments unavailable in Gaza." — Daniel Estrin [02:54]
• "Iron Lung ended up on 3,000 screens. It will take in more than $17 million in three days, about five times what it cost to." — Bob Mondello [03:41]
• "Not bad for a documentary, but not great since Amazon spent more than $35 million to advertise it." — Bob Mondello [04:09]
• "The bodies of these 145 killed terrorists are in our custody and some of them are Afghan nationals." — Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti [04:32]

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• Government Shutdown & Congressional Negotiations: [00:00 - 01:20]
• Winter Weather in FL and NC: [01:20 - 02:11]
• Gaza Border Crossing Reopening: [02:11 - 03:08]
• Box Office Surprises: [03:08 - 04:16]
• Balochistan Terror Attacks: [04:16 - 04:57]

This summary captures the main stories, quotes, and context provided in this edition of NPR News Now, offering a clear, concise guide to the episode’s headlines and notable moments.