NPR News Now — February 2, 2026, 12AM EST
Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This NPR News Now episode provides a concise, five-minute summary of major national and international news. Key topics include fallout from President Donald Trump's latest immigration crackdown, the ongoing government shutdown, a deadly Russian drone attack in Ukraine, frigid weather's wide-reaching impact, updates on NASA’s Artemis II mission, and the weekend’s box office results.
Key Stories & Insights
1. Immigration Crackdown and Controversy
- Preschooler and Father Released after Arrest by ICE
- [00:14-01:18]
- Story reported by Matt Sepik (Minnesota Public Radio)
- Key Details:
- Liam Conejo Ramos (five years old) and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, were detained during President Trump's recent immigration crackdown.
- Incident involved ICE agents using the boy to attempt to lure other adults from their home, according to school officials.
- Family entered the U.S. legally in 2024 seeking asylum from Ecuador.
- They were released after federal Judge Fred Beary intervened.
- 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 [00:57] - Takeaway:
- The case highlights the methods and human impact of recent aggressive immigration enforcement.
2. Partial Government Shutdown
- Congressional Negotiations and Stalemate
- [01:18-02:11]
- Key Details:
- Senate passed spending measures that would keep most federal agencies running until October—except the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- House Speaker Mike Johnson stated the current Senate funding package was negotiated by President Trump.
- Some bipartisan agreement on reforms (like ICE officers wearing body cameras), but disagreement remains, particularly over agents concealing identities for safety.
- Notable Quotes:
“This deal is Trump’s deal. Johnson went on to say Trump himself does support some changes to DHS.”
— Luke Garrett (paraphrasing Speaker Johnson) [01:40]
“For example, we want body cameras on Immigration Customs Enforcement agents.”
— Unnamed House Representative/Aide [01:49] - Takeaway:
- Major sticking point: Use of masks by DHS agents for officer safety. Negotiations ongoing.
3. Russia-Ukraine War: Civilian Targeting Intensifies
- Deadly Drone Attack in Ukraine
- [02:11-03:10]
- Reporting from Joanna Kakissis (Kyiv)
- Key Details:
- Russian drone strike on an energy company bus killed at least 12 coal miners, injured 16.
- Attack called “the deadliest” on company workers since the full-scale invasion began.
- Separate Russian attack on a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia injured at least six.
- Ongoing diplomatic talks; U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff describes them as “productive.”
- Notable Quote:
“Ukraine's energy minister Denish Mikhail called it, quote, a cynical and targeted attack on energy workers…”
— Joanna Kakissis [02:37] - Takeaway:
- Civilians and critical infrastructure remain under frequent threat; peace negotiations continue.
4. Weather Impacts & NASA Artemis II Mission
- Severe Cold and Space Exploration Updates
- [03:10-04:22]
- Key Details:
- East Coast and South Florida experiencing historically low temperatures—not seen in Florida since 1989.
- Flight disruptions, especially in North Carolina.
- NASA’s Artemis II “wet dress rehearsal” (prelaunch fuel test) delayed by freezing conditions in Florida.
- Test will load over 700,000 gallons of fuel; launch countdowns and defueling practiced.
- Astronauts for the mission are quarantined in Houston; launches possible as soon as next week through April.
- Notable Quote:
“Prelaunch testing...was previously delayed because of freezing temperatures at the launch pad in Florida.”
— Chandelyse Duster [03:43] - Takeaway:
- Severe weather affecting both daily life and major space missions.
5. Box Office Highlights
- Weekend Movie Releases and Results
- [04:22-04:54]
- Key Details:
- “Send Help” (Sam Raimi survival thriller) tops box office with $20 million.
- “Iron Lung” (sci-fi horror, directed by YouTuber Markiplier) debuts with $17.9 million.
- Melania Trump documentary surpasses expectations with $7 million; Amazon paid $75 million for rights and marketing.
- Takeaway:
- Diverse offerings draw audiences; digital personalities (like Markiplier) succeeding in mainstream media.
Notable Quotes by Timestamp
- [00:57] Judge Fred Beary’s condemnation of ICE tactics:
“A perfidious lust for unbridled power that's bereft of human decency.”
- [01:40] Speaker Johnson on Senate funding package:
“This deal is Trump’s deal. Johnson went on to say Trump himself does support some changes to DHS.”
- [01:49] On bipartisan reforms:
“For example, we want body cameras on Immigration Customs Enforcement agents.”
- [02:37] On Russian attacks in Ukraine:
“A cynical and targeted attack on energy workers…”
- [03:43] NASA Artemis II test details:
“Prelaunch testing...was previously delayed because of freezing temperatures at the launch pad in Florida.”
Segment Timestamps
- 00:14 — Immigration crackdown and family release
- 01:18 — Government shutdown and congressional debate
- 02:11 — Russian drone attacks and diplomatic updates
- 03:10 — Cold weather impacts, NASA Artemis II updates
- 04:22 — Box office results
Summary Flow
NPR’s episode delivers high-impact news with urgency, guided by Dale Willman’s clear reporting and correspondents’ on-the-ground insight. From the human faces caught in immigration policy to continuing conflict in Ukraine, and from space exploration delays to box office standouts, the podcast offers an efficient briefing for listeners seeking to stay informed.