NPR News Now – February 2, 2026, 4PM EST

Host: Kristen Wright
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise newscast covers the day's top stories, including divisions over the continuing government shutdown, developments in federal immigration enforcement operations, President Trump's new trade deal with India, the search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother, new heart disease prevention research, and the annual Groundhog Day prediction by Punxsutawney Phil. The episode stays true to NPR’s measured tone, providing critical updates with brevity and clarity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Partial Government Shutdown and Federal Immigration Operations

• Divisions in Congress: Lawmakers remain divided on how to resolve the partial government shutdown, with ongoing disputes over federal immigration enforcement.
• Federal Operations in Minneapolis:
  • The Trump administration can continue military-style immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis after a federal judge's ruling.
  • Border czar Tom Homan hints at reducing federal presence, but locals say conditions haven't changed ([00:14]).
• Legal Rulings:
  • Judge Kate Menendez denies Minnesota's request to halt the federal operation, acknowledging the "tremendous strain" it causes ([00:51]).
  • In Texas, Judge orders the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father after their controversial detention ([00:51]).
  • Incident: Liam, detained in a blue bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack, became a nationwide symbol after photos circulated.

Memorable Quote:

• "Judge Kate Menendez denied the state's request for an immediate halt to the federal military style operation in the city, which has been going on for nearly two months, while at the same time acknowledging the tremendous strain it has put on the people of Minnesota." (Kat Lansdorf, [00:51])

2. US-India Trade Deal Announcement

• Phone Call between Leaders: President Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi reached a new trade agreement after tensions over India’s Russian oil purchases ([01:31]).
• Key Terms:
  • India agrees to halt Russian oil imports, replacing them with US (and Venezuelan) oil.
  • US lowers tariffs for India’s Venezuelan oil imports from 25% to 18%.
  • India to remove tariffs on US imports entirely.
  • Trump argues this could help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
  • Background: US previously criticized and threatened India for continuing Russian oil buys.

Memorable Quote:

• "Trump says Modi has agreed to stop buying oil from Russia and instead buy more from the US and possibly from Venezuela." (Deepa Shivaram, [01:39])

3. Missing Person Case: Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

• Incident: Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home ([02:24]).
• Investigation Details:
  • Investigation classified as a possible crime.
  • Last seen Saturday night; reported missing Sunday noon.
  • Family spokesperson emphasized she's not suffering from dementia.
  • Pima County Sheriff notes concerning details about her home, prompting involvement of criminal investigators.

Memorable Quote:

• "Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind. This is not dementia related. She is as sharp as a tack." (Family Spokesperson, [02:50])

4. Heart Disease Awareness and Prevention

• Survey Findings: New Cleveland Clinic data reveals most Americans underestimate their heart disease risk, even though a majority over 50 have risk factors ([03:10]).
• Expert Insight:
  • Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US.
  • Prevention requires combined medical and lifestyle approaches: managing blood pressure, quitting tobacco, diet, exercise, sleep, and social-emotional health.
• Notable Statistic:
  • "Close to 80% of heart disease is preventable through lifestyle changes." (Dr. Victoria Mazes, [03:59])

5. Groundhog Day at Punxsutawney

• Phil’s Prediction: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter ([04:14]).
• Weather Update:
  • Single-digit temperatures and dangerous wind chills across the Northeast and Southeast.
  • Record lows expected as far as Florida.

Memorable Moment:

• The playful repetition of “Phil. Phil.” as crowds react ([04:23]).

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:14 – Government shutdown, immigration enforcement update, Minneapolis ruling (Kristen Wright, Kat Lansdorf)
• 01:31 – US-India trade deal, oil, Ukraine tensions (Kristen Wright, Deepa Shivaram)
• 02:24 – Savannah Guthrie’s mother missing, criminal investigation (Kristen Wright, L.M. Boyd, Family Spokesperson)
• 03:10 – Heart disease risk and prevention strategies (Kristen Wright, Allison Aubrey, Dr. Victoria Mazes)
• 04:14 – Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast, record cold weather (Kristen Wright, Allison Aubrey)

Notable Quotes

• “The tremendous strain it has put on the people of Minnesota.” — Kat Lansdorf, [00:51]
• “India can resume those purchases to replace imports of Russian oil.” — Deepa Shivaram, [01:39]
• “Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind. This is not dementia related. She is as sharp as a tack.” — Family Spokesperson, [02:50]
• “Close to 80% of heart disease is preventable through lifestyle changes.” — Dr. Victoria Mazes, [03:59]

This episode provided concise yet comprehensive coverage of urgent and human-interest news from legal rulings and international trade to personal health—and ended on a whimsical note with Punxsutawney Phil’s annual winter forecast.