NPR News Now: February 2, 2026, 5PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This rapid five-minute episode delivers a concise roundup of major news events as of early February 2026. Coverage includes developments in U.S. immigration enforcement, ongoing political tension over government funding, NASA's latest lunar mission attempt, changes in the housing market, updates on the Gaza-Egypt border during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Ukrainian war attitudes, and a rare biological sighting off the U.S. coast.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. Immediate Body Cameras for Federal Agents in Minneapolis

[00:16]

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal agents in Minneapolis will now wear body cameras, effective immediately, following recent deadly use of force during President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
• The program is expected to expand nationwide "as funding becomes available."
• Bystander video has played a role in holding agents accountable for their actions.

Context:

• Two U.S. citizens were shot and killed by federal agents in Minnesota.
• Ongoing crackdown has amplified calls for greater transparency and oversight.

2. Refugee Detentions and Legal Scrutiny

[00:56] – [01:40]

• Minnesota: Over 100 refugees have been arrested despite their legal status; detentions are reportedly part of a broader effort to re-examine refugee cases for "potential fraud".
• Anecdote: A 20-year-old refugee's mother described her fear paralleling the trauma her family faced in Venezuela, expressing reluctance to use her name due to fear of retaliation.
• Expert Quote:
  • Jane Grautman, International Institute of Minnesota:

    "You know, the FBI has already checked them, they've had biometric screenings." ([01:24])

• Many detainees have been released without charges. A class-action lawsuit has deemed the arrests unlawful, with a judge ordering them halted pending litigation.

3. Congressional Budget Showdown

[01:40] – [02:15]

• President Trump is pushing House Republicans to back a crucial spending bill that would keep most government functions, including the Department of Homeland Security, funded through next week.
• Trump stated via social media:

  "There can be no changes at this time."

• Democrats are insisting on immigration enforcement reforms in light of the fatal shootings.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries:

    "The Department of Homeland Security need to dramatically change. And absent that, then a full year appropriations bill is in deep trouble." ([02:03])

• Republicans are reportedly backing the administration’s crackdown, complicating negotiations.

4. NASA’s Moon Rocket Faces Setback

[02:15] – [02:44]

• NASA encountered a hydrogen leak during a critical fueling test of its new 322-foot moon rocket—the last major check before astronauts embark on a lunar fly-around.
• The test's outcome will impact timing for NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.
• Operation expected to last all day.

5. U.S. Housing Market Discounts

[02:44]

• Homebuyers received significant discounts in 2025—averaging nearly 8%, or $32,000 below asking price—the largest since 2013. (Source: Redfin)
• Many existing homeowners are holding out, having locked in lower mortgage rates during the pandemic, making them reluctant to sell in today’s higher-rate environment.

6. War and Ceasefire Developments Abroad

a. Gaza Medical Evacuations Amid Ceasefire

[03:15]

• The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for medical evacuees; only a few Palestinians are allowed to exit daily, and no goods are moving.
• This step is described as "key but mostly symbolic" in the context of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• 20,000 Palestinians in need of medical care are seeking to leave, according to Gaza health officials.

b. Ukrainian Public Sentiment and Ongoing War

[03:48] – [04:34]

• New poll by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology:
  • 43% of Ukrainians don’t believe the war with Russia will end in 2026, up 14% since December.
  • 65% are willing to "endure the war for as long as necessary", up from 54% in March 2025.
• Rising skepticism is attributed to stalled peace talks despite President Trump’s efforts. Russia continues strikes on civilians—including attacks on a passenger train and a bus carrying miners.
• Reporter Eleanor Beardsley:

  "Trump said nothing about these attacks." ([04:31])

7. Rare Ornithological Sight off California

[04:34]

• Researchers aboard a vessel off California observed a waved albatross—the second ever sighting of this species north of Central America.
• The yellow-billed bird boasts an 8-foot wingspan; its sighting is notable for the species, which spends much of its life airborne over the ocean.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Jane Grautman on refugee vetting:

  "You know, the FBI has already checked them, they've had biometric screenings." ([01:24])

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on government funding negotiations:

  "The Department of Homeland Security need to dramatically change. And absent that, then a full year appropriations bill is in deep trouble." ([02:03])

• Eleanor Beardsley on the U.S. response to Russian attacks:

  "Trump said nothing about these attacks." ([04:31])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Body camera announcement in Minneapolis: [00:16]
• Refugee detentions and legal challenge: [00:56]–[01:40]
• President Trump on spending bill: [01:40]
• Hakeem Jeffries quote: [02:03]
• NASA rocket leak news: [02:15]
• Homebuyers get discounts: [02:44]
• Gaza-Rafah crossing reopens: [03:15]
• Ukrainian war skepticism and poll: [03:48]–[04:34]
• Waved albatross sighting: [04:34]

Tone: The reporting remains urgent, concise, and matter-of-fact, as is standard in NPR’s hourly newscasts. The segment provides a snapshot of breaking and evolving stories for listeners seeking a quick, comprehensive news update.