NPR News Now – February 2, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: 5 Minutes
Main Theme:
A snapshot of the major national and global news stories of the day, including updates on diplomatic tensions in the Middle East, Congressional investigations, federal policy impacts, energy projects, NASA’s lunar ambitions, local government accountability, and a noteworthy environmental discovery.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iran Signals Willingness to Negotiate Nuclear Program (00:13–01:14)

• Summary:
  Iran announces it is ready for "fair" negotiations regarding its nuclear program. This statement comes amid strong warnings to the U.S. about the risks of escalation and regional conflict if attacked.
• Key Details:
  • Iran states its nuclear program is meant for non-military purposes.
  • The U.S. accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons; sends additional warships to the region.
  • Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warns, “if they start a war this time, it will be a regional war.”
  • Turkey and other U.S. allies advise against military action; Saudi Arabia refuses to allow its airspace for U.S. strikes.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jane Araf (01:00):

    “Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that the Americans should know if they start a war this time, it will be a regional war.”

2. Clintons’ Agreement to Testify in Epstein Investigation (01:14–01:59)

• Summary:
  A spokesperson for Bill and Hillary Clinton signals their willingness to testify before Congress in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein inquiry. The committee chair disputes any agreement, threatening contempt proceedings.
• Key Details:
  • Bill Clinton, President Trump, and others had ties to Epstein, though none have been accused of wrongdoing.
  • Testimony dispute between Clintons’ representatives and Republican chair James Comer.
• Notable Quote:
  • Ryland Barton (01:33):

    “The committee’s Republican chair, James Comer, says an agreement has not been reached. He’s threatened to move to hold them in contempt, which could mean a fine or prison time.”

3. Costly Department of Education Staffing Fiasco (01:59–02:43)

• Summary:
  Trump administration’s attempt to fire hundreds of Education Department staff resulted in millions in taxpayer costs after workers remained on lengthy paid leave.
• Key Details:
  • 300 attorneys/staff faced termination from the civil rights office.
  • Staffers were kept on paid leave for nine months due to court intervention.
  • Government Accountability Office estimates the cost at $28.5 – $38 million.
  • Administration dismisses concern, noting the workers were reinstated in December.
• Notable Quote:
  • Cory Turner (02:25):

    “For nearly nine months, it kept these staff on paid leave instead of letting them work. Now the US Government Accountability Office says the cost of that lost work in salary and benefits was between 28 and a half and $38 million.”

4. Offshore Wind Project in New York Reinstated (02:43–03:08)

• Summary:
  A federal judge allows construction to resume on a wind project set to power 600,000 homes, the fifth such project to move forward after a Trump-imposed halt.
• Key Details:
  • President Trump’s administration argued these projects presented a security risk.
  • The judge ruled the risk “not imminent.”
• Memorable Moment:
  • Ryland Barton (02:51):

    “President Trump says his goal is to not let any of the projects be built. The judge says the government had not shown that offshore wind is such an imminent national security risk.”

5. NASA Encounters Rocket Fuel Leak Before Artemis Lunar Mission (03:08–03:51)

• Summary:
  NASA faces a setback in launching its new moon rocket after discovering a hydrogen leak during a critical fueling test, threatening its timeline for sending astronauts on a lunar flyby—NASA’s first in over 50 years.
• Key Details:
  • Test involved loading super cold hydrogen and oxygen.
  • NASA assesses delay for four-astronaut moon mission.

6. Milwaukee County Scrambles After Lapsed UnitedHealthcare Contract (03:51–04:35)

• Summary:
  Over 5,000 Milwaukee County workers and retirees temporarily lost clarity over their health insurance status due to an expired contract, prompting swift corrective action by local officials.
• Key Details:
  • The responsible HR employee was terminated.
  • Employees remain covered under the old contract.
  • The county board is expected to approve a new agreement imminently.
• Notable Quote:
  • Kathleen Vincent, County Supervisor (04:10):

    “First responders deserve better. Our parks and airport staff deserve better. Our snowplow drivers and highway crews working midnight to 8am 365 days per year deserve better.”

7. Rare Waved Albatross Spotted Off California Coast (04:35–04:56)

• Summary:
  A research expedition makes a rare sighting of a waved albatross—only the second such instance ever so far north—highlighting changing migration and environmental observation.
• Key Details:
  • The waved albatross is normally not found north of Central America.
  • Its wingspan can reach up to 8 feet; spends most of its life at sea.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Warning:
  “If they start a war this time, it will be a regional war.” (01:00, reported by Jane Araf)
• Rep. Kathleen Vincent’s Advocacy:
  “First responders deserve better. Our parks and airport staff deserve better. Our snowplow drivers and highway crews working midnight to 8am 365 days per year deserve better.” (04:10, Evan Casey reporting)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran Nuclear Talks & Regional Tension: 00:13–01:14
• Epstein Investigation / Clinton Testimony Dispute: 01:14–01:59
• Department of Education Staffing Costs: 01:59–02:43
• Offshore Wind Project Reinstatement: 02:43–03:08
• NASA Lunar Rocket Fuel Leak: 03:08–03:51
• Milwaukee County Healthcare Contract Lapse: 03:51–04:35
• Waved Albatross Sighting: 04:35–04:56

Overall Tone:
Concise, factual, and balanced, reflecting the NPR News standard of delivering essential stories with measured urgency and clear attribution.