NPR News Now — Summary

Episode: NPR News: 02-03-2026 12PM EST
Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of top headlines in U.S. and global current events, political developments, and business updates as of noon (EST) on February 3, 2026. The program covers key legislative negotiations in Washington, new federal law enforcement measures, the ongoing war in Ukraine, company news from Pepsi and Disney, a criminal probe involving Elon Musk's social platform, debates over grizzly bear protections, and a deeply concerning missing persons case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Federal Budget & Homeland Security Tensions

• House Narrowly Advances Budget: The House has moved forward a major spending package aiming to end a partial government shutdown, funding most federal agencies through September but only funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for two weeks. This short-term DHS funding is designed to allow further debate on controversial immigration enforcement practices.

• Democratic Demands Over DHS: Democrats are withholding long-term DHS funding without new restrictions on enforcement methods following the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minnesota.

• Body Cameras for Federal Immigration Officers:

  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announces the immediate deployment of body cameras for federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, with plans to expand nationally as funding allows.
  • This move comes amid widespread scrutiny of aggressive tactics and was secured as a key Democratic demand in exchange for further DHS funding.
  • Quote:

    “Effective immediately, we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis.”
    — Kristi Noem, summarized by Franco Ordonez [01:08]

• Leadership Overhaul: President Trump has assigned Tom Homan, the "border czar," to lead federal law enforcement efforts in Minnesota.

2. Ukraine Under Attack Amid Frigid Winter

• Massive Russian Strikes on Power Grid:

  • Ukraine reports its largest strikes this year on central and southern energy facilities; Kyiv suffers severe loss of heating during -4°F temperatures.

  • Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reports over 1,000 apartment buildings without heating.

  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemns Russia’s strategy, emphasizing the urgent need for Western air defense support.

  • Quote:

    “Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important for Russia than using diplomacy.”
    — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, via Eleanor Beardsley [02:06]

  • Further Insight: Zelenskyy reiterates that ongoing international pressure and timely missile defense deliveries are the only way to protect Ukraine and move toward ending the war.

3. Pepsi Cuts Snack Prices After Losing Market Share

• Consumers React to High Prices:
  • PepsiCo faces lower sales for Doritos, Cheetos, and Lay’s chips as shoppers switch to cheaper store brands.
  • Company Response: Pepsi plans price cuts of up to 15% on snacks to win back customers.
  • This move is timely, as prices for popular Super Bowl snacks were already dipping.
  • Quote:

    “Pepsi sold fewer bags of Doritos, Cheetos and Lay’s potato chips in its most recent quarter. The company is planning to cut prices by up to 15% to regain market share.”
    — Scott Horsley [02:44]

4. Disney Names New CEO

• Leadership Change:
  • Josh D’Amaro, head of theme parks, will succeed Bob Iger as Disney CEO after the upcoming annual meeting.
  • No extensive details provided on the transition.

5. Elon Musk’s X Under Criminal Investigation in France

• French Authorities Raid X Offices:
  • Probe centers on allegations of possessing and distributing child pornography, among other violations.
  • Elon Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino have been invited for voluntary questioning in April; some employees have been called as witnesses.
  • Serious legal questions surround content moderation and oversight on the platform.

6. Grizzly Bear Protections: Federal Decision Delayed

• US Fish & Wildlife Extends Review:
  • The agency has until December 28, 2026, to decide whether to remove federal protections for grizzly bears in the Lower 48.
  • State vs. Advocacy Dispute: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho argue populations have recovered, but advocates warn habitat is still limited and hunting could impede recovery.
  • Bears remain federally protected during the review.
  • Quote:

    “Wyoming, Montana and Idaho have said the bears’ numbers have recovered since listing and they should be put under state level management. Wildlife advocacy groups say bears only occupy a small fraction of their historic range.”
    — Ellis Julin [04:10]

7. Missing Persons Alert: Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

• Urgent Search:
  • Nancy Guthrie, 84 (mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie), is believed abducted in Arizona; authorities are concerned for her health due to need for medication.
  • Savannah Guthrie has publicly asked for prayers and help.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On body cameras for federal officers:

  “Effective immediately, we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis.”
  — Kristi Noem (via Franco Ordonez), [01:08]

• On Ukraine electricity attacks:

  “Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important for Russia than using diplomacy.”
  — Volodymyr Zelenskyy (via Eleanor Beardsley), [02:06]

• On Pepsi price cuts:

  “Pepsi sold fewer bags of Doritos, Cheetos and Lay’s potato chips in its most recent quarter. The company is planning to cut prices by up to 15% to regain market share.”
  — Scott Horsley, [02:44]

Important Timestamps

• [00:14] — U.S. budget and DHS funding debate (Jeanine Herbst)
• [01:02] — Body camera mandate for DHS officers in Minneapolis (Franco Ordonez)
• [01:44] — Russian attack on Ukraine’s power infrastructure (Eleanor Beardsley)
• [02:36] — Pepsi sales dip and price cuts, Disney CEO change (Scott Horsley)
• [03:06] — Wall Street update, X (formerly Twitter) raided in France (Jeanine Herbst)
• [03:49] — Decision delayed on grizzly bear protections (Ellis Julin)
• [04:31] — Savannah Guthrie’s plea to find her mother (Jeanine Herbst)

This episode succinctly highlights critical developments across U.S. politics, global crises, business changes, and urgent personal stories—all in NPR's signature, matter-of-fact tone.