NPR News Now – February 3, 2026, 1PM EST

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers concise, breaking updates on major national and international developments. Key stories include the U.S. government shutdown debate, body camera rollout for federal officers in Minneapolis, intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid, shifting prices from major food brands like Pepsi, legal troubles for Elon Musk's platform X, the status of grizzly bears under U.S. federal protection, and a public plea from Savannah Guthrie regarding her missing mother.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Government Shutdown: Narrow Vote on Budget Package

• Host Jeanine Herbst reports that the House has narrowly advanced a budget package that may avert a partial government shutdown (00:14).
  • The measure funds most of the government until late September, except the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which receives only a two-week extension.
  • Democrats refuse to approve DHS funding without restrictions on immigration enforcement after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal officers.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announces federal officers in Minneapolis will now wear body cameras.

Notable Quote

• "Democrats made body cameras for federal officers one of their demands in exchange for support for Homeland Security funding."
  — Franco Ordonez, NPR (01:37)

Important Segment Timestamp

• Budget vote and government funding: 00:14 – 01:44

2. Body Cameras for Federal Immigration Officers

• Franco Ordonez details the immediate deployment of body cameras for federal officers in Minneapolis (01:02).
  • Kristi Noem declared, "effective immediately, we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis."
  • Expansion depends on future funding; national rollout possible.
  • Response to scrutiny over aggressive law enforcement tactics and recent civilian deaths.

Notable Quote

• “The surge of federal law enforcement and the aggressive tactics used have faced widespread scrutiny.”
  — Franco Ordonez, NPR (01:21)

Important Segment Timestamp

• Body camera announcement and context: 01:02 – 01:44

3. Major Russian Strikes on Ukraine’s Power Grid

• Eleanor Beardsley reports that Russia’s latest strikes are the most significant of 2026, targeting central and southern Ukraine, including Kyiv (01:44).
  • Over 1,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv are left without heating in subzero temperatures.
  • President Zelenskyy denounces the attacks, emphasizing Russia’s willingness to use winter’s severity as a weapon.
  • Calls for increased delivery of air defense missiles from allies.

Notable Quotes

• “Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important for Russia than using diplomacy.”
  — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, quoted by Eleanor Beardsley (02:09)

Important Segment Timestamp

• Ukraine strikes and humanitarian concerns: 01:44 – 02:29

4. Pepsi Slashes Snack Prices Amid Consumer Pushback

• Scott Horsley covers Pepsi’s plan to cut snack prices by up to 15% in response to falling sales and consumer backlash against high grocery costs (02:36).
  • Noted drop in sales for Doritos, Cheetos, and Lay’s.
  • Price cuts seen as bid to reclaim market share from store-brand competitors.

Notable 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, NPR (02:41)

• Disney’s CEO succession is also mentioned briefly.

Important Segment Timestamp

• Pepsi price drops and brief Disney update: 02:29 – 03:06

5. Legal Trouble for X (Formerly Twitter) in France

• French prosecutors search the offices of Elon Musk’s platform X as part of an investigation into alleged offenses, including possession and dissemination of child pornography (03:06).
  • Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino summoned for voluntary interviews.
  • Employees called as witnesses.

Important Segment Timestamp

• X social media investigation: 03:06 – 03:49

6. Decision Postponed on Grizzly Bears’ Federal Protection

• Ellis Julin explains the Fish and Wildlife Service’s extended deadline to determine if grizzlies should remain federally protected (03:49).
  • Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho argue bear populations have recovered.
  • Environmental groups warn grizzlies occupy only a fraction of their former range and remain at risk, especially from hunting.
  • New decision date is December 28, 2026.

Notable Quote

• “There are also concerns over how hunting could further impact population recovery. Grizzlies will remain federally protected until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes its final decision.”
  — Ellis Julin, Montana Public Radio (04:13)

Important Segment Timestamp

• Grizzly bear protection debate: 03:49 – 04:31

7. Savannah Guthrie’s Public Plea for Missing Mother

• Jeanine Herbst reports NBC’s Savannah Guthrie is seeking public help to locate her missing 84-year-old mother in Arizona (04:31).
  • Nancy Guthrie believed abducted, with urgent need for medical care.

Notable Quote

• “Authorities say she needs to be found soon because she could die without her medication.”
  — Jeanine Herbst, NPR (04:36)

Important Segment Timestamp

• Savannah Guthrie’s plea: 04:31 – 04:53

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important for Russia than using diplomacy.” (President Zelenskyy, via Eleanor Beardsley, 02:09)
• “We are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis.” (Kristi Noem, via Franco Ordonez, 01:06)
• “Pepsi sold fewer bags of Doritos, Cheetos and Lay’s potato chips in its most recent quarter.” (Scott Horsley, 02:41)
• “Grizzlies will remain federally protected until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes its final decision.” (Ellis Julin, 04:13)
• “Authorities say she needs to be found soon because she could die without her medication.” (Jeanine Herbst, 04:36)

Quick Reference: Segment Timestamps

• Government Funding & DHS/Body Cameras: 00:14 – 01:44
• Russian Strikes on Ukraine: 01:44 – 02:29
• Pepsi Price Cuts/Disney CEO: 02:29 – 03:06
• X Platform Legal Case: 03:06 – 03:49
• Grizzly Bears Protection Decision: 03:49 – 04:31
• Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother: 04:31 – 04:53

This episode offers succinct coverage of urgent developments in U.S. governance, international conflict, legal drama, consumer economics, and human interest.