NPR News Now: February 3, 2026 – 2PM EST

Episode Overview:
This episode of NPR News Now covers the latest political and economic headlines in the U.S., including President Trump’s push for nationalizing elections, Congressional progress on averting a government shutdown, insights on the U.S. housing and rental markets, an important diplomatic meeting between President Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and a significant price drop for popular snacks by PepsiCo. The episode offers concise, reliable updates for listeners tracking evolving national stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump Advocates for Nationalizing U.S. Elections

[00:23 - 02:26]

• Context & Details:

  • President Trump reignited calls to nationalize U.S. elections, traditionally state-run according to the Constitution.
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified the comments pertained to the SAVE Act, a federal proposal requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.
  • Trump persisted in amplifying unfounded claims about non-citizen voting influencing U.S. politics in favor of Democrats.

• Notable Insights:

  • Democrats and Republicans remain deeply divided on election control, with Trump urging Republicans to "take over" voting processes in "at least many 15 places," broadly interpreted as urban centers with large minority populations.

• Memorable Quote:

  • President Trump (on Dan Bongino's Podcast):
    "These people were brought to our country to vote and they vote illegally. And the, you know, amazing that the Republicans aren't tougher on it... The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting." [01:53]

2. Congressional Action to End Partial Government Shutdown

[00:47 - 01:30]

• Context & Details:

  • The House, led by Republicans, narrowly passed a bill ending a four-day partial government shutdown.
  • The bill delivers full-year funding for most departments (Defense, Transportation, HHS) but only two-week funding for Homeland Security to allow negotiations on immigration enforcement rules.
  • Lawmakers are under pressure after public outcry over the deaths of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Preddy in Minneapolis.
  • Democrats demand new rules regarding the use of force, agent transparency (mask removal), and body cameras, while Republicans are expected to resist these measures.

• Notable Insights:

  • The partial extension for the Department of Homeland Security indicates ongoing partisan struggles, especially over immigration and law enforcement conduct.

• Memorable Quote:

  • Claudia Brizales (NPR News):
    "Democrats have elicit demands they want in exchange for funding DHS. They include new rules for the use of force, for agents to remove their masks and put body cameras on. Republicans will likely push back." [01:10]

3. Housing Market: Renting Cheaper Than Owning Nationwide

[02:26 - 03:13]

• Context & Details:

  • New LendingTree data reveals renting is less expensive than owning a home (with a mortgage) in every major U.S. metro area.
  • On average, renters spent about $6,500 less annually compared to homeowners with mortgages in 2024.
  • The largest discrepancies were seen in San Francisco, Bridgeport (CT), and New York City.
  • Despite a recent dip, mortgage rates remain historically high.
  • Cultural attitudes are shifting: Only 8% of single-family home renters now see homeownership as "the American dream." Home ownership, however, remains a preferred long-term wealth-building strategy.

• Memorable Quote:

  • Stephen Messaha (NPR News):
    "Renters typically spent about $6,500 less than homeowners with a mortgage in 2024. The biggest gaps were in San Francisco, Bridgeport, Connecticut and New York City." [02:38]

4. President Trump Meets Colombian President Gustavo Petro at White House

[03:13 - 04:04]

• Context & Details:

  • President Trump hosted Colombian President Gustavo Petro for their first in-person meeting following months of open hostility.
  • Trump had previously accused Petro of "pushing cocaine" in the U.S. and even threatened military action; recent diplomatic conversations, however, have warmed.
  • Colombia remains the U.S.'s key Latin American ally.

• Notable Insights:

  • The private meeting signals a possible shift towards collaboration despite past rhetoric.

5. PepsiCo Cuts Snack Prices Amid Softening Demand

[04:04 - 04:47]

• Context & Details:

  • Facing consumer backlash over high prices, PepsiCo will reduce prices up to 15% on major chip brands (Lays, Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos) starting this week.
  • Snack prices have surged since the pandemic, but sales volume dropped 1% in North America last quarter as consumers switch to cheaper or healthier alternatives.
  • The company previously settled with activist investors to trim both prices and its product lineup by 20%.

• Memorable Quote:

  • Alina Selyuk (NPR News):
    "People have been pulling back, switching to store brands, to healthier snacks or skipping this purchase altogether... To boost sales, the company last year struck a deal with an activist investor to lower prices and reduce its lineup of products by a fifth." [04:15]

6. Market Update

[03:13 & 04:47]

• Stock Indices Performance:
  • At close, Dow Jones: down 166 points
  • NASDAQ: down 336 points (1.4% decline)
  • S&P 500: down 58 points

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• President Trump on voter control and fraud:
  "These people were brought to our country to vote and they vote illegally... The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting." ([01:53] - President Trump)
• Claudia Brizales on Congressional bargaining:
  "Democrats have elicit demands...for the use of force, for agents to remove their masks and put body cameras on. Republicans will likely push back." ([01:10])
• Stephen Messaha on U.S. housing:
  "Renters typically spent about $6,500 less than homeowners with a mortgage in 2024. The biggest gaps were in San Francisco, Bridgeport, Connecticut and New York City." ([02:38])
• Alina Selyuk on PepsiCo's strategy shift:
  "People have been pulling back, switching to store brands, to healthier snacks or skipping this purchase altogether..." ([04:15])

Additional Information

• No major ads or sponsor messages included in the content summary.
• The overall episode tone is brisk, fact-focused, and concise, suitable for hurried listeners seeking a reliable information snapshot.