NPR News Now: 4PM EST – February 3, 2026

Host: Ryland Barton | Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now update covers significant U.S. and global headlines from politics to business and even wildlife, highlighting quick yet comprehensive reports on the latest developments. The focus ranges from the resolution of a partial government shutdown and its political ramifications, to international actions against social media, dramatic corporate milestones, a quirky Florida wildlife story, and upcoming Valentine’s Day promotions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown Ends

Time: 00:16–01:11

• President Trump signed a bill ending the four-day partial government shutdown after the House's narrow passage.
• Funding Details:
  • Year-long funding for the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Health and Human Services, and others.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funded only for two weeks to allow time for immigration policy negotiations after recent high-profile deaths during enforcement.
• Democrat Priorities: Rules for use of force, requiring agents to remove masks, and body cameras.
• Republican Stance: Expected pushback on these changes.
• Notable Quote:
  “Lawmakers are facing the daunting task of reaching a bipartisan deal to address public outcry over the deaths of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Preddy.”
  — Claudia Grisales (00:48)

2. Fallout in Minneapolis U.S. Attorney’s Office

Time: 01:11–01:38

• Wave of resignations continues in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Macklin Good by an immigration agent.
• Eight more staff leave: including three prosecutors, one victims advocate, and four civil division lawyers.
• Response: Positions temporarily filled by attorneys from across the country and the military.
• Context: The resignations stem from Justice Department pressure to investigate the victim’s widow.

3. Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Upheld

Time: 01:38–02:16

• Federal judge blocks Trump's attempt to end protections for approximately 350,000 Haitians.
• Background: The program, scheduled to conclude today, allows Haitians to live and work in the U.S.
• Broader Context: Part of Trump's broader push to end protections for several migrant communities.

4. French Raid on Musk’s X Platform

Time: 02:16–02:54

• Paris offices of X (formerly Twitter) raided in an ongoing investigation into illegal content promotion.
• Allegations:
  • Spread of child sexual abuse images.
  • Sexualized deepfake images produced by Musk’s AI chatbot Grok.
  • Holocaust denial posts.
• French Legal Perspective: Holocaust denial is a crime in France.
• X’s Response: Claims the investigation is “politically motivated” and frames it as a free speech issue.
• European Regulatory Climate: Growing scrutiny of social media companies over harmful, unregulated content.
• Notable Quote:
  “The raid comes as European regulators increase scrutiny of social media companies over harmful content and lack of safeguards.”
  — Rebecca Rossman (02:49)

5. Walmart Hits $1 Trillion Market Valuation

Time: 02:54–03:15

• Milestone: Walmart becomes first retailer to cross $1 trillion market value.
• Growth Drivers: Boost in online business.
• Market Performance: Shares up 26% in the past year; 468% over the decade.
• Peers: Joins company of Nvidia and Alphabet (Google parent).

6. PepsiCo Slashes Snack Prices

Time: 03:15–03:38

• PepsiCo announces price cuts on Lays, Doritos, Cheetos, and Tostitos.
• Reason: Regain customers strained by previous price hikes tied to increased costs in ingredients, packaging, and transport.

7. Florida Cold Snap and Iguana Surge

Time: 03:38–04:32

• Cold snap in South Florida leads to a dramatic increase in “cold-stunned” iguanas.
• Iguana Trapping Booms:
  • Blake Wilkins, owner of Redline Iguana Removal, and his team catch around 3,000 iguanas in two days.
  • Iguanas are cold-blooded and immobilized by temperatures below 40°F.
• Warning: One cold snap won’t end invasive iguana problems.
• Notable Quote:
  “The sheer numbers of them was surprising. Even knowing that it was getting as cold as it was going to, I’m still kind of like borderline shocked with how many we found and got.”
  — Blake Wilkins (03:55)

8. Valentine’s Day Fast Food Promotions

Time: 04:32–04:55

• McDonald’s: Launching a “caviar McNugget” kit (includes fancy caviar and a $25 gift card).
• White Castle: Continuing its Valentine’s Day tradition, transforming restaurants with host seating and tableside service.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Immigration Negotiations:
  “Lawmakers are facing the daunting task of reaching a bipartisan deal to address public outcry over the deaths of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Preddy.” — Claudia Grisales (00:48)

• On the Iguana Influx:
  “The sheer numbers of them was surprising. Even knowing that it was getting as cold as it was going to, I’m still kind of like borderline shocked with how many we found and got.” — Blake Wilkins (03:55)

• On Social Media Scrutiny in Europe:
  “The raid comes as European regulators increase scrutiny of social media companies over harmful content and lack of safeguards.” — Rebecca Rossman (02:49)

Useful Timestamps for Reference

• Government Shutdown & Funding Deal: 00:16–01:11
• Minneapolis U.S. Attorney Resignations: 01:11–01:38
• Haitian Protected Status Ruling: 01:38–02:16
• French Raid on X: 02:16–02:54
• Walmart Milestone: 02:54–03:15
• PepsiCo Snack Price Cuts: 03:15–03:38
• Florida Iguana Cold Snap: 03:38–04:32
• Valentine’s Day Fast Food Promotions: 04:32–04:55

Summary prepared for listeners and readers seeking a concise but comprehensive rundown of the 4PM NPR News Now highlights from February 3, 2026.