NPR News Now – February 5, 2026, 10PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Podcast: NPR News Now
Main Theme:
A rapid-fire update on pivotal national and international news stories, with special attention to the end of a landmark nuclear arms treaty, legal actions following federal law enforcement policy changes, a high-profile missing persons case, Supreme Court moves on congressional redistricting, an innovative opera premiere, and the results of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Final Hours of the New START Treaty

[00:15–01:08]

• Background: The New START treaty, lasting 15 years, is nearing expiration, marking the end of the last major nuclear arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia.
• Expert Insight:
  • Rose Gottemoller, former U.S. negotiator:

    “The treaty… was the latest in a decades long effort to reduce the number of nuclear weapons each side deploys.” (00:30)

    • Treaty led to a gradual reduction to 1,550 warheads per side. (Jeff London, 00:44)
  • Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, possibilities for a formal follow-up treaty evaporated.
  • President Putin has offered a one-year informal extension, which Gottemoller advises President Trump to accept:

    “Otherwise, we’re into the depths of a nuclear arms race, and that’s an expensive proposition.” (Jeff London quoting Gottemoller, 01:03)

• Turning Point: Without renewal, a nuclear arms race may resume.
  (Summary: Jeff Brumfield, 01:08)

2. Trump’s Legal Setbacks & Federal Policy Lawsuit

[01:13–02:29]

• Trump Conviction Appeals:

  • A federal judge is likely to deny efforts by President Trump’s legal team to overturn a hush money conviction.
  • The judge criticized the defense for repetitive tactics:

    “Taking two bites at the apple.” (01:13)

  • Noted Trump waited too long for federal court relief.

• Minnesota Schools vs. Homeland Security:

  • Lawsuit by two school districts and the teacher’s union against DHS over the rescinding of a “safe zones” policy shielding schools from immigration enforcement.
  • June Hle, attorney:

    “For decades, federal immigration enforcement followed one basic principle, which was keep enforcement away from schools and school bus stops so children can learn safely. But... DHS scrapped that policy without explanation. Without using the proper procedures.” (02:01)

  • Plaintiffs want schools and bus stops re-designated as safe zones.
  • Reported by Elizabeth Shockman, St. Paul.

3. Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing

[02:29–02:58]

• Authorities still have no suspect in the apparent abduction of Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of TODAY Show host Savannah Guthrie.
• Evidence shows forced entry at her Tucson, AZ home; family is pleading for her safe return:
  • Family’s appeal:

    “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen.” (02:46)

  • Nancy’s health: She could die without medication.
• President Trump says he spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and FBI Director Kash Patel is involved.

4. Supreme Court Decisions in Redistricting Battles

[02:58–03:47]

• Supreme Court allows California to use a new, Democrat-favored congressional map for upcoming elections (while previously greenlighting a GOP-favored map in Texas).
• Developments reflect intense political maneuvering spurred by Trump as the midterms approach, with efforts to secure Republican control of the House.

5. Opera Philadelphia’s Innovative Premiere: “Complications Ensue”

[03:47–04:33]

• New Opera Features:
  • Libretto: Michael R. Jackson (Tony & Pulitzer winner)
  • Music: Ten composers, including Nico Muhli, Missy Mazzoli, Cecile McLorin Salvant.
  • Celebrates Opera Philadelphia’s 50th anniversary.
  • Follows the life of “Sue,” played largely in silence by Justin Vivian Bond.
  • Michael R. Jackson:

    “I had been seeking an opportunity to really stretch artistically and take a risk that’s not inexorably tethered to commercial success.” (04:10)

  • Experimental multi-composer format highlights boundary-pushing spirit.

6. Best in Show: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

[04:33–04:55]

• Doberman Pinscher named Penny wins Best in Show at Madison Square Garden.
• Triumph among seven finalists; receives trophy, ribbons, and “bragging rights.”
• “The most prestigious prize in the US Dog show world.”

Notable Quotes

• “Otherwise, we’re into the depths of a nuclear arms race, and that’s an expensive proposition.”
  — Rose Gottemoller, 01:03

• “For decades, federal immigration enforcement followed one basic principle... keep enforcement away from schools and school bus stops so children can learn safely. But... DHS scrapped that policy without explanation.”
  — June Hle, 02:01

• “I had been seeking an opportunity to really stretch artistically and take a risk that’s not inexorably tethered to commercial success.”
  — Michael R. Jackson, 04:10

• “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen.”
  — Guthrie Family Video Message, 02:46

Time-Stamped Guide to Important Segments

• 00:15–01:08: End of New START Treaty and future of US-Russia nuclear arms agreements
• 01:13–02:29: Trump conviction appeal & MN schools’ lawsuit on immigration enforcement
• 02:29–02:58: Savannah Guthrie’s mother missing; family plea; FBI involvement
• 02:58–03:47: Supreme Court rulings on CA & TX redistricting
• 03:47–04:33: Premiere of avant-garde opera “Complications Ensue”
• 04:33–04:55: Penny the Doberman wins Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Tone:
Concise, urgent, and factual—delivering crucial updates with brief expert voices and first-hand reporting.

Summary:
This episode delivers fast-paced, authoritative coverage of critical developments in arms control, legal wrangling, civil liberties, public safety, political redistricting, cultural innovation, and a touch of human (and canine) interest.