NPR News Now – February 4, 2026, 4AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest national and international news, focusing on the end of the partial government shutdown, immigration-related developments, public health updates, a high-profile sentencing, US-Iran nuclear talks, and breaking international news from Libya.

Key News Stories and Discussion Points

1. Partial Government Shutdown Ends

[00:17–01:16]

• Congress Action:
  Congress ended the four-day partial government shutdown by passing a more than $1 trillion spending package to fund several government departments through September. The House vote was 217–214, with 21 Democrats in favor.
• Department of Homeland Security:
  Funded only through February 13, allowing time for negotiation on Democratic priorities, including:
  • Banning officers from wearing face masks
  • Requiring judicial warrants for arrests
• Quote:
  No direct quote, but Dave Mattingly summarizing Congressional proceedings.
• Local Impact:
  Community groups in Minnesota are urging Governor Tim Walz for an eviction moratorium to aid families affected by recent immigration enforcement.

2. Minnesota Community Response to Immigration Raids

[01:16–01:50]

• Grassroots Action:
  Community organizations raise funds to support families avoiding work due to ICE raids; 170 families aided with over $300,000 raised.

• Notable Quote:
  "Without each other, there really wouldn't be no support system. There would be no rent assistance. There would be no food delivery. None of this would exist without just community supporting community." — Alexandria Gomez, community organizer [01:41]

• Reporter:
  Sergio Martinez Beltran, NPR News, Minneapolis

3. Measles Outbreak in Texas ICE Facility

[02:00–02:59]

• Incident Details:
  At least two measles cases confirmed at a family detention center in Dilley, TX, second such report recently.

• Containment Measures:
  ICE halts internal movement, quarantines those exposed.

• Expert Insight:
  Dr. Katherine Peeler (Harvard) expresses concern about measles in crowded settings, referencing past COVID outbreaks in detention centers.

• Notable Quote:
  "I'm very concerned that we're going to see higher rates of measles outbreaks the same way that we saw... very high rates of COVID both in adult detention centers as well as family detention centers." — Dr. Katherine Peeler [02:47]

• Reporter:
  Maria Godoy, NPR News

4. Stock Market Update

[03:06]

• Brief Mention:
  Wall Street suffered a down day as tech shares slumped amid concerns about the AI sector.
• Host:
  Dave Mattingly

5. Sentencing in Trump Assassination Attempt Case

[03:06–04:09]

• Case Recap:
  Ryan Ruth, found guilty of attempting to assassinate then-candidate Donald Trump in Florida in 2024, faces sentencing today. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence.
• Trial Details:
  • Ruth was arrested after being spotted with a rifle.
  • Represented himself during trial.
  • Jury needed just two hours to return a guilty verdict.
  • After verdict, Ruth attempted self-harm with a pen in court.
• Legal Representation:
  Judge appoints attorney for sentencing phase, citing mental health and Ruth's age; defense seeks a 27-year sentence instead of life.
• Reporter:
  Greg Allen, NPR News, Miami

6. U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks & International Developments

[04:09–End]

• US-Iran Negotiations:
  Talks on Tehran’s nuclear program will proceed in Turkey despite rising tensions after a US Navy jet downed an Iranian drone near an American carrier.
  • President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, named as a participant.
• Libya News:
  Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, was shot dead at his home by unknown attackers.
  • Noted for his PhD studies in London.

Notable Quotes

• Alexandria Gomez (Community Organizer), on mutual aid in Minnesota:
  "Without each other, there really wouldn't be no support system. There would be no rent assistance. There would be no food delivery. None of this would exist without just community supporting community." [01:41]

• Dr. Katherine Peeler (Harvard), on disease risk in ICE facilities:
  "I'm very concerned that we're going to see higher rates of measles outbreaks the same way that we saw... very high rates of COVID both in adult detention centers as well as family detention centers." [02:47]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Partial government shutdown ends: [00:17]
• Minnesota eviction moratorium & local response: [01:16]
• Measles outbreak in Texas ICE facility: [02:00]
• Stock market/A.I. concerns: [03:06]
• Sentencing in Trump assassination attempt: [03:30]
• US–Iran nuclear talks & Libya assassination: [04:09]

Summary Tone:
Concise, fact-driven, and urgent, in line with NPR News’s straight-news reporting style. The episode offers a rapid yet comprehensive news slate, integrating local impacts, expert insights, and significant global headlines within five minutes.