NPR News Now: February 4, 2026 – 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: February 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update delivers a concise roundup of critical national and international news as of the morning of February 4, 2026. Main topics include the end of a partial government shutdown, ongoing issues around immigration enforcement and community response in Minnesota, a confirmed measles outbreak at a Texas ICE detention center, sentencing in the 2024 Trump assassination attempt case, continued US-Iran nuclear talks amidst international tensions, and the reported killing of Muammar Gaddafi's son in Libya.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. End of Partial Government Shutdown

• [00:17] Congress ended a partial government shutdown by approving a spending package exceeding $1 trillion, funding certain government departments through September.
  • The House vote was very close: 217 to 214, with 21 Democrats voting in favor.
  • A temporary extension funds the Department of Homeland Security through February 13, providing a brief period to negotiate immigration enforcement reforms.
    • Proposed changes include:
      • Ban on officers wearing face masks
      • Requirement of judicial warrants for arrests

2. Minnesota's Community Response to Immigration Raids

• [01:16] Many immigrant families in Minnesota are facing hardships following federal immigration raids and are calling on Governor Tim Walz for an eviction moratorium.
  • Community groups have stepped up to provide financial and food assistance.
  • Alexandria Gomez, group leader, highlights the importance of local solidarity:
    • Quote [01:41]:
      “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
  • Governor Walz has yet to respond to calls for a moratorium.

3. Measles Outbreak at Texas ICE Facility

• [02:00] At least two cases of measles have been confirmed at a family immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas.
  • Detained individuals have been quarantined, and movement within the center is halted.
  • Dr. Katherine Peeler of Harvard warns about the risk of outbreaks in detention settings:
    • Quote [02:47]:
      “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
  • Declining vaccination rates increase outbreak risks.

4. Wall Street Update

• [03:06] Stocks took a downturn, led by declines in technology shares amid continued concerns about the artificial intelligence sector.

5. Sentencing for 2024 Trump Assassination Attempt

• [03:30] Sentencing scheduled for Ryan Ruth, convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in 2024.
  • Ruth was discovered with a rifle near Trump, attempted to flee, was arrested swiftly.
  • Notably, he tried to stab himself with a pen upon hearing the guilty verdict.
  • Prosecutors are pursuing a life sentence; his attorney is requesting 27 years, citing Ruth’s age and mental health.

6. US-Iran Nuclear Talks Amid Tensions

• [04:09] Despite heightened tensions after a US Navy fighter shot down an Iranian drone, nuclear negotiations with Iran are set to continue in Istanbul.
  • President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will be part of the talks.

7. Gaddafi’s Son Killed in Libya

• [04:35] Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi, was reportedly shot dead at his home by unknown assailants.
  • He was 53 and held a PhD from London.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alexandria Gomez on community mutual aid
  “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 on the dangers of outbreaks in detention
  “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]

• Ryan Ruth courtroom incident
  “When the verdict was read, he attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen before being subdued by federal marshals.”
  – [03:54], reported by Greg Allen

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17 — Shutdown Ends: Congressional package, DHS extension
• 01:16 — Minnesota Response: Community organizing, rent aid
• 02:00 — ICE Facility Measles Outbreak: Confirmed cases, expert commentary
• 03:06 — Wall Street Recap: Tech sector downturn
• 03:30 — Trump Assassination Attempt Sentencing: Case details, courtroom incident
• 04:09 — US-Iran Nuclear Talks: Ongoing despite drone incident
• 04:35 — Son of Muammar Gaddafi Killed in Libya

This episode of NPR News Now provides a rapid, information-dense snapshot of high-stakes political, social, and international developments shaping the start of February 2026.