NPR News Now

Episode: 02-05-2026 1PM EST

Date: February 5, 2026
Host: Jeanine Herbst

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This concise five-minute newscast delivers the latest updates across U.S. politics, immigration policy, global affairs, science, sports, and markets. Coverage includes President Trump’s address at the National Prayer Breakfast, changes in federal immigration policy in Minnesota, diplomatic tensions regarding Cuba, new scientific insights into Parkinson's disease, the introduction of a new Olympic sport, and a brief market report.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. President Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast

• [00:14–01:13]
• President Trump delivered a mix of religious messaging and campaign-style rhetoric, declaring that "religion is back and, quote, hotter than ever."
• He emphasized his record as a champion for the faith community but veered off-script, boasting about his accomplishments and attacking political opponents.
• Notably, he singled out Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, calling him a “moron who always voted against House legislation” and nicknaming him “Rand Paul Jr.”
• Notable Quote:
  • Donald Trump: "There's something wrong with him. We call him Rand Paul Jr. You know, it's like they just vote no." [00:54]
• Attendance included lawmakers from both parties and some global leaders.

2. Minnesota and Federal Immigration Policy

• [01:13–02:16]
• Reports of a drawdown of 700 federal immigration officials are viewed by Minnesota authorities as a positive step, but they stress that further action is needed.
• Border czar Tom Homan stated that additional withdrawals depend on cooperation from local law enforcement, particularly sheriffs.
• In Hennepin County, the sheriff’s office only honors ICE holds with a signed judicial warrant.
• Sheriff Dewana Witt expressed conditional openness to changing this policy if it can be shown to benefit local safety.
• Notable Quote:
  • Dewana Witt: "That were to change. And that's a if, right? You're going to have to show me how it's going to make Hennepin county residents safer and you're going to have to actually act good on what you say." [01:57]
• Ongoing discussions between local and federal officials remain “healthy.”

3. China Opposes Foreign Interference in Cuba

• [02:16–03:08]
• A top Chinese official stated Beijing’s opposition to foreign intervention in Cuba, referencing recent U.S. actions in Venezuela.
• Cuba’s president expressed gratitude for China’s assistance.
• Ongoing U.S. restrictions, including blocking most oil imports to Cuba, have led to concerns about a looming humanitarian crisis.
• China has increasingly voiced criticism of U.S. involvement in Venezuela and Cuba, strengthening diplomatic ties with both governments.

4. New Research on Parkinson's Disease

• [03:08–04:05]
• A study published in the journal Nature reveals that Parkinson's disease disrupts a crucial brain network connecting thoughts to actions.
• Scientists used over 800 MRI scans to identify that signal transmission in Parkinson’s brains is impaired.
• This disruption helps to explain symptoms that go beyond movement—such as digestive issues, sleep disorders, and memory lapses.
• Notable Quote:
  • He Sheng Lu: "It almost feels like a tunnel is jammed so no traffic can go normally." [03:42]

5. Winter Olympics Adds Ski Mountaineering

• [04:05–04:48]
• For the first time in more than three decades, the Winter Olympics are adding a brand new sport: ski mountaineering ("ski mo").
• The discipline includes hiking uphill and skiing downhill, with events: women’s sprint, men’s sprint, and mixed relay.
• This addition brings the total of new medal events at the Games to eight.

6. Wall Street Market Update

• [04:48–04:53]
• Brief report:
  • Dow Jones down 360 points
  • NASDAQ down 212 points

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

• Donald Trump, regarding political adversary Thomas Massie:
  • "There's something wrong with him. We call him Rand Paul Jr. You know, it's like they just vote no." [00:54]
• Hennepin County Sheriff Dewana Witt, on potentially changing ICE hold policy:
  • "That were to change. And that's a if, right? You're going to have to show me how it's going to make Hennepin county residents safer and you're going to have to actually act good on what you say." [01:57]
• He Sheng Lu, describing disrupted brain signals in Parkinson's:
  • "It almost feels like a tunnel is jammed so no traffic can go normally." [03:42]

TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

• 00:14–01:13 — President Trump's National Prayer Breakfast Speech
• 01:13–02:16 — Minnesota Immigration Policy Debate
• 02:16–03:08 — China’s Statement on Cuba and U.S. Policy
• 03:08–04:05 — Parkinson’s Disease Brain Network Findings
• 04:05–04:48 — Ski Mountaineering Debuts at the Winter Olympics
• 04:48–04:53 — Wall Street Market Snapshot

This rapid-fire news episode packs a mix of politics, local and international affairs, science, sports, and finance—showcased with sharp reporting, notable direct quotes, and context for each developing story.