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

Summary of Episode

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major U.S. news stories as of February 5, 2026. Key topics include President Trump’s controversial remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, new polling data on immigration enforcement, updates on the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, the CIA ending its World Factbook, the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patient survival rates, federal investigations into Nike’s diversity programs, and the end of frozen juice concentrates by Minute Maid.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast

Focus: President Trump uses the event to attack political opponents and discuss faith and immigration.

• President Trump emphasizes strong religious support for his administration.
  • Quote: "We have great support for religion. You know, I've done more for religion than any other president." — President Trump [00:42]
• He criticizes faith-based voters who support Democrats.
  • Quote: "I don't know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat. I really don't." — President Trump [01:02]
• The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown faces sharp criticism from many religious leaders.
• Polls show a rift: white evangelicals largely support Trump, while Black Protestants, Hispanic Catholics, and Jews show lower support.

2. Public Opinion on Immigration Enforcement

Focus: NPR/PBS News Marist poll reveals widespread disapproval of President Trump’s immigration policies and federal law enforcement tactics.

• Poll findings:
  • Two-thirds say federal law enforcement has "gone too far," marking a significant increase since last summer.
  • 16% disapprove of ICE; 62% believe ICE is making Americans less safe.
• Recent high-profile incidents—including deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota—appear to have influenced opinions.
• Key groups souring on Trump: independents, Latinos, voters under 30. Seven in ten in each group believe ICE has "gone too far."
  • Quote: "Seven in 10 of each group say ICE has gone too far, and majorities of them all disapprove of the job that Trump is doing." — Domenico Montanaro [01:55]

3. Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

Focus: Five days after her disappearance, authorities confirm blood found at the scene belongs to Nancy Guthrie.

• DNA evidence links blood found on Nancy Guthrie’s porch to her.
• FBI in Phoenix reports that ransom notes contain a specific demand for money and a deadline.
• Investigation continues; few suspects identified. [02:03]

4. CIA to Shut Down World Factbook

Focus: The CIA will no longer publicly release its influential World Factbook, a vital resource since 1962.

• The Factbook historically provided global statistics for journalists, researchers, and travelers.
• The CIA does not provide a reason, but Director John Ratcliffe aims to pare back "non-core" agency programs.
  • Quote: "...the CIA noted that some of the photos came from CIA officers operating around the world. The agency isn’t saying why the Factbook is coming to an end." — Greg Myhre [02:53]

5. Pandemic’s Impact on Cancer Survival

Focus: A new JAMA Oncology study links early-pandemic cancer diagnoses to worse short-term survival rates.

• The study observed diminished survival rates across various cancers, regardless of stage.
• Highlights the ongoing need to assess COVID-19’s impact on health care to prepare for the future.

6. Federal Probe into Nike’s Diversity Programs

Focus: The Trump administration, via the EEOC, alleges that Nike’s diversity initiatives may discriminate against white employees.

• EEOC—now led by the official who filed the original complaint in 2024—subpoenaed Nike for employee demographic and mentorship data.
• Nike disputes the action, calling it “surprising and unusual” and maintains it is committed to fair employment practices.
  • Quote: "Nike, in a statement, called this a, quote, surprising and unusual escalation..." — Alina Selyuk [04:20]

7. Minute Maid Ends Frozen Juice Concentrates

Focus: The company halts U.S. and Canada sales of frozen concentrates to focus on fresh juices.

• Minute Maid popularized orange juice with its invention of mix-with-water concentrates in 1946.
• Changing consumer preferences cited as reason for discontinuation. [04:37]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump:
  "We have great support for religion. You know, I've done more for religion than any other president." [00:42]
  "I don't know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat. I really don't." [01:02]
• Domenico Montanaro (Poll analysis):
  "Seven in 10 of each group say ICE has gone too far, and majorities of them all disapprove of the job that Trump is doing." [01:55]
• Greg Myhre (CIA Factbook shutdown):
  "...the CIA noted that some of the photos came from CIA officers operating around the world. The agency isn’t saying why the Factbook is coming to an end." [02:53]
• Alina Selyuk (Nike case):
  "Nike, in a statement, called this a, quote, surprising and unusual escalation..." [04:20]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:23] President Trump’s remarks at National Prayer Breakfast
• [01:26] NPR/PBS News Marist poll on immigration enforcement
• [02:03] Savannah Guthrie’s mother missing–FBI update
• [02:32] CIA World Factbook shut down
• [03:18] Study: COVID-19 impact on cancer survival
• [03:59] Federal investigation into Nike’s diversity efforts
• [04:37] Minute Maid ends frozen juice concentrates

This episode provided a succinct but rich briefing on ongoing U.S. political, social, and business developments, giving listeners clear updates and context for several major stories of the day.