NPR News Now – February 6, 2026, 10AM EST

Overview

This episode delivers concise, up-to-the-minute coverage on major U.S. and global news stories, including immigration legal battles and privacy concerns, U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks, financial market updates, worsening drought conditions in the western U.S., and the passing of music icon Lamont McLemore.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Immigration and Data Privacy Developments

• Case of Liam Conejo Ramos (Minnesota):

  • [00:15] NPR’s Korva Coleman reports on the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from an ICE detention center in Texas, after a federal judge’s order.
  • Their lawyer states the family is legally in the U.S. and has filed for asylum.
  • “A new hearing is scheduled for today and the lawyer says the family is legally in the U.S. and has claimed asylum.” – Korva Coleman ([00:15])

• IRS-ICE Data Sharing Blocked:

  • [01:00] NPR’s Jude Joffe Block covers a federal judge in Boston blocking a data sharing agreement that would have allowed ICE and the Department of Homeland Security access to IRS data on noncitizens.
  • Citing taxpayer privacy laws, the judge expressed concern over immigration agents potentially misidentifying and wrongfully arresting people in their homes.
  • DHS spokesperson comments:
    • “The government is, quote, sharing information across the federal government to solve problems.” – DHS Spokesperson ([01:31])
  • Notable context: This ruling follows a previous one in D.C. also blocking such data usage.

U.S. Diplomacy & Middle East Tensions

• U.S.–Iran Indirect Talks:

  • [01:43] Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have concluded in Oman with Iran’s foreign minister calling them “a good start.”
  • Unclear when talks will resume.
  • The Trump administration is applying pressure regarding Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile activity, and support for militants.

• President Trump’s Florida Visit:

  • President to meet Honduran President Nasri Asfura, who narrowly won last year’s election with Trump’s backing.

Financial and Market Updates

• Stock Market & Tech Companies:

  • [02:31] The Dow Jones is up 760 points after a prior day’s sell-off.
  • Investors question heavy spending by tech companies on artificial intelligence.
  • Amazon announces a $200 billion capital investment, but shares open lower.

• Cryptocurrency Volatility:

  • Bitcoin sees a partial recovery after losing over half its value from its October high.

• Automotive Industry:

  • Toyota appoints its CFO as new CEO, citing a “gearshift” in approach.
  • U.S. tariffs are impacting company profits despite global sales growth.

Environment & Climate

• Record-Breaking Drought in Western U.S.:
  • [03:12] New federal data show the western U.S. is facing its driest, warmest winter in decades.
  • [03:31] Kirk Siegler explains Colorado, Utah, and Oregon are hardest hit, with statewide snowpack at roughly 50% of average, even in high altitudes.
  • Drought impact includes ski resort closures, worsening wildfire risk, and concerns for water supply.
  • Possible causes include a persistent warm ocean “blob” in the Pacific and rapid Arctic melting.
  • “Climate scientists point to a warm weather blob stuck in the Pacific Ocean... that’s caused it to be unseasonably warm from Montana to California for weeks now.” – Kirk Siegler ([03:41])

Obituary: Lamont McLemore

• [04:15] Lamont McLemore, founding member of the Grammy-winning group The 5th Dimension, has died in Las Vegas at age 90 following a stroke.
• Report notes his contributions as a U.S. Navy veteran and skilled photographer.
• Musical tribute:
  • [04:30] “This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Age of aquarius aquarius.” – (Clip from The 5th Dimension)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On IRS Data Sharing Ruling:

  • “The judge cited taxpayer privacy laws and also raised concerns about immigration agents misidentifying people and wrongfully arresting them at their homes.” — Jude Joffe Block ([01:13])

• Environmental Concern:

  • “If things don’t turn around, especially at lower altitudes, NOAA says the wildfire risk will be even more severe going into spring.” — Kirk Siegler ([03:49])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Immigration Case & IRS Ruling: 00:15–01:43
• U.S.-Iran Talks & Trump Travel: 01:43–02:31
• Markets, Amazon, Toyota, Bitcoin: 02:31–03:12
• Western U.S. Drought: 03:12–04:15
• Lamont McLemore Tribute: 04:15–04:41

Conclusion

This tightly packed five-minute newscast provides vital updates on immigration law, international diplomacy, economic trends, urgent climate news, and a remembrance of a music legend. The tone remains factual and brisk, characteristic of NPR’s signature reporting style.