NPR News Now: February 6, 2026, 1AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder (NPR News)
Episode Theme: Top U.S. and global headlines, breaking political and economic developments, and major investigations.

Overview

In this fast-paced, five-minute update, NPR covers the expiration of the last major U.S.-Russia arms control treaty, political primary developments, a high-profile missing person case, new financial troubles for the U.S. Postal Service, ongoing nuclear talks with Iran, a federal diversity investigation into Nike, and the state of American job openings and layoffs. Each story provides insight into evolving national and international dynamics, featuring on-the-ground reporting and direct quotes from key officials.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Expiration of the New START Treaty

• [00:17–01:19]

• The New START Treaty, the last remaining arms control agreement between the U.S. and Russia, has officially expired.

• Key Details:

  • Originally signed during the Obama administration, limiting each nation to 1,550 nuclear warheads.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin previously offered a one-year extension, which was not renewed by the Trump administration.
  • U.S. officials are arguing that rising powers like China need inclusion in future deals.
  • Experts warn of the increased risk of a new nuclear arms race without treaty constraints.

  Notable Quote:

  "With neither country bound by limits on their nuclear arsenals, the risks of a new global nuclear arms race is only likely to grow."
  — Charles Maynes, NPR Moscow [01:10]

2. New Jersey Democratic Primary and High-Profile Missing Person Case

• [01:19–02:03]

• New Jersey Primary:

  • The Democratic primary for a U.S. House seat remains uncalled, with Tom Malinowski and Ana Lilia Mejia leading.

• Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie:

  • Nancy Guthrie, mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, is missing in Arizona.
  • Sheriff Chris Nano emphasizes there are “no primary suspects yet.”

  Notable Quote:

  "We have nobody of interest or any suspects that you would consider a prime suspect. We're just not there."
  — Sheriff Chris Nano [01:50]

3. Ransom Note in Nancy Guthrie Case

• [02:03–02:31]
• Ransom notes related to the Nancy Guthrie case have been sent to various media outlets.
• The notes are being taken seriously.
• Savannah Guthrie's son, Cameron, appeals for direct contact with the captors in a social media video.

4. U.S. Postal Service Faces Financial Struggles

• [02:31–03:15]

• The USPS finished its fiscal first quarter with a $1.3 billion loss, attributed to rising costs and a subtler holiday shipping season.

• USPS leadership calls for Congressional intervention to raise postal rates beyond current caps.

  Notable Quote:

  "This would allow us to better respond to changes in the marketplace, recoup our costs and fulfill our universal service mandate."
  — Amber McReynolds, USPS Board Chair [03:01]

• Critics argue that rate hikes may not solve the agency’s structural challenges.

5. US-Iran Talks Over Nuclear Program

• [03:15–03:55]
• U.S. and Iran are preparing for indirect nuclear talks in Oman, involving Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
• The U.S. has increased military posturing in the Gulf, adding tension after Iran's suppression of domestic protests.

6. EEOC Investigation Into Nike's Diversity Policies

• [03:55–04:34]

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, led by a Trump appointee who previously filed the complaint, is investigating Nike’s diversity programs for potential discrimination against white employees.

• Nike is resisting, calling the latest legal maneuver “surprising and unusual,” affirming cooperation and commitment to fair employment.

  Notable Quote:

  "Nike, in a statement, called this a surprising and unusual escalation, saying it's cooperated with the federal inquiry and it's committed to fair employment practices."
  — Alina Selyuk, NPR [04:27]

7. Economic Report: Decline in Job Openings and Rise in Layoffs

• [04:34–04:56]
• Labor Department finds job vacancies dropped to 6.5 million in December, their lowest since 2020.
• Weekly unemployment benefit applications rose by 22,000.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Global nuclear risk warning:
  “The risks of a new global nuclear arms race is only likely to grow.” — Charles Maynes, NPR Moscow [01:10]
• Sheriff on missing persons:
  “We're just not there yet.” — Sheriff Chris Nano, Pima County, AZ [01:50]
• USPS funding plea:
  “Recoup our costs and fulfill our universal service mandate.” — Amber McReynolds [03:01]
• Nike responds to investigation:
  “A surprising and unusual escalation…” — Alina Selyuk, paraphrasing Nike [04:27]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Expiration of New START nuclear treaty | | 01:19 | NJ Democratic primary & Nancy Guthrie missing person update | | 02:03 | Ransom note in Guthrie case | | 02:31 | USPS $1.3B loss—calls for congressional rate hike action | | 03:15 | U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman | | 03:55 | EEOC investigation into Nike’s diversity programs | | 04:34 | Job openings hit 5-year low; unemployment claims spike |