NPR News Now: 02-07-2026 11AM EST

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers a five-minute snapshot of the top headlines and developments in U.S. and global news as of February 7, 2026, 11AM EST. Coverage ranges from high-stakes U.S.-Iran diplomacy and judicial oversight of immigration detention, to debates over student voting data, ongoing security crises abroad, updates from a headline-making murder trial, and early reports from the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. and Iran: Tense Indirect Talks (00:14–01:12)

• The U.S. and Iran have begun indirect negotiations in Oman focused on Iran's nuclear program, planning further meetings.
• Iran's Position: Insists its nuclear efforts are strictly peaceful.
• U.S. Stance: Accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons; the Trump administration pushes regime change through military posturing and financial sanctions.
• Notable Development: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant claims the U.S. engineered a collapse in Iran's currency, fueling protests where at least 5,000 were killed, mostly protesters.

Memorable Quote:

"The U.S. engineered a free fall of the Iranian currency that sparked protests in Iran in December. At least 5,000 people were believed killed, most of them protesters."
— Jayna Raff (00:49)

2. Immigration Detention and Access to Lawyers (01:12–01:48)

• A federal judge in Minneapolis demands proof from DHS that immigration detainees can regularly access attorneys.
• Case Highlighted: A formerly detained asylum seeker alleges she was denied contact with legal counsel.
• DOJ's Response: Claims unlimited attorney calls but cannot provide evidence.
• Upcoming Ruling: Judge Nancy Brazel promises to intervene if an agreement isn't reached by Thursday.

Memorable Quote:

"Judge Nancy Brazel promised to rule Thursday if the two sides don't reach a deal."
— Matt Sepik (01:43)

3. Colleges and Student Voting Data Under Scrutiny (01:48–03:00)

• The U.S. Education Department tells colleges to stop using student voting data amid alleged third-party data sharing by Tufts University and National Student Clearinghouse.
• Official Statement: Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasizes focus on academics, not election influence.
• Expert Perspective: Lynn Pascarella notes the oddity of questioning nonpartisan civic research merely because of its relation to voting.

Notable Quotes:

"It's the idea that nonpartisan research on civic participation could be treated as suspect simply because it relates to voting."
— Lynn Pascarella (02:37)

4. Security in Islamabad After Mosque Bombing (03:00–03:18)

• Heightened security in Islamabad, Pakistan, follows a deadly mosque bombing during Friday prayers, killing at least 31 people.

5. High-Profile Murder Trial: Luigi Mangione Update (03:18–04:18)

• Background: Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is set for state trial in June, preceding a federal trial by three months.
• Defense Concerns: Argues the parallel trials create an "untenable situation," suggesting a double jeopardy issue.
• Judge's Response: Orders the defense to be ready regardless.
• Defendant's Statement: Mangione disputes the fairness of back-to-back trials as he's escorted out.

Notable Quotes:

"The defense would not be ready on June 8, to which the judge replied, be ready."
— Sarah Ventri (03:53)
"It's the same trial twice. One plus one is two, double jeopardy by any common sense definition."
— Luigi Mangione (04:02)

6. Winter Olympics: U.S. Highlights (04:18–04:53)

• The first full day of the Winter Olympics in Italy, with Team USA competing in the team skate.
• Spotlight: 21-year-old figure skater Eliam Malatin from Virginia— the only competitor capable of landing a quadruple axel.
• Ritual: Malatin says he eats chocolate before skating.
• Other Olympic News: Skier Lindsey Vaughn impresses in practice just eight days after a major knee injury.

Memorable Quote:

"I eat chocolate right before I skate."
— Eliam Malatin (04:42)

Notable Quotes Recap & Timestamps

• "The U.S. engineered a free fall of the Iranian currency that sparked protests in Iran in December. At least 5,000 people were believed killed, most of them protesters."
  — Jayna Raff (00:49)
• "Judge Nancy Brazel promised to rule Thursday if the two sides don't reach a deal."
  — Matt Sepik (01:43)
• "It's the idea that nonpartisan research on civic participation could be treated as suspect simply because it relates to voting."
  — Lynn Pascarella (02:37)
• "It's the same trial twice. One plus one is two, double jeopardy by any common sense definition."
  — Luigi Mangione (04:02)
• "I eat chocolate right before I skate."
  — Eliam Malatin (04:42)

Segment Timestamps

• U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks: 00:14–01:12
• Immigration Detainee Legal Access: 01:12–01:48
• Student Voting Data Controversy: 01:48–03:00
• Islamabad Mosque Bombing: 03:00–03:18
• UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case: 03:18–04:18
• Winter Olympics Highlights: 04:18–04:53

This fast-paced episode offers listeners an up-to-date news roundup, highlighting pressing geopolitical events, contentious domestic policy debates, judicial developments, and moments of both tragedy and triumph on the global stage.