NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-01-2026 5AM EST

Episode Date: February 1, 2026

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President Trump says he wants to make America skilled again. But trades women worry that his crackdown on DEI will undo decades of progress. You cannot look at the workforce of the construction trades and say they've taken DEI too far. This weekend on the Sunday story, what role is there for women in the skilled trades Renaissance? Listen now to the Sunday story on the Up First podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the government to release a father and his five-year-old son who were taken into custody during the crackdown on immigration last month. Jerry Clayton from Texas Public Radio reports.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Fred Beery was a harsh rebuke of the Trump administration and ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Alexander Conejo Arias. The two were detained in Minnesota by immigration officials, local school officials, and the young boys' men. mother say he was used as bait to get her to open the door of their home, they were taken to a detention center about 70 miles southwest of San Antonio. Last Wednesday, protests erupted outside the facility, and two protesters were arrested. Judge Beery accused the Trump administration of ignoring the Declaration of Independence and, quote, traumatizing children. The order requires the pair's release to a public place no later than Tuesday. I'm Jerry Clayton in San Antonio. Israel has carried out a new wave of strikes on Gaza.

At least 30 Palestinians were killed, according to Gaza health officials. The attacks came just after the first phase of a U.S.-backed ceasefire was sealed, and one day before Israel is expected to open a key border crossing. NPR's Anas Baba reports from Gaza. The U.S.-packed ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is showing signs of strain. Israel has carried out repeated strikes in Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the agreement. An accusation Hamas denies. On Saturday alone, Israeli airst strike hit a police station, residential homes, and a tint encampment, sheltering displaced families.

Since the ceasefire began more than 100 days ago, Gaza's health ministry say Israeli attacks killed more than 530 Palestinians. Israel says the strike were in response to ceasefire violation. The military says it targeted Hamas and Islamic jihad commanders without providing evidence. Hamas says it's willing to hand over control of Gaza's police and government and institutions to a transitional committee once Israel allows it to enter Gaza. Anas Baba and Pira News, Gaza City. A powerful winter storm is sweeping through the Carolinas, bringing heavy snow and dangerously cold air to much of the East Coast.

In Charlotte, nearly a foot of snowfall, one of the region's heaviest snowfalls in years. Officials in Nashville say more than 50,000 utility customers are still without power from last weekend storm. Mayor Freddie O'Connell says some people may not have power restored until Super Bowl Sunday. NES believes 90% will be restored by Tuesday, February 3rd, and 99% by Sunday, February 8th. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing across much of the southeast, possibly reaching as far south as Florida. Forecasters say the bitter cold will linger into this month. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.

Actor, Demand Wilson, has died. He was best known for playing Lamont Sanford, the son in the popular 1970s TV comedy, Sanford and Sun. A publicist says Wilson died Friday at his home in Southern California of cancer. He was 79. NPR's Chloe Belton reports the actor was also an evangelical preacher. Demand Wilson was in his 20s when he landed the role of Lamont Sanford, the put-upon offspring of the cantankerous Fred Sanford, played by Red Fox. Dad got all the best lines, but Junior held his own in their frequent disputes. I'm going out to work. Go to work, Papa, I got TB. I can't go to work. I'm sick.

Well, I thought the fresh air might do you some good. You thought you'd get me out of here so you could have this house fumigated. How much do they charge? Wilson went on to star as a struggling gambler in the sitcom Baby I'm Back, and as the more laid back of the divorcees in the new odd couple. Wilson grew up in Harlem. In the 1980s, he was ordained as a penitimate. to coastal minister and went on to lead parallel careers in acting and preaching. Chloe Veltman, NPR News.

Poxetani Phil is gearing up for his annual weather prediction at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania. The groundhog will emerge just after sunrise Monday to forecast either six more weeks of winter or in early spring, a custom that dates back to the 1800s. Last year, Phil predicted more winter, which is historically his most common call. The nearly 140-year tradition in the state often draws tens of thousands of people to watch the forecast. I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington. This message comes from Wise, the app for international people using money around the globe. You can send, spend, and receive in up to 40 currencies with only a few simple taps. Be smart, get Wise.

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