NPR News Now – 01-29-2026, 11AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman (NPR)
Date: January 29, 2026
Episode Theme:
A concise update on key national news stories: immigration enforcement tensions in Minnesota, ongoing protests and family detention in Texas, public opinion on healthcare costs, severe winter weather warnings, an anti-Semitic crime in New York, and the loss of a prominent homelessness advocate.
1. Federal Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota
[00:11–01:10]
- Border Enforcement Developments:
- Tom Homan, Border Czar, signals the federal crackdown in Minnesota may ease, but cooperation from local and state leaders is a condition.
- Context: President Trump dispatched Homan to Minneapolis after a second protester was shot and killed by federal agents in the city this month.
- Legal Actions & Controversy:
- The Justice Department has charged 16 people with assaulting or impeding federal officers during recent enforcement efforts.
- Reporter Matt Sepik:
- Minnesota Attorney General Pam Bondi posted the names and photos of all 16 charged individuals on social media—before the cases were unsealed.
- This action prompted a strong rebuke from a federal judge.
- “Defense attorneys call the charges bogus and politically motivated.” – Matt Sepik, [00:49]
- Twelve defendants made court appearances; prosecutors declined to seek detention.
2. Texas Protest over Child Detention
[01:10–02:17]
- Family Detained in Texas:
- Hundreds protested outside a southern Texas immigration detention facility where a five-year-old Minnesota boy is being held.
- Congressman Joaquin Castro:
- Met with the child and family; reported the boy appeared lethargic.
- Emphasized the family is in the US legally, awaiting asylum claim processing.
- Artistic Protest:
- Samuel Rocha reports:
- Sheila Vasquez, San Antonio art teacher, created a large white “protector” bird sculpture as a symbol of hope for detained families.
- Samuel Rocha reports:
- Sheila Vasquez quote:
- "I don't know if any of the children are going to be able to see us. I thought maybe if I put her high enough they could get a glimpse." [01:58]
- Confrontation with Authorities:
- Texas state troopers in riot gear confronted protesters.
- Authorities deployed chemical irritants for crowd control.
3. Public Opinion: Affordable Care Act Subsidies
[02:17–03:08]
- New Poll Findings:
- Two thirds of Americans say Congress should have extended ACA enhanced subsidies.
- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) poll:
- Public wants politicians to do more to make health care affordable.
- “The American people care a lot about health care and want politicians to do more to make it more affordable.” – Ashley Kerzinger, KFF, [02:32]
- Voting Implications:
- A significant share indicate health care costs will influence their midterm election decisions.
- “She notes that the election is still nine months away and a lot can happen in the meantime.” – Selena Simmons Duffin, [03:00]
4. Weather Update: Major East Coast Winter Storm
[03:08–03:46]
- Severe Weather Alert:
- Significant winter storm forming off the East Coast; could hit Carolinas later today.
- Expected to produce hurricane-force winds and astronomically high tides; potential for significant flooding.
- Threat for blizzard conditions in parts of North Carolina and Virginia.
5. New York Hate Crime Investigation
[03:46–04:27]
- Attack on Chabad Headquarters:
- A man rammed his car into the rear of New York's Orthodox Jewish Chabad HQ, captured on video.
- Incident under investigation as a hate crime.
- Police Actions:
- “You will see an enhanced uniform presence, specialized patrols, counterterrorism resources and bomb squad deployments where appropriate.” – Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, [04:06]
- No reported injuries. Building was crowded due to a special religious observance.
6. Remembering Shirley Raines: Homelessness Advocate
[04:27–04:53]
- Passing of Shirley Raines:
- Nonprofit leader and TikTok influencer known for helping the homeless in LA and Las Vegas has died at 58.
- Founder of “Beauty to the Streets.”
- Provided food and haircuts; recognized by the NAACP.
- Death announced by her organization; cause not specified.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
“Defense attorneys call the charges bogus and politically motivated.”
— Matt Sepik, [00:49] -
“I don't know if any of the children are going to be able to see us. I thought maybe if I put her high enough they could get a glimpse.”
— Sheila Vasquez, [01:58] -
“The American people care a lot about health care and want politicians to do more to make it more affordable.”
— Ashley Kerzinger, [02:32] -
“You will see an enhanced uniform presence, specialized patrols, counterterrorism resources and bomb squad deployments where appropriate.”
— Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, [04:06]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Federal immigration actions in Minnesota: [00:11–01:10]
- Texas protests over child detention: [01:10–02:17]
- ACA subsidies poll and health care focus: [02:17–03:08]
- Severe winter storm update: [03:08–03:46]
- NYC Chabad hate crime investigation: [03:46–04:27]
- Shirley Raines’ passing: [04:27–04:53]