NPR News Now – January 29, 2026, 1PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh, NPR News Anchor
Length: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of leading national stories: threats of a looming federal government shutdown, intensifying immigration issues in Minnesota, major healthcare poll results, air travel developments regarding Venezuela, mass power outages in the US South, National Film Registry announcements, and a stock market update.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Looming Government Shutdown

Timestamps: 00:15 - 00:47

• The US Senate failed to advance a six-bill funding package, increasing the risk of a partial government shutdown by the coming weekend.
• President Donald Trump, during his first cabinet meeting of 2026, called for optimism and bipartisan cooperation.
  • Quote (President Trump, 00:37):
    “Hopefully we won’t have a shutdown. We’re working on that right now. I think we’re getting close. The Democrats, I don’t believe, want to see it either.”
• The situation remains tense as Congress faces a deadline to keep federal agencies open.

2. Immigration Crackdown & Minnesota Political Landscape

Timestamps: 00:47 - 01:25

• Federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota have sparked widespread protests and public outcry, particularly after the fatal shootings of two US citizens, Renee Macklin Good and Alex Preddy, by federal agents.
• Senator Amy Klobuchar declared her candidacy for Minnesota Governor following Governor Tim Walz’s withdrawal amidst GOP criticism over government services fraud.
  • Quote (Amy Klobuchar, 00:59):
    “Now is our moment to renew our commitment to the common good. I’m asking Democrats, independents and Republicans to join our campaign. It is a homegrown one born in a moment like no other.”
• Both Klobuchar and Walz are vocal critics of President Trump and the recent crackdown.

3. Corporate Reactions: Tim Cook’s Statement

Timestamps: 01:25 - 02:28

• Apple CEO Tim Cook issued an internal memo expressing heartbreak over the violence in Minneapolis, uniquely taking a public stand while most business leaders remained silent.
  • Quote (Bobby Allen reporting Tim Cook, 01:48):
    “I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter who they are or where they’re from.”
• Cook also reportedly voiced concerns directly to President Trump.
• In contrast, while Minnesota-based companies have condemned the unrest, tech and business chiefs nationally have largely refrained from direct commentary.

4. Healthcare Poll: Importance in Upcoming Election

Timestamps: 02:28 - 03:09

• A new KFF poll revealed that two-thirds of Americans believe Congress should have extended enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
• Healthcare costs are expected to play a significant role in voters’ decisions for the midterms, still nine months away.
  • Quote (Ashley Kirzinger, 02:54):
    “A significant share of them say that health care costs are going to play a major role in their decisions to vote in the midterms and which candidates they vote for.”
• Election dynamics could shift, but healthcare remains a high-priority voter issue.

5. US-Venezuela Relations & Travel Advisory

Timestamps: 03:15 - 03:33

• President Trump announced the reopening of Venezuelan airspace to commercial travel by day's end.
• Despite this decision, the State Department continues to advise Americans to avoid travel to Venezuela due to potential dangers following the recent deposition of former President Nicolas Maduro who is set to face trial in New York.

6. Widespread Power Outages in the Southern US

Timestamps: 03:33 - 03:49

• Over 300,000 people remain without power after days of severe ice storms and record low temperatures.
• States hardest hit include Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

7. National Film Registry: Latest Inductees

Timestamps: 03:49 - 04:41

• The Library of Congress announced 25 films added to the National Film Registry for preservation.
• This year’s selections span 130 years of filmmaking, from an 1896 silent comedy to modern classics.
• Notable films added:
  • Two Bing Crosby musicals (one a holiday classic)
  • "Philadelphia" and "Glory" starring Denzel Washington
  • "The Karate Kid" and "Clueless" (Gen X classics)
  • "The Big Chill" (noted for baby boomers)

8. Stock Market Update

Timestamps: 04:41 - 04:53

• All major US indices are trading lower:
  • Dow: down 162 points
  • S&P: down 57 points
  • NASDAQ: down 357 points

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump on shutdown negotiations (00:37):
  “Hopefully we won’t have a shutdown. We’re working on that right now. I think we’re getting close. The Democrats, I don’t believe, want to see it either.”
• Amy Klobuchar on her gubernatorial bid (00:59):
  “Now is our moment to renew our commitment to the common good. I’m asking Democrats, independents and Republicans to join our campaign. It is a homegrown one born in a moment like no other.”
• Tim Cook’s call for American ideals (01:48, via Bobby Allen):
  “I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter who they are or where they’re from.”
• Ashley Kirzinger on healthcare and voting (02:54):
  “A significant share of them say that health care costs are going to play a major role in their decisions to vote in the midterms and which candidates they vote for.”

Episode Flow & Tone

• Brisk, fact-driven, and balanced, as is standard for NPR News Now.
• Direct quotes from principals and clear attributions uphold journalistic integrity.
• The summary captures key developments for listeners who need a rapid, reliable news update.