NPR News Now – 4PM EST, January 29, 2026

Summary & Key Highlights

Main Theme
This five-minute NPR update covers major national stories: President Trump's first cabinet meeting of 2026 and his economic pitch, continuing fallout from aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota, updates on Kentucky's winter weather, a new air pollution health study, international updates regarding Venezuela, and news in sports and finance.

1. President Trump’s First 2026 Cabinet Meeting

Economic Focus & Approval Ratings

• President Trump emphasized economic accomplishments during his first cabinet meeting of the year.

  • Touted lower gas prices, rising stock indexes, and imminent tax cuts.
  • Framed his new bill as a “Republican version of the New Deal,” contrasting it with FDR’s historic policies.

  “It’s a Republican version of the New Deal...this is a much better deal than the FDR deal, but we have the great big beautiful bill and it’s given tremendous tax cuts and a lot of other things.”
  — President Trump (00:45)

• Despite these claims, polling (Real Clear Polling) shows presidential net approval on the economy stands at -14%.

• Trump did not address negative polling directly nor take press questions.

• The meeting lasted approximately 80 minutes.

[00:16–01:15]

2. Immigration Enforcement Fallout in Minnesota

Community Backlash & Policy Response

• The president did not address public outrage over recent aggressive federal immigration actions in Minnesota, which led to the deaths of two U.S. citizens.

• Tom Homan, Border Czar, is in Minneapolis working to recalibrate the operation and reduce the federal agent presence:

  • Met with Governor Tim Walz and local leaders.
  • Pledged focus on “those with criminal records” rather than broader sweeps.

  “We didn’t agree on everything. I didn’t expect to agree on anything. I didn’t come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines. You haven’t seen me. I came here to seek solutions, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
  — Tom Homan (01:39)

• No clear timeline for ending federal presence; local officials note continued arrests and widespread fear.

[01:15–02:13]

3. Political Response: Funding Blocked

• Senate Democrats, citing concerns over immigration enforcement, have blocked a funding package—a move that risks a partial government shutdown as the midnight deadline nears.

[02:13–02:33]

4. Kentucky Winter Storm Update

Travel Recovery & Ongoing Risk

• Kentucky roads damaged by weekend ice and snow; conditions have improved somewhat, but hardest-hit areas still struggle.

• Governor Andy Beshear credits sunlight, not just state action, for allowing salt and brine to work:

  “The way the sun came out for two straight days got the temperature of the roadways warm enough, even though the regular temperature out there wasn’t for our salt and brine to be effective.”
  — Gov. Andy Beshear (02:53)

• Forecast calls for continued low temperatures and more snow.

[02:33–03:11]

5. Venezuela Airspace & Travel Advisory

Diplomacy and Safety Tension

• President Trump announced the reopening of Venezuelan airspace for commercial travel.
  • This follows the recent deposition of Nicolás Maduro, now facing trial in New York.
• The U.S. State Department still warns Americans against travel to Venezuela due to safety risks.

[03:11–03:51]

6. Air Pollution & Public Health Study

Progress, but Persistent Inequity

• Air quality has improved under longstanding policy (Clean Air Act), reducing deaths from air pollution.

• Gains are uneven; Black, Hispanic, and low-income Americans continue to face disproportionate health risks from pollution.

  “They’ve dropped the most for white Americans, while black and Hispanic residents are still being affected much more. Low income people and people of color often live in the most polluted areas.”
  — Alejandra Barunda (03:51)

• Trump administration plans to weaken EPA regulations, raising concerns about future progress.

[03:51–04:29]

7. International Sports and Market Briefs

Olympic Dispute & Stock Market

• U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles could reclaim her 2024 Olympic bronze; Switzerland's Supreme Court is granting a new review after Romania appealed.
• Markets closed mixed: Dow +55, Nasdaq -172.

[04:29–04:54]

Notable Quotes

• President Trump on economic agenda (00:45)
• Tom Homan on seeking immigration enforcement solutions (01:39)
• Gov. Andy Beshear on storm response (02:53)
• Alejandra Barunda on air quality disparities (03:51)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• White House Cabinet Meeting & Economic Talk (00:16–01:15)
• Minnesota Immigration Enforcement Fallout (01:15–02:13)
• Senate Funding Block, Shutdown Looms (02:13–02:33)
• Kentucky Winter Weather Update (02:33–03:11)
• Venezuela Travel Update (03:11–03:51)
• Air Pollution Health Disparities (03:51–04:29)
• Olympic Medal Dispute/Markets (04:29–04:54)

NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive round-up, providing not just headlines but context on political, local, and health stories shaping the day.