NPR News Now: January 29, 2026, 7AM EST

Overview
This NPR News Now episode, hosted by Korva Coleman, delivers concise coverage of pressing national events as of January 29, 2026. Major themes include protests over recent government actions and use of force, a significant gubernatorial campaign announcement from Senator Amy Klobuchar, ongoing immigration disputes, the continuing aftermath of a deadly winter storm, and strong earnings from major tech companies. The broadcast also features on-the-ground perspectives from Minnesota and Texas, highlighting both the human impact and political maneuvers shaping the week’s headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Protests and Vigil in Minnesota

• Civil unrest in Minneapolis continues following the fatal shootings of two protesters, Alex Preddy and Renee Macklin, by federal agents earlier in the month.
• Department of Homeland Security places two agents involved in Preddy's shooting on leave, calling it standard protocol.
• Public sentiment: Ongoing vigils are held in remembrance and protest.

Notable Quote:

“We are marching.” — Protester (00:28)

[00:15-00:57]

• Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar declares her candidacy for governor, emphasizing her record of challenging the powerful and vowing transformative leadership.

Notable Quote:

“I will do my job without fear or favor. I've never shied away from taking on the powerful. That's what I did as prosecutor, that's what I did as senator, and that's what I will do as your [governor].”
— Amy Klobuchar, campaign video (01:10)

• Political landscape: Klobuchar’s move significantly complicates the gubernatorial race for Republicans, whose party hasn’t held the office since 2010.

2. Immigration Policy and Protests in Maine and Texas

[01:45-03:10]

• Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) announces the cessation of increased ICE operations in Maine after discussions with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Normal operations will resume.
• Texas Detention Facility Protest: Hundreds gather outside an ICE facility in southern Texas, where a five-year-old Minnesota boy is detained with his family awaiting asylum.

Notable Quote:

“The child appears lethargic. A photo shows the boy lying in his father's arms. … The family's in the US legally waiting for their asylum claim to be processed.”
— Rep. Joaquin Castro summarized by Korva Coleman (02:00)

• On-the-ground activism: San Antonio art teacher Sheila Vazquez creates a symbolic sculpture named "the protector" to uplift detained families.

Notable 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.”
— Sheila Vazquez (02:50)

• Escalation: Texas Department of Public Safety uses chemical irritants after confrontations with protesters.

3. National News: Winter Storm & Federal Agency Cuts

[03:10-04:07]

• Deadly winter storm: About 50 reported deaths, widespread power outages (300,000 customers still affected in the South).
• Federal workers lawsuit: Some employees sue the Trump administration, contesting the impending cut of 10,000 FEMA jobs and alleging the administration is misleading the public regarding the severity of planned downsizing.

4. Tech Sector Earnings and AI Investments

[04:07-04:48]

• Meta (Facebook) beats Q4 revenue estimates with nearly $60 billion, mostly from advertising.
• Microsoft reports $81 billion in the same period, driven by demand for AI-related cloud computing.
• Both companies signal continued aggressive investment in AI despite concerns over a possible market bubble and questions about profit sustainability.

Notable Quote:

“[Microsoft] is building at, quote, a massive scale.”
— Satya Nadella, CEO, paraphrased by John Bruich (04:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On protest perseverance:
  "We are marching." — Protester (00:28)

• On Klobuchar’s motivations:
  "I've never shied away from taking on the powerful... that's what I will do as your [governor]." — Amy Klobuchar (01:10)

• On the human cost of detention:
  "The child appears lethargic... the family's in the US legally waiting for their asylum claim to be processed." — Rep. Joaquin Castro summarized (02:00)

• On symbolic solidarity:
  "I thought maybe if I put her high enough, they could get a glimpse." — Sheila Vazquez (02:50)

• Tech CEO ambition:
  "[Microsoft] is building at, quote, a massive scale." — Satya Nadella, paraphrased (04:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minnesota shootings and Klobuchar announcement: 00:15–01:45
• ICE protests and boy in detention: 01:45–03:10
• Winter storm & FEMA cuts lawsuit: 03:10–04:07
• Meta & Microsoft earnings; AI investment: 04:07–04:48

This summary covers the major events and insights discussed, provides memorable moments from the episode, and sets out major developments in U.S. politics, immigration, disaster response, and technology—all in NPR's straightforward and factual reporting style.