NPR News Now: 7PM EST — January 29, 2026

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise and impactful roundup of key national and international news stories as of January 29, 2026. The top stories include a Senate agreement to avert a government shutdown amid a heated immigration debate, growing backlash to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, public opinion on healthcare subsidies ahead of the midterms, the EU’s move against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, climate-driven wildfires in Australia, and Starbucks’ growth plans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Deal to Avert Partial Government Shutdown

[00:15]

• Senate Democrats have reached a deal to avoid a partial government shutdown.
• The agreement involves:
  • Extending Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for two weeks.
  • Allowing a separate vote on DHS funding, apart from other spending.
• The impasse was centered on Democrats refusing DHS funding without substantial immigration enforcement reforms.
• President Trump has endorsed the Senate plan.

Memorable Quote:

“Senate Democrats say there is a deal to avert a partial government shutdown... President Trump has endorsed the plan.”
—Ryland Barton [00:15]

2. Backlash Against the Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown

[00:52]

a. Judicial Frustration with ICE

• Federal Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz (Minnesota) issued a sharply critical order.

• ICE cited for violating 96 court orders across 74 cases just since January 1st.

• The judge says the true number of violations is likely even higher.

  Striking Quote:

  “ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.”
  —Judge Patrick Schiltz (as reported by Ryan Lucas) [01:04]

b. Mayoral Opposition & Community Fear

• Bipartisan mayors, gathered in Washington, demanded an end to what they called "unnecessary chaos caused by ICE."

• Many express fears their cities will soon mirror Minneapolis’s experience.

• Elizabeth Kautz, Republican mayor from Minnesota:

  "People are afraid to leave their homes to go to the grocery store and might never return, and their children are left. It is horrific."
  —Mayor Elizabeth Kautz [01:58]

• The White House, via Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, insists Trump doesn’t want violence, but blames Democrats for the resistance to enforcement.

3. Healthcare Subsidy Debate & 2026 Midterms

[02:28]

• A majority of Americans (2/3) say Congress should have extended enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans, per a KFF poll.

• Healthcare remains a top concern for voters in the upcoming midterm elections.

  Expert Insight:

  “A significant share of them say that healthcare costs are going to play a major role in their decisions to vote in the midterms and which candidates they vote for.”
  —Ashley Kirzinger, KFF [02:54]

• The election is nine months away; attitudes and priorities may still shift.

4. EU Labels Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as Terrorists & US-Iran Tensions

[03:11]

• The EU has designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, increasing diplomatic pressure after Iran's hardline crackdown on protesters.
• The move is mostly symbolic, but tied to growing international concern.
• President Trump is escalating rhetoric, threatening military action against Iran.

5. Record Wildfires in Australia Linked to Climate Change

[03:46]

• European scientists link recent wildfires in eastern Australia to record-breaking heat, emphasizing climate change’s role.

• Key impacts:

  • Fires killed 1 person, destroyed at least 900 buildings.
  • Immense smoke plumes degraded Melbourne’s air and traveled as far as South America.

• Increased frequency and intensity of such events are attributed to global warming.

  Definitive Summary:

  “Climate change is causing more intense and more frequent heat waves, which makes such fires more likely around the world.”
  —Rebecca Hersher [04:22]

6. Starbucks Expansion Plans

[04:29]

• Starbucks will open up to 175 new US locations this year and projects 400 more in 2028.
• Plans also call for upgrades (more seating) at current cafes and the introduction of smaller, cost-effective stores with drive-thrus and mobile pickup.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Senate Shutdown Deal — [00:15]
• Court Rebuke of ICE — [00:52]
• Mayor’s Plea on Immigration Enforcement — [01:39]
• Public Concern Over ACA Subsidies — [02:28]
• EU Blacklists Iran’s Guard — [03:11]
• Australia Wildfires & Climate — [03:46]
• Starbucks Expansion News — [04:29]

Notable Quotes

• “ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.”
  —Judge Patrick Schiltz (via Ryan Lucas) [01:04]

• “People are afraid to leave their homes to go to the grocery store and might never return, and their children are left. It is horrific.”
  —Mayor Elizabeth Kautz [01:58]

• “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.”
  —Ashley Kirzinger [02:54]

• “Climate change is causing more intense and more frequent heat waves, which makes such fires more likely around the world.”
  —Rebecca Hersher [04:22]

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive and clear news digest from the January 29, 2026, 7PM EST edition of NPR News Now.