NPR News Now – January 30, 2026, 6AM EST

Host: Kristen Wright
Episode Theme:
This five-minute NPR News Now episode covers the latest political standoffs in Washington over government funding, updates on a federal court appearance in a high-profile assault case, severe winter weather across the eastern U.S., a significant Supreme Court decision in Panama impacting global ports, and international updates from Ukraine.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Government Shutdown Avoidance Deal

[00:16–01:05]

• Senate Democrats and the White House have reached an agreement to avert a partial government shutdown by separating a broader funding package from a two-week stopgap for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• This stopgap would allow more negotiation time regarding DHS reform following deaths of protesters by federal agents in Minneapolis.
• Democrats' proposed reforms:
  • Mandatory body cameras
  • Ban on face masks for officers
• Speaker Mike Johnson expresses bipartisan support for body cameras but defends the use of face masks for law enforcement protection:
  • Quote [00:51]:
    • "The body cameras is something that everybody embraces. We funded it in the... current version of the Department of Homeland Security bill, we have $20 million for more body cams. The masking is to protect law enforcement. They're being doxed and attacked and followed around." — Mike Johnson
• Current Status: Government funding expires at midnight; a short-term weekend shutdown remains possible until Congressional votes are taken.

2. Assault Charge Against Minneapolis Man for Attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar

[01:05–02:09]

• Incident: Minneapolis man Anthony Kacmarak made his first federal court appearance after allegedly spraying Rep. Ilhan Omar with diluted apple cider vinegar during a town hall as she called for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
• Legal consequences:
  • Federal charges for assault
  • State charges also filed
• Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasizes the significance of a state prosecution:
  • Quote [01:52]:
    • "A successful prosecution will result in a state level conviction that is not subject to presidential pardon now or in the future." — Mary Moriarty
• Kacmarak remains in jail; his attorney cites Parkinson's disease and mental health issues.

3. Major Winter Storm & Widespread Power Outages

[02:09–03:03]

• Dangerous cold and snow expected across central and eastern U.S.; many areas still recovering from last weekend's storm.
• Affected regions include:
  • Northern Plains, Midwest, Atlantic and Gulf coasts
• North Carolina Governor Stein offers this advice:
  • Quote [02:36]:
    • "It's going to be snow, not ice. This time. That's a good thing, but it's still going to have real impacts on our lives. So if you can stay home Friday night and bundle up, we recommend you doing it." — Governor Stein
• Forecast: Heavy snow, gusty winds up to 25 mph, dangerous conditions
• Ongoing impact: Over 200,000 customers still without power from the previous storm.

4. Panama Supreme Court Voids Port Contract with Hong Kong Firm

[03:24–04:09]

• Panama's Supreme Court annulled CK Hutchison's concession to operate two key ports at the Panama Canal, declaring it unconstitutional.
• Geopolitical context:
  • CK Hutchison's plan to sell its ports business to a BlackRock-led US investor group drew praise from President Donald Trump (as a U.S. regaining control of the canal) but criticism from Chinese state media citing security concerns.
• CK Hutchison had no immediate comment.
• Significance: Reflects broader U.S.-China tensions as they play out in strategic infrastructure.

5. Ukraine's Power Grid and Brutal Winter

[04:09–04:55]

• Ukraine bracing for more frigid weather—temperatures dropping to -22°C in places.
• Government awaiting word on whether Russia will pause its attacks on Ukraine's power grid, which has left many without heat or electricity during severe cold.

6. Melania Trump Documentary Release

[04:09–04:55]

• First Lady Melania Trump’s documentary ("Melania") opens in theaters this weekend, chronicling her 20 days before President Trump's inauguration last year. Premiered at Kennedy Center.
• Disclosure: Amazon, the film’s distributor, is a financial supporter of NPR and distributes NPR content.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• [00:51] Mike Johnson:
  • “The body cameras is something that everybody embraces... The masking is to protect law enforcement. They're being doxed and attacked and followed around.”
• [01:52] Mary Moriarty:
  • “A successful prosecution will result in a state level conviction that is not subject to presidential pardon now or in the future.”
• [02:36] Governor Stein:
  • “It's going to be snow, not ice. This time. That's a good thing, but it's still going to have real impacts on our lives. So if you can stay home Friday night and bundle up, we recommend you doing it.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Government Shutdown Deal & DHS Reform: [00:16–01:05]
• Ilhan Omar Assault Case: [01:05–02:09]
• Winter Storms and Weather Warnings: [02:09–03:03]
• Panama Canal Port Deal Annulled: [03:24–04:09]
• Ukraine Winter Crisis & Melania Trump Documentary: [04:09–04:55]

Tone:
Direct, succinct, and urgent, reflecting the gravity of government decisions, weather dangers, and international developments.