NPR News: 01-31-2026 10AM EST

Date: January 31, 2026
Host: Windsor Johnston
Podcast: NPR News Now

Episode Overview

This concise news bulletin (5 minutes) covers several major national and international stories: a partial U.S. federal government shutdown over immigration policy, public protests following a deadly federal enforcement incident, escalating U.S.-Iran military tensions, a Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, and an injury to skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. The episode is structured with dispatches from NPR correspondents, on-the-ground voices, and direct quotes from key figures.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Partial U.S. Government Shutdown (00:13–01:13)

• Theme: The federal government is shut down again, but unlike the previous record-long shutdown, this time only select departments are affected.
• Reason: Lawmakers remain divided over implementing additional oversight (or “guardrails”) for federal immigration officers, in the wake of the recent fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
• Democratic Proposals:
  • Judicial warrants required for immigration raids
  • Impartial investigations and stricter accountability after incidents
  • Body cameras and mask removal mandates for officers
  • Democrats are pushing these policies, emboldened by what they perceive as strong public support.
• Insightful Quote (Sam Greenglass, 00:43):
  “Democrats feel emboldened because they think the public agrees with them. And even more than the last shutdown debate over those health subsidies last fall, what's unfolded in Minneapolis maybe speaks to something more fundamental about the country at this moment.”

2. National Day of Protest – Maine Hospital Vigil (01:13–02:11)

• Theme: Nurses and supporters in Portland, Maine, memorialize Alex Preddy, a Veterans Administration nurse killed by federal agents during an immigration raid.
• Context: Protests occurred across the country, focusing on federal immigration enforcement tactics and their impact on communities.
• Local Impact: Large numbers of arrests in Maine led to palpable fear in local communities and among healthcare workers.
• Notable Quote (Taylor Westcott, nurse, 01:48):
  “And it seems like it can't get worse. And then that news came and it felt like a like physical gut punch.”
• Ongoing Fear: Even after the ICE operation concluded, there is lingering anxiety among patients and healthcare staff about seeking hospital care.

3. U.S.–Iran Tensions Escalate (02:11–03:12)

• Theme: The U.S. is intensifying its military presence near Iran as officials discuss the possibility of new strikes.
• Developments:
  • Aircraft carriers, additional ships, and warplanes have been deployed
  • President Trump remains undecided on launching an attack, stating, "We'll see what happens. I can say this, they do want to make a deal."
  • Iran’s foreign minister asserts they will not negotiate under threat and promises retaliation against U.S. interests in the region.
• Historical Reference: Israel bombed Iran's nuclear facilities for 12 days the previous June.
• Insightful Quote (Greg Myre, 02:28):
  “Iran has an arsenal of ballistic missiles and says that if attacked, it will strike US targets in the region.”

4. Australian Open Tennis Championship (03:12–04:11)

• Theme: Elena Rybakina defeats world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open women’s final.
• Details:
  • Rybakina (ranked No.5) claims her first Australian Open title in a three-set thriller (6-4, 4-6, 6-4).
  • She previously won Wimbledon in 2022.
  • Rybakina’s victory speech highlights the “incredible atmosphere” and fan support.
• Memorable Quote (Elena Rybakina, 03:50):
  “It was battle and honestly, your support kept us going.”
• Other Results:
  • US player Christian Harrison and Britain’s Neil Skupski win the men’s doubles title against the Australian duo, Jason Kubler and Mark Polmans.

5. Lindsey Vonn Suffers Injury Before Olympics (04:11–04:55)

• Theme: US ski legend Lindsey Vonn crashes and injures her knee during a downhill race in Switzerland, a week before the Winter Olympics.
• Details:
  • Vonn lost control after a jump, slid into netting, and was airlifted.
  • Race was canceled due to multiple crashes and poor conditions.
  • Despite injury, Vonn remains hopeful: “Her Olympic dream is not over and will continue exams with her doctors and team.”
• Comeback Context: Vonn had retired in 2019 but returned, inspired by the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Greenglass (Democratic outlook on immigration reform, 00:43):
  “What's unfolded in Minneapolis maybe speaks to something more fundamental about the country at this moment.”

• Taylor Westcott (On losing a colleague to enforcement action, 01:48):
  “And it seems like it can't get worse. And then that news came and it felt like a like physical gut punch.”

• Elena Rybakina (Australian Open champion, 03:50):
  “It was battle and honestly, your support kept us going.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Partial Government Shutdown & Immigration Debate: 00:13–01:13
• Maine Hospital Vigil & National Protest: 01:13–02:11
• US–Iran Military Tensions: 02:11–03:12
• Australian Open Finals & Sports Recap: 03:12–04:11
• Lindsey Vonn Injury News: 04:11–04:55

Tone

The episode maintains NPR’s signature measured, precise, and compassionate reporting style. The narrative is urgent with current events but offers both factual updates and human stories, exemplified in direct community voices and quotes from those affected.

Compiled for NPR News Now, 01-31-2026, 10AM edition.