NPR News Now – January 31, 2026, 5PM EST

Host: Louise Schiavone
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview:
This news update delivers the latest developments across key national news stories, including immigration enforcement and legal rulings, dangerous winter weather, tech industry IPO news, box office surprises, and a partial government shutdown.

1. Immigration Crackdown and Legal Rulings

Federal Judge Orders Release of Immigrant Father and Son

• [00:14] Louise Schiavone reports on a significant ruling from the Federal District Court for the Western District of Texas, where Judge Fred Beery condemned recent immigration detentions:
  • A father, Adrian Conejo Arias, and his five-year-old son, Liam Conejo Ramos, were detained during an immigration surge in a Minneapolis suburb and moved to a Texas detention center.
  • Quote from Judge Beery:
    "A perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty."
    (Louise Schiavone quoting Judge Beery, 00:32)

Court Declines to Halt Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota

• [00:57] Kat Lahnstorff covers the Minnesota legal response:
  • State attorneys and the Twin Cities sought a temporary restraining order against federal immigration actions, citing "tremendous damage".
  • U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez (a Biden appointee) denied the request, recognizing the “profound and even heartbreaking consequences” of the federal surge but stated an injunction would "go too far."
  • The crackdown has led to the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal agents and sparked protests.

2. Dangerous Winter Weather Across the U.S.

• [01:38] Louise Schiavone introduces risks posed by extreme wind chills nationwide.
• [01:48] Reporter Rebecca Hersher explains wind chill and safety advice:
  • Wind chill combines cold air and wind, increasing risks of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Vulnerable groups: Outdoor workers and unhoused individuals.
  • Quote from Jessica Lee, National Weather Service:
    "Your ears, your nose, your fingers, your toes, even your cheeks and your chin. You want to keep all of your exposed skin covered and then, of course, limit or avoid time outside as well."
    (Jessica Lee, quoted by Rebecca Hersher, 02:05)

3. OpenAI Plans for Public Listing

• [02:24] Tech segment from Bobby Allen on OpenAI:
  • OpenAI, valued at $550 billion, is now the second most valuable startup after SpaceX.
  • The company is reportedly preparing for an IPO, looking to outpace Anthropic, another AI developer.
  • Despite large infrastructure investments resulting in current billion-dollar annual losses, investor interest remains strong.
  • CEO Sam Altman's expectation:
    "He doesn't expect the company [to be profitable] until 2030, yet investment money keeps pouring into the company."
    (Bobby Allen, 02:54)

4. Box Office News: Surprises and Documentaries

• [03:10] Louise Schiavone pivots to entertainment news.
• [03:26] Bob Mondello on the weekend’s top films:
  • "Send Help" (Disney) and indie “Iron Lung” are tied at $17 million each.
  • The surprise is the documentary “Melania” about former First Lady Melania Trump—widely panned by critics (6% on Rotten Tomatoes) but outperforming expectations with an $8 million opening.
  • Notable audio:
    Melania Trump (clip):
    "I will move forward with purpose and, of course, with style." (Melania Trump, 03:42)
  • “Melania” is a box-office standout in major red states: Dallas, Orlando, Phoenix, Las Vegas.

5. Partial Government Shutdown

• [04:14] Louise Schiavone reports:
  • Congress missed a spending package deadline, resulting in funding expiration across nine federal departments.
  • Agencies affected include: Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, HUD, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury.
  • Congress is close to resolving the impasse; House vote expected Monday.
  • President Trump has signaled agreement with the emerging plan.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Judge Fred Beery:
  "A perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty." (00:32)
• Jessica Lee, National Weather Service:
  "You want to keep all of your exposed skin covered and then, of course, limit or avoid time outside." (02:05)
• Melania Trump (in documentary):
  "I will move forward with purpose and, of course, with style." (03:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:14] Immigration enforcement judicial rulings
• [00:57] Minnesota surge legal challenge
• [01:38] Winter weather and wind chill warnings
• [02:24] OpenAI IPO preparations
• [03:10] Box office, “Melania” documentary
• [04:14] Federal government partial shutdown

Tone: Direct, urgent, and informative—typical of NPR’s news reporting. The episode succinctly delivers key updates on late-breaking national stories, reflecting the gravity of recent judicial, political, and industry events.