NPR News Now: January 31, 2026, 6AM EST

Brief Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers succinct updates on the morning’s headlines, focusing on the partial US government shutdown, developments in Congress around immigration funding, tensions concerning Federal Reserve nominations, nationwide protests against ICE, a significant measles outbreak in South Carolina, and the injury of U.S. skiing legend Lindsey Vonn ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Partial U.S. Government Shutdown

• Status: As of midnight, government funding lapsed, causing a partial shutdown.

• Senate Action: A bipartisan spending deal passed in the Senate but requires House approval, which is delayed until Monday.

• Short-Term Extension: The deal includes a two-week funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security, buying more time for immigration enforcement negotiations.

  • Notable Quote [00:39]

    "We're going to have now two weeks to discuss. OK. What is the right way forward to focus ICE's mission... making sure that individuals who are here illegally and have a criminal record and pose a risk to public safety aren't threatening the safety of Americans." — Rep. Kevin Kiely (R)

2. Federal Reserve Chair Nomination Controversy

• Opposition: Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) stated he will oppose President Trump’s nominee for Fed Chair until the criminal investigation of current chair Jerome Powell concludes.

• Trump’s Response: Trump criticized Tillis, calling him an “obstructionist” and suggesting the nomination may have to wait until Tillis retires.

• Fed Independence: Tillis emphasized the importance of central bank independence from “political interference or legal intimidation.”

  • Notable Quote [01:49]:

    "That kind of thinking is why he's no longer a senator. You know, he's going to be out of office. It's too bad. I always liked Senator Thomas, actually, but he did some things that were not smart and whatever. I mean, you know, if he doesn't approve, we'll just have to wait till somebody comes in that will approve it." — Donald Trump

  • Analysis [02:08]:

    "Jerome Powell says the White House is using the probe to pressure the Fed to cut interest rates." — Franco Ordonez (NPR)

3. Protests Against ICE

• Location: Demonstrations resumed in Los Angeles, with calls for a nationwide strike protesting the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown (notably in Minneapolis as well).

• Visuals: The LA protest near City Hall was described as “loud but peaceful,” with several hundred participants.

• Escalation: Marchers moved to a nearby site used to hold ICE detainees; police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

  • Notable Quotes:
    • [02:42] > "A general strike is the most powerful weapon that we have right now."
      — Katie Laffoon (protester)
    • [02:49] > "This is important because we have armed thugs invading an American city."
      — Dan Downer (video editor and protester)

4. South Carolina Measles Outbreak

• Scale: 847 confirmed cases—surpassing the previous major outbreak in West Texas (January–August of the previous year).

• Location: Centered in Spartanburg County, northwest South Carolina.

• Response: Over 440 people in quarantine; health officials urge vaccination.

  • Notable Quote [03:42]:

    "We did not anticipate that South Carolina case counts in a matter of only 16 weeks would would surpass the total number of cases reached in Texas over the course of seven months. So this is a milestone that we have reached in a relatively short period of time. Very unfortunately." — Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist

5. Skiing Legend Lindsey Vonn Injured Ahead of Olympics

• Incident: Vonn crashed during a downhill race in Switzerland, injuring her left knee.
• Olympic Context: The accident happened one week before the Winter Olympics; the race was canceled due to poor conditions after several crashes.
• Outlook: Despite the setback, Vonn stated her Olympic aspirations remain alive and she will undergo ongoing medical evaluations.
• Background: Vonn had previously retired in 2019 but returned after being inspired by the 2022 Beijing Games.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps and Attribution)

• Rep. Kevin Kiely (R): "We're going to have now two weeks to discuss. OK. What is the right way forward to focus ICE's mission… making sure that individuals who are here illegally and have a criminal record and pose a risk to public safety aren't threatening the safety of Americans." — [00:39]
• President Donald Trump: "That kind of thinking is why he's no longer a senator... if he doesn't approve, we'll just have to wait till somebody comes in that will approve it." — [01:49]
• Franco Ordonez (NPR): "Jerome Powell says the White House is using the probe to pressure the Fed to cut interest rates." — [02:08]
• Katie Laffoon (Protester): "A general strike is the most powerful weapon that we have right now." — [02:42]
• Dan Downer (Protester): "This is important because we have armed thugs invading an American city." — [02:49]
• Linda Bell (State Epidemiologist): "We did not anticipate that South Carolina case counts in a matter of only 16 weeks would surpass the total number of cases reached in Texas over the course of seven months. So this is a milestone that we have reached in a relatively short period of time. Very unfortunately." — [03:42]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Partial Government Shutdown & Immigration Talks: [00:15–01:31]
• Federal Reserve Nomination & Political Tension: [01:31–02:17]
• LA ICE Protests & Nationwide Strike Calls: [02:17–03:10]
• South Carolina Measles Outbreak: [03:10–04:14]
• Lindsey Vonn Injury Before Olympics: [04:14–04:55]

This concise episode captures a tense morning in US politics and society, from government gridlock and contentious nominations, to civil protest, public health emergencies, and developments in sports. Listeners receive a swift yet thorough briefing useful for staying informed.