NPR News Now – January 31, 2026, 9AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR News)
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest headlines, focusing on a partial U.S. government shutdown, ongoing debates over immigration and law enforcement practices, widespread protests sparked by a fatal shooting, an environmental crisis facing the Great Salt Lake, and severe winter weather.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Government Shutdown and Immigration Funding

• [00:15-01:11]
  • The federal government experienced a partial shutdown after funding expired at midnight.
  • Senate passed a bipartisan funding bill, but the House is not set to consider it until Monday.
  • The agreement includes:
    • Long-term spending bills
    • A two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security
  • Lawmakers intend to use the short-term measure to negotiate over immigration enforcement.
  • Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley on prioritizing immigration enforcement:
    • Quote [00:40]:
      “We’re going to have now two weeks to discuss. OK. What is the right way forward to focus ICE’s mission on...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.”

2. Debate Over Law Enforcement Mask-Wearing

• [01:11-02:03]
  • Senate Democrats urge the Trump administration to stop allowing immigration officers to wear masks.
  • States’ Efforts:
    • California led a move to ban facial coverings for police—now facing a federal court challenge.
    • Trump administration claims agents need masks to protect personal safety (“avoid being doxed”) and calls state bans unconstitutional.
  • California State Senator Scott Weiner on mask bans:
    • Quote [01:54]:
      “These masks create an air of impunity and we have to get rid of them.”
  • Over a dozen states are considering similar legislation; Washington state Senate passed a ban this week.

3. Nationwide Protests Following Shooting in Minneapolis

• [02:09-03:11]
  • Student activists organize a national strike after federal immigration officers fatally shot Alex Preddy in Minneapolis.
  • Hundreds protested across the U.S., including demonstrations led by high school students in Oakland, CA.
  • Parent Erin Palacios expresses concern over the impact on children:
    • Quote [02:47]:
      “It just feels terribly unfair to watch people going through this and to have our kids being made afraid by what they’re hearing on the news. And honestly, it’s a little bit just—we’d like a democracy left to leave them.”
  • Parents observe their children’s anxiety and questions arising from federal immigration crackdowns.

4. Environmental Rally Over the Great Salt Lake Crisis

• [03:11-04:09]
  • Environmentalists gather at the Utah Capitol, urging state Republican leaders and Governor Spencer Cox to enforce water cuts.
  • The Great Salt Lake has shrunk to half its historical size due to a megadrought.
  • Despite decent snow the previous two years, forecasts predict a record-low water level by fall.
  • Dust storms from the lakebed are increasing air pollution; concerns exist for neighborhoods, businesses, and the region's ski industry.

5. Severe Winter Weather and Storm Impacts

• [04:09-04:43]
  • A powerful nor’easter will bring snow, cold, and coastal flooding from the Southeast U.S. through New England this weekend.
  • In Tennessee, tens of thousands remain without power after last weekend’s storm.
  • Brandon Whitlock, Nashville Electric Service:
    • Quote [04:29]:
      “Well, there are still areas of our system that we’re working our way into, and that adds a complexity layer to how long is it going to take? I don’t know how much it is. Still, I’m working through those things and we’re doing it as quickly as possible.”
  • The storm’s worst effects are expected in eastern Georgia, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia through Sunday.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kevin Kiley ([00:40]):
  “We’re going to have now two weeks to discuss...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.”
• Scott Weiner ([01:54]):
  “These masks create an air of impunity and we have to get rid of them.”
• Erin Palacios ([02:47]):
  “It just feels terribly unfair to watch people going through this and to have our kids being made afraid...We’d like a democracy left to leave them.”
• Brandon Whitlock ([04:29]):
  “There are still areas of our system that we’re working our way into, and that adds a complexity layer to how long is it going to take...we’re doing it as quickly as possible.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:15–01:11 — U.S. government shutdown, funding deal, immigration debate
• 01:11–02:03 — Law enforcement mask bans and state-level legislation
• 02:09–03:11 — Protests over Alex Preddy shooting, parent and community response
• 03:11–04:09 — Great Salt Lake crisis, drought, and environmental rally
• 04:09–04:43 — Severe winter weather, power outages, utility response

This episode succinctly covers key national stories: the partisan gridlock over government funding and immigration, challenges to police transparency, heightened activism around a high-profile ICE shooting, urgent climate concerns in Utah, and the ongoing havoc of winter storms—all through direct reporting and voices from those affected.