NPR News: 01-31-2026 6AM EST
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. The U.S.
What caused the U.S. government shutdown on January 31, 2026?
government is partially shut down this morning after funding lapsed at midnight. The Senate passed a bipartisan spending deal last night, but the agreement still needs House approval. The lower chamber is not expected back in Washington until Monday. Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley says he supports the compromise.
We're going to have now two weeks to discuss, OK, what is the right way forward to focus ICE's mission on what I think most people believe ought to be the top priority, which is 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.
Democrats reached a deal with the White House this week after disputes over immigration funding. The package includes long-term spending bills and a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers say the short-term measure is meant to buy time for talks on immigration enforcement.
What are the implications of the Senate's bipartisan spending deal?
Republican Senator Tom Tillis says he'll oppose President Trump's nomination for chair of the Federal Reserve until the criminal investigation of the current chair, Jerome Powell, is resolved. NPR's Franco Ordonez reports Trump says they may need to wait until Tillis retires in about a year.
Senator Tillis calls Trump's pick to lead the Fed a qualified nominee with deep understanding of monetary policy. But he says the central bank's independence from political interference or legal intimidation is non-negotiable. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump called the North Carolina Republican an obstructionist.
That kind of thinking is why he's no longer a senator. He's going to be out of office. It's too bad. I always liked Senator Tillis, 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.
Jerome Powell says the White House is using the probe to pressure the Fed to cut interest rates. Franco Ordonez, NPR News, the White House.
Protests against immigration customs and enforcement agents resumed in Los Angeles on Friday. Steve Futterman reports demonstrators called for a nationwide strike to oppose the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
No justice!
The main protest in L.A. took place here in downtown near City Hall. It was loud but peaceful. Katie Laffoon was one of those taking part.
A general strike is the most powerful weapon that we have right now.
Stan Downer, a video editor, took the day off work to attend.
This is important because we have armed thugs invading an American city.
After the protest, several hundred marched to a nearby location where ICE detainees are often held. At one point, a type of pepper spray was used to disperse the crowd. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.
You're listening to NPR News from Washington. South Carolina has confirmed 847 measles cases, including 58 new cases since Tuesday. NPR's Maria Godoy reports the size of the state's outbreak has now surpassed the West Texas outbreak that spread from January to August of last year.
In a press conference this week, South Carolina State Epidemiologist Linda Bell said that health officials were surprised by the speed at which the outbreak was spreading.
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.
The outbreak is centered in Spartanburg County in the northwest part of the state. More than 440 people are currently in quarantine. Public health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against measles to help stop the spread. Maria Godoy, NPR News.
U.S. skiing legend Lindsey Vonn crashed during a downhill race in Switzerland Friday, injuring her left knee just one week before the Winter Olympics.
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