Apple News Today – Episode Summary
Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Shumita Basu
Main Theme:
The episode centers around the growing backlash against ICE and federal law enforcement after a second fatal shooting in Minneapolis, the resulting political and community response, and the implications for upcoming Congressional funding debates. Other segments include coverage of a historic winter storm impacting much of the U.S., international news regarding China and Venezuela, and a look ahead at Super Bowl 60.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Second Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents in Minneapolis
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Incident Overview (00:41)
- The fatal shooting of Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse with no criminal record, by a Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis is publicized through a widely viewed video.
- Preddy was reportedly carrying a permitted handgun but did not unholster it, as video analysis suggests.
- Officers are seen wrestling him to the ground and disarming him before at least one fires multiple shots.
"By now, many, if not most Americans have seen for themselves the video that captures the fatal shooting of 37 year old Alex Preddy, shot by a Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis over the week."
— Shumita Basu (00:41) -
Official Responses and Community Tensions (01:41 – 03:59)
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called Preddy’s actions “domestic terrorism,” offering no evidence before investigation.
- Minneapolis officials, including Mayor Jacob Fry and police chief Brian O’Hara, condemned federal actions and called for enforcement agents to leave the city.
“How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values?”
— Minneapolis official (02:09)- On-the-ground reporting from The Wall Street Journal’s Mariah Timms characterizes Preddy as a community-minded individual who was documenting federal actions alongside neighbors.
"He was out there filming with his neighbors...out there with whistles and camera and observing what these federal immigration officers are doing."
— Mariah Timms (03:18)- Preddy intervened when an immigration officer allegedly shoved and pepper-sprayed another person.
"They say he's someone who would do something like that, who would help others, and no one has any sense that he would have gone out there that day to try and cause chaos or violence or harm."
— Mariah Timms (03:59) -
Widespread Protests (04:12 – 05:10)
- Thousands protested in Minneapolis, with varied participation ranging from committed demonstrators to local residents.
"People were leaning out of their balconies to chant down at agents or observe what was happening... the general residents of Minneapolis have in many ways become involved in this response."
— Mariah Timms (04:20)- The strain on local policing is significant, with only 600 officers available.
"This police department has only 600 police officers. We are stretched incredibly thin. This is taking an enormous toll..."
— Minneapolis official (05:10) -
Legal and Political Fallout (05:26 – 06:48)
- A judge issued a temporary restraining order to prevent DHS from altering evidence.
- Local and state authorities were blocked from the crime scene by federal agents, causing further outrage.
- Calls for an independent investigation came from both Democrats and Republicans, with the NRA rebuking the Trump administration for “demonizing law abiding citizens.”
"Their attacks on Preddy provoked a rare rebuke from the NRA, the National Rifle Association, which accused the administration of demonizing law abiding citizens."
— Shumita Basu (06:35)- Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt questions the goals of ICE’s actions:
“We believe in federalism and state rights and nobody likes feds coming into their state. And so what's the goal right now? Is it to deport every single non US Citizen? I don't think that's what Americans want.”
— Gov. Kevin Stitt (06:48)
2. Political Tensions & Funding Debate
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Congressional Funding Fight (07:02 – 09:24)
- The Senate is considering a funding package with billions for ICE. Without 60 votes to pass, a government shutdown looms.
- Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and others vow to oppose funding for ICE due to recent incidents.
"They're now bigger than the FBI. And when they're killing two constituents in my state...No, I am not voting for this funding."
— Sen. Amy Klobuchar (07:52, 08:08)- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Chris Murphy echo strong opposition, calling for reforms and accountability within DHS.
“We cannot fund a Department of Homeland Security that is murdering American citizens, that is traumatizing little boys and girls all across the country in violation of the law.”
— Sen. Chris Murphy (08:26)- Independent Senator Angus King proposes separating DHS funding from other bills to avoid a shutdown.
"Take up DHS by itself. Let's have an honest negotiation, put some guardrails on what's going on, some accountability, and that would solve this problem."
— Sen. Angus King (09:10) -
Dramatic Growth of ICE (09:24)
- ICE’s budget skyrocketed to $85 billion in Trump’s second term, making it the highest funded law enforcement agency in the U.S.—now surpassing most countries' military budgets.
3. Historic National Winter Storm (09:24 – 13:24)
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Scope and Impact
- A massive winter storm led to over a million people without power, states of emergency in 23 states, and widespread disruptions.
- Officials across multiple states warned the situation may get worse before improving.
“Things are bad in a lot of areas across our state…it's more likely that things are going to get worse before they get better.”
— Gov. Tate Reeves (10:57) -
Personal Stories and Local Response (11:08 – 12:39)
- Nashville experienced significant power outages; residents describe personal property damage from the storm.
- NYC switched to remote learning for public schools.
"If you do see me, feel free to throw a snowball at me."
— NYC Mayor Sohran Mamdani to students (11:59)- Officials urge residents to stay off the roads to protect emergency responders.
"This is kind of a pajamas all day kind of day. You help save emergency responders lives when you stay home..."
— Gov. Matt Meyer (12:39) -
Warnings about Recovery and Ice Danger
- The National Weather Service warns the frigid conditions and slow thaw will prolong outages and hazardous conditions.
4. International Update & Super Bowl Preview (13:24 – End)
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China Nuclear Secrets Investigation
- China's top general, Zhang Yoshia, is being investigated for allegedly leaking nuclear secrets to the U.S.—an unprecedented purge of high command.
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Venezuela and U.S. Relations
- Venezuela freed at least 80 political prisoners amid U.S. pressure; the numbers and details remain in dispute.
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Super Bowl 60 Set
- Patriots vs. Seahawks, a rematch of Super Bowl 49, is confirmed after dramatic AFC and NFC championship games.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Fatal Federal Shooting in Minneapolis Begins: 00:41
- Official Community and Political Response: 01:41 – 07:02
- Congressional ICE Funding Debate: 07:02 – 09:24
- ICE Budget Growth: 09:24
- Winter Storm Coverage: 09:24 – 13:24
- International News & Super Bowl 60: 13:24 – End
Notable Quotes
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On the shooting and accountability:
"How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values?"
— Minneapolis official (02:09) -
On ICE’s size and power:
"They're now bigger than the FBI...No, I am not voting for this funding."
— Sen. Amy Klobuchar (07:52, 08:08) -
On community impact:
"People were leaning out of their balconies to chant down at agents or observe what was happening."
— Mariah Timms (04:20) -
On federal overreach:
“We believe in federalism and state rights and nobody likes feds coming into their state.”
— Gov. Kevin Stitt (06:48) -
On winter storm advice:
"This is kind of a pajamas all day kind of day. You help save emergency responders lives when you stay home..."
— Gov. Matt Meyer (12:39)
Tone and Style
The episode maintains a serious, urgent tone that reflects both the gravity of the fatal shooting and the national scope of the winter storm emergency. The reporting is factual, interspersed with impassioned and sometimes indignant direct quotes from officials and community witnesses. Shumita Basu’s narration is calm but pressing, emphasizing the importance of community trust, accountability, and the human aspect of major news events.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This episode offers a comprehensive account of a national reckoning with immigration enforcement and federal overreach, the growing political stakes tied to ICE’s future, and vivid firsthand glimpses into both local protest and extreme weather's toll across the U.S. The recap provides a window into the human consequences, political calculations, and community responses at the heart of today’s biggest headlines.