NPR News Now: 01-24-2026 3PM EST

Host: Luis Schiavone
Date: January 24, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode offers a concise roundup of the day’s major U.S. news stories, spanning civil unrest in Minneapolis after a fatal shooting involving federal agents, severe winter weather preparations, volatile markets after President Trump’s recent actions, a new San Francisco childcare initiative, and a FEMA staffing policy reversal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Protests After Deadly Shooting Involving Federal Agents

• [00:14] The episode opens with reports from a frigid Minneapolis, where protests erupted after a 37-year-old man died in a confrontation with immigration agents.
• Details from the Scene (Meg Anderson):
  • Police reported multiple gunshot wounds; the man was pronounced dead at the hospital.
  • DHS claims the man was armed and that agents acted out of fear for their lives.
  • Contradictory video evidence shows multiple agents pinning the man down and then firing.
• Mayor Jacob Fry’s Response:
  • Expressed strong disapproval of federal actions in his city.
  • Quote [00:55]:

    “To everyone listening, stand with Minneapolis. Stand up for America. Recognize that your children will ask you what side you were on.” — Jacob Fry, Mayor of Minneapolis

  • Officials urge peaceful protest.
• Federal vs. Local Narratives (Luis Schiavone):
  • President Trump posts that the victim was carrying a loaded gun with two full magazines and criticizes local police constraints.
  • Gregory Bovino (U.S. Border Patrol) contends that agents tried to disarm a “violently resistant” suspect.
  • Mayor Fry disputes the Trump administration’s description; investigation ongoing.

2. Severe Winter Weather Across the Nation

• [01:54] As a storm approaches, cities prepare emergency measures.
  • Mayor Zoran Mandani (NYC) [01:54]:
    • All highways/major roadways brined.
    • Teachers and school staff prepping for possible remote learning.
    • Quote:

      “DSNY workers have brined every highway and major roadway in our city. Teachers and public school staff have made sure that students have the devices they will need to learn from should classes be held remotely on Monday.”

  • Airlines cancel thousands of flights.

3. Market Turbulence Linked to President Trump’s Policy Shifts

• [02:09] President Trump’s reversal on Greenland tariffs caused significant Wall Street volatility.
• Rafael Nam (NPR finance correspondent) [02:17]:
  • Trump threatens tariffs on European allies unless U.S. gains control of Greenland; markets tumble.
  • He later backs down, agrees to ambiguous “framework,” and stocks partially recover.
  • Memorable Phrase:

    “Trump always chickens out. It’s a phrase the president deeply dislikes. But Wall street investors stand by what they call the taco trade, like this week.”

  • Dow Jones/S&P end with small losses; could have been worse.

4. San Francisco Expands Childcare Access

• [03:01] New city plan broadens free childcare eligibility to families earning less than $230,000/year.
  • Daisy Nguyen (KQED) [03:32]:
    • 50% subsidy for families up to 200% area median income.
    • Unique to SF: eligibility based on local, not federal, poverty levels.
    • Funded by a voter-approved tax.
  • Mayor Daniel Lurie [03:44]:

    “This is going to remove a huge burden for working parents. We’re going to be the first major city in the nation to actually get this done.”

5. FEMA Suspends Controversial Worker Terminations

• [04:16] Amid winter storm response, FEMA halts automatic termination of disaster workforce contract staff.
  • Policy of terminating staff at contract end drew criticism due to unpredictable disaster timing.
  • An internal email confirms the change; FEMA says staff needs fluctuate with emergencies.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jacob Fry (Minneapolis Mayor) [00:55]:

  “Stand up for America. Recognize that your children will ask you what side you were on.”

• Zoran Mandani (NYC Mayor) [01:54]:

  “Teachers and public school staff have made sure that students have the devices they will need to learn from should classes be held remotely on Monday…”

• Rafael Nam (NPR) [02:17]:

  “Trump always chickens out. It’s a phrase the president deeply dislikes. But Wall street investors stand by what they call the taco trade, like this week.”

• Daniel Lurie (San Francisco Mayor) [03:44]:

  “We’re going to be the first major city in the nation to actually get this done.”

Segment Timestamps

• [00:14] Minneapolis protest and shooting coverage
• [01:16] President Trump’s and DHS officials’ statements on Minneapolis incident
• [01:54] NYC’s winter weather response and airline cancellations
• [02:09] Stock market reactions to Trump’s Greenland tariff reversal
• [03:01] San Francisco expands free and subsidized childcare
• [04:16] FEMA reverses course on contract terminations

This summary captures the urgent and concise nature of NPR News Now, highlighting the day’s key crises, government responses, and economic developments, while weaving in voices of political and community leaders.