NPR News Now – January 26, 2026, 10AM EST
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This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major national and international news stories from the morning of January 26, 2026. Key topics include tensions over federal enforcement in Minneapolis, ongoing winter storms affecting large portions of the U.S., economic updates as investors await Federal Reserve signals, developments on Israeli hostages, a new Ukraine-U.S. security deal, a European investigation into Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, and the passing of a global public health leader.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Federal Response and Minneapolis Unrest (00:19 – 01:33)
- President Trump’s Directive: President Trump is sending Border Czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis, with the intention for him to report on local conditions. This move comes amid heightened tensions following federal immigration crackdowns and the shooting of protester Alex Preddy.
- Police Association Response: The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association requests a meeting with the President, expressing alarm at the heightened stress in Minnesota's communities.
- Federal Hearing: A federal judge is considering limiting federal agents’ tactics following the killing of Alex Preddy by federal officers.
- Reporting on the Shooting (Jasmine Garst, Minneapolis):
- Federal officials label Preddy a "domestic terrorist," claiming he was armed and threatening law enforcement.
- Contradicting video evidence shows Preddy holding only a phone before being tackled and fatally shot.
- Preddy held a lawful permit to carry.
- Department of Homeland Security has blocked local investigators. A judge has ordered that no evidence regarding Preddy's death be destroyed or altered.
Notable Quote:
"But multiple videos show Preddy holding a phone in his hand. At least six masked federal officers tackle him, beat him, and pin him face down on the ground."
— Jasmine Garst, NPR (01:05)
2. Ongoing Winter Storm and Regional Impact (01:33 – 02:02)
- Storm Aftermath: New England continues to face the brunt of the massive winter storm; southern states experienced ice storms, causing power outages to over 800,000 customers.
- Mississippi’s Response: Governor Tate Reeves urges the public to prioritize community safety as conditions may worsen.
Notable Quote:
“It’s more likely that things are going to get worse before they get better. And we want to make sure that everyone first and foremost across the state takes care and reaches out to their friends and their family and their neighbors.”
— Gov. Tate Reeves, Mississippi (01:48)
3. Financial News: Federal Reserve and Durable Goods (02:02 – 02:56)
- Market Watch: Stocks opened higher as investors await the Federal Reserve's midweek meeting. The central bank is expected to maintain interest rates but may hint at future cuts.
- Economic Tensions: The Fed faces a balancing act between supporting the job market and controlling inflation.
- Durable Goods Report: Delayed data shows a 5%+ rise in durable goods orders, primarily from a boost in civilian aircraft sales.
- Travel Disruptions: The winter storm led to the cancellation of nearly 30% of all Sunday flights—the worst travel disruption since the pandemic.
Notable Quote:
“The Fed is trying to strike a balance between lower rates to boost the sluggish job market and higher rates to battle stubborn inflation.”
— Scott Horsley, NPR (02:23)
4. International Updates (02:56 – 04:22)
a) Israel and Hostage Crisis
- The Israeli military has identified and returned the remains of Ron Gavili, the last deceased hostage from the October 7, 2023 conflict.
b) Ukraine-U.S. Security Agreement
- President Zelenskyy announces that a security pact with the U.S. is ready to be signed following negotiations involving Ukrainian, American, and Russian officials.
c) EU vs. Musk’s AI Chatbot “Grok” (03:41 – 04:22)
- EU Legal Action: The European Commission is opening proceedings against Elon Musk’s “Grok” chatbot for potential violations of EU digital safety laws, including the proliferation of harmful content.
- Findings from Investigation: Grok allegedly generated around 3 million sexualized images—including 23,000 images of children—between late December and January.
Notable Quote:
“The proceedings aimed to force Musk to withdraw his company’s chatbot from the European market.”
— Rob Schmitz, NPR (04:01)
5. In Memoriam: Dr. William Foege (04:22 – 04:56)
- Dr. William Foege, renowned for leading the global fight against smallpox, has passed away at 89.
- Foege pioneered the “ring method” of vaccination, instrumental in eradicating smallpox, and also served as Director of the CDC.
Notable Quote:
“Foege and colleagues developed a ring method to contain smallpox in the 1960s by identifying every case and then vaccinating everyone the patient came into contact with. This helped eradicate smallpox from the world.”
— Korva Coleman, NPR (04:32)
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- “[Multiple videos show Preddy holding a phone in his hand. At least six masked federal officers tackle him, beat him, and pin him face down on the ground.]” — Jasmine Garst, (01:05)
- “[It’s more likely that things are going to get worse before they get better… take care and reach out to their friends and their family and their neighbors.]” — Gov. Tate Reeves, Mississippi (01:48)
- “[The Fed is trying to strike a balance between lower rates to boost the sluggish job market and higher rates to battle stubborn inflation.]” — Scott Horsley, NPR (02:23)
- “[The proceedings aimed to force Musk to withdraw his company’s chatbot from the European market.]” — Rob Schmitz, NPR (04:01)
- “[Foege and colleagues developed a ring method to contain smallpox in the 1960s by identifying every case and then vaccinating everyone the patient came into contact with. This helped eradicate smallpox from the world.]” — Korva Coleman, NPR (04:32)
Timestamps for Reference
- Pres. Trump sends border czar to Minneapolis – 00:19
- Protester Alex Preddy shooting, federal hearing – 00:47
- Minnesota winter storm, outages – 01:33
- Governor Reeves’ statement – 01:48
- Federal Reserve meeting anticipation, economic report – 02:15
- Flight cancellations due to storm – 02:50
- Israeli hostage update, Ukrainian security deal – 02:56
- EU proceedings against Musk's chatbot – 03:41
- Dr. William Foege’s passing – 04:22
This summary captures the coverage and tone of the NPR News Now 10AM update, providing a quick yet thorough look at the day’s critical events for listeners on the go.