NPR News Now – 01-26-2026 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode covers the latest breaking headlines, including:

• Developments in Gaza following the return of the last Israeli hostage's body
• Federal and public backlash against President Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota
• A massive winter storm's sweeping impacts across the US
• How schools are handling snow days post-pandemic
• Labor news with major nurse strike updates and another healthcare strike out West
• A lighter closing note on Oscar Meyer’s Weenie 500 event at the Indy 500

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Israel Retrieves Last Hostage’s Body, Opening Door to Ceasefire

[00:11-01:14]

• Reporter: Daniel Estrin (Jerusalem)
• Details:
  • The Israeli military has recovered the last Israeli hostage’s body from Gaza, Ron Gvili, a 24-year-old special forces policeman killed in the October 7th, 2023 attack.
  • Recovery came after a special search operation based on “acting intelligence” in a northern Gaza cemetery.
  • This marks the end of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, with Israel signaling a willingness to reopen the border crossing with Egypt.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Hamas captured 251 living and dead hostages from Israel in the October 7, 2023 attack. Now the last one has been returned… This marks the end of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire.”
    (Daniel Estrin, 00:29-01:09)

2. Federal Judge Reviews Trump Immigration Crackdown Amid Rising Tension

[01:14-02:29]

• Reporter: Mara Liasson
• Details:
  • A federal judge is hearing a case on restraining President Trump’s immigration policies in Minnesota after a second fatal protester shooting by federal agents (ICE) in Minneapolis.
  • Trump is sending border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis, facing growing opposition among voters and Congress.
  • Senate Democrats threaten to withhold DHS funding over ICE tactics; public opinion is shifting, with a New York Times poll citing only 36% approval of ICE operations and 61% believing ICE “had gone too far.”
  • The backlash is especially notable with midterm elections looming, even though Trump himself isn’t on the ballot.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Senate Democrats say they will not vote for a bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security. This comes at a time when President Trump’s approval ratings are dropping.”
    (Mara Liasson, 01:40-01:56)
  • “According to a new New York Times poll, only 36% of voters approve of the way ICE is doing its job. 61% said ICE had, quote, gone too far.”
    (Mara Liasson, 02:10-02:23)

3. Massive Winter Storm Impacts Vary Across U.S.

[02:29-03:05]

• Reporter: Joel Rose
• Details:
  • The recent winter storm brought varied effects—snow in some areas, sleet and freezing rain in others.
  • In the South, major ice accumulation has made roads hazardous and caused widespread power outages, especially in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
• Notable Quote:
  • “In much of the south, it left a coating of ice on roads and trees... left hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power.”
    (Joel Rose, 02:48-03:04)

4. From Virtual Snow Days to Sledding—School Closures Respond to the Storm

[03:24-04:06]

• Reporter: Amy Held
• Details:
  • School districts differ in their response: some closed schools outright, embracing the joy of a classic snow day; others switched to mandatory virtual learning.
  • Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington emphasized the value of fun in inclement weather: “Sledding is appropriate. Snow angels are appropriate. One or two safe and fun snowball fights.” (03:38)
  • New York City kept schools remote: Mayor Zoran Mamdani apologized to students looking forward to a traditional snow day, as virtual classes continued.
  • Districts are weighing the pros and cons of remote learning, with concerns about access and effectiveness leading some to ban the practice.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Sledding is appropriate. Snow angels are appropriate. One or two safe and fun snowball fights.”
    (Tony Watlington, 03:38-03:44)
  • “Have to apologize to the students that were hoping for a traditional snow day. That will not be the case.”
    (Zoran Mamdani, 03:48-03:52)

5. Labor News: Progress in NYC Nurse Strike, New Action in Health Care Out West

[04:06-04:32]

• Reporter: Korva Coleman
• Details:
  • 15,000 striking New York City nurses reach agreements with two hospital systems to maintain health benefits amid demands for higher wages and better security.
  • Unionized workers at Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii are also striking for similar reasons.

6. A Light Note: Oscar Meyer’s ‘Weenie 500’ Returns

[04:32-04:53]

• Reporter: Korva Coleman
• Details:
  • Oscar Meyer will reprise its popular 'Weenie 500' event—six wienermobiles racing at the Indianapolis 500 in May.
  • The reigning champion, the Slaw Dogmobile, returns to defend its title.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Israel hostage update and ceasefire: 00:11 – 01:14
• Immigration crackdown backlash: 01:14 – 02:29
• Winter storm impacts: 02:29 – 03:05
• School snow day decisions: 03:24 – 04:06
• Labor and healthcare strikes: 04:06 – 04:32
• Oscar Meyer’s Weenie 500: 04:32 – 04:53

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “This marks the end of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire. It paves the way for another big step.”
  Daniel Estrin, 01:05

• “Sledding is appropriate. Snow angels are appropriate. One or two safe and fun snowball fights.”
  Tony Watlington, 03:38

• “Have to apologize to the students that were hoping for a traditional snow day. That will not be the case.”
  Zoran Mamdani, 03:48

Summary

This NPR News Now segment offers a concise but comprehensive roundup of national and international news, blending hard-hitting updates with moments of humanity and even a bit of humor. Whether it’s the aftermath of armed conflict, political pushback on immigration, the challenge of extreme weather, or the realities of labor organizing, the episode skillfully delivers the key stories shaping January 26, 2026.