NPR News Now – January 26, 2026, 12PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR)
Runtime: 5 minutes
Episode Theme: Highlights of pressing national and international news, including legal challenges to U.S. immigration policy, severe winter storms, European energy security, childhood vaccination recommendations, and ongoing nurses’ labor actions.

Main Stories & Insights

1. Legal Challenge to Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

• [00:15–01:32]

• A federal judge in Minnesota is considering whether to pause the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in the state following the shooting of Alex Preddy, a U.S. citizen, by an ICE agent.

• Minneapolis, St. Paul, and state officials are suing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to halt enforcement.

• Incident Details:

  • Trump administration tried to portray Preddy as a domestic terrorist.
  • Border Patrol Chief Greg Bevino: "Preddy had a gun and was intent on massacring law enforcement" ([00:47], paraphrased).
  • Contrary to official claims, multiple videos reportedly show Preddy holding only a phone when tackled by at least six masked officers.
  • After being pinned face down, an officer appears to pull a gun from Preddy's waistband, and agents then shoot him multiple times.
  • City officials say Preddy had a lawful carry permit.
  • Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension alleges DHS blocked their investigation.
  • Judge issued a ruling preventing DHS from destroying or altering evidence related to the death.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “A federal judge has ruled that Homeland Security cannot destroy or alter evidence related to Preddy's death.” – Jasmine Garsd ([01:28])

2. Severe Winter Storms Impacting Over a Dozen States

• [01:32–02:16]

• A powerful weekend winter storm brought snow, sleet, and significant ice across the U.S.—with several fatalities and major disruptions.

• Consequences:

  • Widespread power outages in the southern states due to downed trees and power lines, particularly in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
  • Mixed precipitation left roads dangerous, “if not totally impassable” in the south.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “It left a coating of ice on roads and trees that made roads dangerous, if not totally impassable.” – Joel Rose ([01:57])

3. U.K. and European Clean Energy Pact

• [02:16–03:12]

• The U.K. has signed a landmark clean energy security pact with several European countries—aiming to fortify regional energy independence.

• Key Details:

  • The deal, signed in Germany, will add 100 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity in the North Sea.
  • Context: Post-Ukraine invasion, Europe is reducing reliance on Russian gas; U.S. gas imports fill some of the gap, but political tensions make this supply uncertain.
  • UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (joint op-ed): Calls for moving away from “the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets,” underscoring renewables as “the only route to security and prosperity.”

• Notable Quote:

  • “‘Renewables are the, quote, only route to security and prosperity.’” – (Ed Miliband, quoted by Lauren Frayer [02:56])

4. American Academy of Pediatrics Reaffirms Comprehensive Childhood Vaccinations

• [03:12–04:18]

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated guidance, maintaining 18 routine immunizations for children, despite recent Trump administration/CDC policy changes.

• Key Developments:

  • CDC recently dropped recommendations for routine childhood immunization against seven diseases, including RSV, hepatitis, meningitis, and flu, now advising consultation with healthcare providers instead.
  • The AAP’s stance is backed by 12 other leading medical groups, maintaining the importance of broad, routine childhood vaccinations.

• Highlighted Quote:

  • “The pediatric academy's recommendation to continue routine immunization for these diseases is endorsed by 12 other medical groups.” – Rob Stein ([04:12])

5. Nursing Strikes in New York, California, and Hawaii

• [04:18–04:55]
• Nurses are on strike at multiple New York City hospital systems, with gains on benefits but ongoing disputes over pay and workplace safety.
• Over 30,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses and health professionals in California and Hawaii are set to strike.
• Major issues:
  • Pay and staffing levels are the primary points of contention; some progress achieved regarding preserving healthcare benefits.
• Quick Market Update:
  • Dow up 134 points, S&P up 37.

Timestamps & Notable Moments

• [00:15] Main newscast begins – Windsor Johnston introduces headlines.
• [00:47] Jasmine Garsd details the federal immigration lawsuit and Preddy shooting.
• [01:54] Joel Rose reports on southern ice storm; notable quote about “totally impassable” roads.
• [02:32] Lauren Frayer covers the U.K./EU renewable energy pact; Ed Miliband quote.
• [03:30] Rob Stein summarizes the AAP vaccination recommendations vs. new CDC guidance.
• [04:18] Nursing strike coverage and Wall Street market update.

Overall Tone

Uplifting in coverage of international clean energy collaboration, but serious regarding U.S. legal and healthcare news. Language is factual, reserved, and focused, maintaining NPR's signature concise style.

For listeners:
This concise episode touches on pressing legal, environmental, health, and labor issues shaping the U.S. and global landscape as of late January 2026.