NPR News Now – January 26, 2026, 1AM EST

Host: Doualisai Kautel
Podcast: NPR News Now
Main Theme:
A five-minute update on the top stories in U.S. law enforcement, extreme weather across the country, Middle East diplomacy, major NFL news, and economic impacts abroad.

1. FBI, Federal Agents, and the Killing of Alex Preddy

Timestamps: 00:16 – 01:17

• Story Summary:
  FBI Director Kash Patel publicly defended the actions of federal immigration officers after the fatal shooting of Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen. The controversy centers on whether Preddy’s lawful gun possession justified the use of lethal force.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Kash Patel (FBI Director) Defends Agents:
    • On Fox News Sunday, Patel argued Preddy broke the law by bringing a loaded firearm to a protest.
    • Quote (Kash Patel, 00:43):
      "You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple. You don't have that right to break the law."
  • Contradictory Evidence:
    • NPR could not verify claims that Preddy brandished his weapon.
    • Video evidence reportedly shows Preddy was killed after being disarmed.
  • Call for Investigation:
    • GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski demanded an independent investigation and congressional hearings.
    • Quote (Sen. Murkowski, read by Lou Garrett, 01:10):
      "Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American."

2. Major Winter Storm Disrupts Power and Travel in Southern and Northeastern U.S.

Timestamps: 01:17 – 02:13

• Story Summary:
  A powerful winter storm is moving from the Southern U.S. into the Northeast, causing widespread power outages and severe travel disruptions.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Scale of Impact:
    • Nearly 1 million homes and businesses are without power.
    • Storm shifted from snow to sleet and freezing rain, creating hazardous conditions.
  • Travel Disruption:
    • Around 11,000 flight cancellations over the weekend.
  • Kentucky Focus:
    • Governor Andy Beshear warned that lingering ice would keep conditions dangerous beyond the immediate snowfall.
    • Quote (Gov. Andy Beshear, 01:48):
      "I wouldn't think of it that way. I wouldn't think of it being gone because if it dumps a ton of ice and it gets really cold, that ice is going to stay and it's going to stick. And so you ought to think about the difficult and dangerous conditions."

3. U.S. Diplomatic Push on Gaza; Regional Tensions

Timestamps: 02:13 – 03:11

• Story Summary:
  Senior U.S. envoys met with Israel’s leadership to discuss the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza and the critical issue of border crossings, against a backdrop of increased Mideast military activity.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Envoys in Israel:
    • Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with PM Benjamin Netanyahu about plans to reopen Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt.
    • Discussions aim to allow better movement for Palestinians.
    • Reopening is pending despite Israeli concerns about outstanding hostage issues.
  • U.S. Military Posture:
    • Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command met with Israel’s army chief amidst U.S. military buildup and Trump’s threatened strikes on Iran.

• Notable Quote (Daniel Estrin, 02:40):
  "The border is expected to open this week despite Israeli opposition, as the last Israeli hostage body in Gaza still has not been recovered."

4. Seahawks and Patriots Head to Super Bowl

Timestamps: 03:11 – 04:06

• Story Summary:
  The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots clinch their places in the next Super Bowl, each with dramatic playoff victories and noteworthy storylines.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Seahawks Upswing:
    • Fired longtime coach and rebuilt with new leadership and quarterback Sam Darnold.
    • Finished the season 14–3 and aim for a second Super Bowl title.
  • Patriots Resurgence:
    • Playing for their seventh title after a six-year Super Bowl drought.
    • Overcame harsh weather (heavy snow) and injury setbacks to edge out the Denver Broncos.
    • New quarterback Drake May led the team to victory.

• Notable Moments:

  • Quote (Becky Sullivan, 03:47):
    "The Seahawks went 14–3 and now have a chance at their second ever super bowl title. The Patriots will be playing for their seventh."
  • Patriots win in snowstorm; Broncos’ backup QB plays after starter's injury.

5. Mali Implements Fuel Rationing Amid Security Crisis

Timestamps: 04:06 – 04:55

• Story Summary:
  Mali's government announces fuel rationing to address a nationwide shortage caused by militant attacks, coinciding with the lead-up to Ramadan.

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Cause of Shortage:
    • Attacks by al Qaeda-linked groups have hampered fuel supply routes.
  • Timetable Uncertain:
    • No official date for rationing, but Ramadan (mid-February) will bring increased travel needs.
  • Government Rationale:
    • Mali's commerce minister says rationing is critical for moving from "crisis management to long term market stability."

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Kash Patel (FBI Director, 00:43):
  "You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple. You don't have that right to break the law."

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (quoted by Lou Garrett, 01:10):
  "Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American."

• Gov. Andy Beshear (01:48):
  "I wouldn't think of it that way... if it dumps a ton of ice and it gets really cold, that ice is going to stay and it's going to stick. And so you ought to think about the difficult and dangerous conditions."

• Daniel Estrin (02:40):
  "The border is expected to open this week despite Israeli opposition, as the last Israeli hostage body in Gaza still has not been recovered."

• Becky Sullivan (03:47):
  "The Seahawks went 14–3 and now have a chance at their second ever super bowl title. The Patriots will be playing for their seventh."

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode maintains a brisk and factual tone, characteristic of NPR’s hourly news updates. Reports are concise, prioritizing essential details and direct voices from officials and correspondents. The language is formal, urgent, and occasionally somber, especially regarding issues of public safety and conflict.

This concise summary covers the top U.S. and global stories in politics, weather, sports, and international affairs as reported in this hourly NPR News Now update.