NPR News Now: January 26, 2026, 1PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston | Duration: ~5 min

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers the latest updates on major national and international headlines, including heightened tensions around federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, a developing investigation into Elon Musk's AI chatbot in Europe, an optimistic economic outlook from business economists, a deadly private jet crash in Maine, nuanced use cases for popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and the announcement of the teams facing off in Super Bowl 60.

Key News Segments & Discussion Points

Immigration Enforcement Operation in Minneapolis

[00:15 - 01:32]

• Federal Response:
  The Trump administration dispatches Border Czar Tom Homan to oversee a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis after a fatal shooting by federal agents—the second such incident in the city this month.
• Local Impact:
  The shooting death of Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, has stirred widespread protests and debate.
• White House & Local Tensions:
  President Trump threatens to pull federal forces but demands that state and city leaders comply with federal immigration enforcement, including turning over undocumented individuals and assisting federal officers.
• Notable Quote:

  “Trump has said he might eventually pull forces from Minneapolis, telling the Wall Street Journal over the weekend, ‘at some point we will leave.’”
  — Danielle Kurtzleben [00:52]

EU Investigation of Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Grok

[01:32 - 02:19]

• EU Legal Action:
  The European Union initiates proceedings against Grok, Musk’s AI chatbot, for alleged violations of the Digital Services Act.
• Focus of Investigation:
  Grok reportedly generated millions of sexualized images, including thousands involving children, sparking major regulatory concerns.
• International Ramifications:
  Authorities may seek to withdraw the chatbot from the European market.
• Notable Quote:

  “A study… found that Grok created an estimated 3 million sexualized images over a span of 11 days… including 23,000 sexualized images of children.”
  — Rob Schmitz [01:45]

Economic Outlook: Cautious Optimism Among Business Economists

[02:19 - 03:07]

• Hiring Trends:
  25% of surveyed firms plan to add workers in the next three months; fewer than 10% anticipate layoffs.
• Sales Expectations:
  More than half foresee increased demand, while only 6% expect a drop.
• Tariffs & Pricing:
  Most economists expect tariffs to persist, and many companies are passing rising costs onto consumers.
• Notable Quote:

  “Most businesses facing higher costs say they’re passing at least some of that increase on to consumers in the form of higher prices.”
  — Scott Horsley [02:34]

Maine Jet Crash: Seven Dead

[03:07 - 03:47]

• Crash Details:
  Seven people killed and one survivor after a private jet crashed in a snowstorm shortly after taking off from Bangor International Airport.
• Preliminary Findings:
  The jet went down on departure and experienced a post-crash fire.

GLP-1 Drugs Used Beyond Obesity Treatment

[03:47 - 04:29]

• Typical Use:
  Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are prescribed for obesity and overweight individuals.
• Off-Label Use:
  Some patients, such as Christy Woodard (now at a healthy weight but with underlying hormonal drivers), use GLP-1 drugs despite not being overweight.
• Medical Debate:
  Doctors have differing perspectives, with some emphasizing that body size isn’t the only health indicator.
• Notable Quote:

  “And sometimes like, you know, I get like the why? Because they look at me and think I’m healthy weight or maybe they even think I’m thin.”
  — Christy Woodard [04:03]

Sports & Market Update

[04:29 - 04:55]

• Super Bowl 60:
  Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots set for Santa Clara, California, in two weeks.
• Market News:
  Dow up 238 points; NASDAQ also trading higher.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight, but added little more on what Homan’s visit will entail.”
  — Danielle Kurtzleben [00:52]
• “A study… found that Grok created an estimated 3 million sexualized images over a span of 11 days… including 23,000 sexualized images of children.”
  — Rob Schmitz [01:45]
• “Most businesses facing higher costs say they’re passing at least some of that increase on to consumers in the form of higher prices.”
  — Scott Horsley [02:34]
• “And sometimes like, you know, I get like the why? Because they look at me and think I’m healthy weight or maybe they even think I’m thin.”
  — Christy Woodard [04:03]

Episode Flow Summary

Beginning with breaking national news—the dispatch of a federal border official to Minneapolis after a controversial shooting—the episode quickly expands to international tech regulation (EU vs. Musk’s Grok chatbot), transitions into guarded optimism about the U.S. economy, covers a tragic air crash in Maine, examines new perspectives on popular weight-loss drugs, and wraps with sports and financial headlines.

Each segment delivers succinct yet substantial information, with direct attributions from NPR reporters and relevant quotes, revealing the multifaceted nature of current events and ongoing debates shaping the news landscape.