NPR News Now: January 26, 2026, 3AM EST – Episode Summary

Main Theme
This concise NPR News Now episode delivers quick updates on major national and international events. The primary focus is on the political and social fallout from the Minneapolis shooting of ICU nurse Alex Preddy by federal agents, the latest on federal immigration enforcement, a severe winter storm in Massachusetts, a renewed ceasefire in northeast Syria, and escalating drone warfare in Russia-Ukraine.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Shooting & Immigration Enforcement

• President Trump’s Response ([00:16])
  • Trump indicates Immigration enforcement officials will eventually leave Minnesota but provides no specifics, while his administration reviews the Minneapolis shooting.
  • Quote: “Will come out with a determination.” (Trump to WSJ, quoted by host Doahly Sai Kowtow)
• Local Reaction & Atmosphere ([00:46])
  • Community grapples with grief and fear at a growing memorial for shooting victim Alex Preddy.
    • Quote: “What's happening here is beautiful and it brings a tear to my eyes. But sometimes I don't know if it's going to stay peaceful no more...and I don't know what's going to happen next. And it's scary.” — Local Resident [00:46]
• On-the-Ground Report ([01:04])
  • National Guard presence in Minneapolis: requested by the mayor, differentiated from immigration enforcement through distinct uniforms.
    • Quote: “They're wearing fluorescent vests to differentiate themselves from immigration enforcement officers...” — Liz Baker [01:04]
• Government Response
  • Senate Democrats consider risking a partial government shutdown to oppose spending bills funding ICE.
    • Quote: “They would risk a partial government shutdown rather than approve...' — Doahly Sai Kowtow [01:20]
  • Senator Tina Smith condemns the incident ([01:46])
    • Quote: “It really does feel in many ways a bit like a war zone. And that image of Alex Preddy being shot in the back by ICE agents when all he was trying to do was to help a woman who had been shoved down by them.” — Senator Tina Smith [01:46]
• Federal Perspective & Fallout
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims Preddy tried to “impede a law enforcement operation.”
  • Bipartisan calls for investigation into federal immigration enforcement.

2. Massive Winter Storm Hits Massachusetts ([02:16])

• Governor Maura Healey’s Emergency Guidance
  • Up to 2 feet of snow expected; urging residents to “stay indoors and hunker down.”
    • Quote: “This is the biggest storm we've seen in years...Visibility is going to be terrible.” — Maura Healey [02:32]
  • Emphasizes mutual aid: “I just ask that we look out for each other...particularly if you've got folks who are elderly nearby...” — Maura Healey [02:43]
• Precautionary Measures
  • Trucks banned from highways except essentials; non-essential state employees to work from home.

3. Nationwide Vigils for Alex Preddy ([03:08])

• Vigils and rallies held across U.S. states including Wisconsin, Maine, Illinois in memory of Alex Preddy.

4. Middle East: Syrian Ceasefire Extended ([03:39])

• Ceasefire Details
  • Syrian government and Kurdish forces prolong ceasefire in northeast Syria for 15 days after increased clashes.
    • Quote: “A ceasefire expired Saturday night, but now the two sides have renewed it for 15 days.” — Jane Araf [03:39]
  • U.S. permitted to transfer “most potentially dangerous ISIS prisoners” to Iraq.
  • Tens of thousands of ISIS affiliates still detained for years without charges.

5. Russia-Ukraine Tensions & Drone Warfare ([04:14])

• Russian Air Defenses Repel Drones
  • Russia claims destruction of at least 40 Ukrainian drones overnight; debris lands in Slavyansk on Kuban.
• Diplomatic Stalemate
  • Two days of trilateral (Russia, Ukraine, U.S.) peace talks in UAE end with “no details, no final conclusions.” Anticipation for further talks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Community Grief and Fear:
  “But sometimes I don't know if it's going to stay peaceful no more after someone just got executed in the street a couple blocks away...And it's scary.”
  — Local Resident [00:46]

• Call for Mutual Aid during Storm:
  “I just ask that we look out for each other, you know, particularly if you've got folks who are elderly nearby or maybe in need of a little assistance.”
  — Maura Healey [02:43]

• Senator Smith’s Outrage:
  “It really does feel in many ways a bit like a war zone...”
  — Senator Tina Smith [01:46]

Important Timestamps

• 00:16 — Lead headlines and introduction to the Minneapolis shooting.
• 00:46–01:04 — Listener testimony from Minneapolis, local scene description.
• 01:20–02:16 — Senate Democrats' shutdown threat and political reaction.
• 02:16–02:52 — Massachusetts storm preparations and official statements.
• 03:08 — National candlelight vigils for Alex Preddy.
• 03:39–04:14 — Syrian ceasefire and regional security update.
• 04:14–04:55 — Russia-Ukraine drone attack and diplomatic efforts.

Episode Tone

The coverage remains urgent and factual, presenting direct statements from impacted community members, officials, and politicians. Local emotion and uncertainty are foregrounded—particularly in the Minneapolis segments—while weather and international crises are handled with characteristic NPR clarity and gravity.