NPR News Now: January 26, 2026, 5AM EST

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode summarizes the most important headlines and developments from around the U.S. and beyond, focusing on severe winter weather, a controversial law enforcement incident, urgent legislative actions, changes to national health policy, and sporting highlights.

Major Themes & Topics

1. Severe Winter Storm in the Northeastern U.S.

• Widespread Impact:
  The ongoing winter storm causes snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Texas to New England, resulting in power outages and dangerous conditions for tens of millions.
• Mississippi’s Worst Ice Storm in Decades:
  Elise Gregg reports Northern Mississippi and the Delta are experiencing their harshest ice storm in over 30 years, with widespread road closures and power loss.
  • Notable Quote:
    “We got hardly any sleep just listening to the sound of trees cracking and popping and falling branches in the woods and in the yard. And just it's the eeriest, scariest sound, really.” – Kristen Hemmons, Oxford resident [01:00]
• Flight Cancellations:
  Over 11,000 airline flights are canceled due to the storm. [01:23]

2. Federal Immigration Enforcement & Deadly Shooting in Minneapolis

• Legal Challenge to Federal Enforcement:
  Minnesota and Minneapolis/St. Paul sue the Department of Homeland Security to halt a surge in immigration enforcement; federal judge to hear arguments. [01:23]
• Shooting of Alex Preddy:
  Two days prior, a man named Alex Preddy was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a protest in Minneapolis.
• Gun Rights Debate:
  • FBI Director Cash Patel says Preddy should not have had a gun; gun rights activists strongly disagree.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Disturbing that, you know, folks shouldn't bring firearms to protests, or as the FBI director seemed to state that persons can't bring firearms to protests in Minnesota, not accurate. Under state law, we have no such prohibition on folks carrying firearms as long as they have a Minnesota permit to carry.” — Brian Straw, Chairman, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus [02:12]
  • Police confirm Preddy had a valid permit and video evidence suggests Preddy neither brandished nor held the weapon during the incident. [02:30]
• Federal Perspective:
  The Trump administration alleges Preddy intended to murder federal agents, but video casts doubt on this claim.

3. Potential Government Shutdown

• Political Fallout from Shooting:
  • The Minneapolis shooting has prompted Senate Democrats to threaten a partial government shutdown if current funding for the Department of Homeland Security passes as is.
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota announces she can't support the funding package after the incident. [03:09]

4. Changes to Childhood Immunization Recommendations

• Conflicting Recommendations:
  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to recommend routine immunizations against 18 diseases, even after the CDC drops its longstanding recommendations for seven diseases (including RSV, hepatitis, meningitis, and the flu) under the Trump administration.
  • AAP Position:
    Continues to urge routine immunization for these diseases, with support from 12 other medical organizations.
  • CDC Position:
    Now advises parents to consult healthcare professionals individually. [03:30]
  • Notable Quote:
    “The pediatric academy's recommendation to continue routine immunization for these diseases is endorsed by 12 other medical groups.” – Rob Stein, NPR [03:30]

5. Sports & Economics Headlines

• Super Bowl 60 Matchup:
  Seattle Seahawks defeat Los Angeles Rams (31–27) for the NFC championship; New England Patriots beat Denver Broncos (107?) to win the AFC.
  Seahawks vs. Patriots will headline Super Bowl 60—a rematch of 11 years ago. [04:17]
• Federal Reserve Policy Outlook:
  The Fed is expected to maintain current interest rates at its meeting this week, following three quarter-point cuts late last year.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Winter Storm & Mississippi Impact: 00:16 – 01:23
• Flight Cancellations & Legal Challenge: 01:23 – 02:00
• Shooting & Gun Rights Debate: 02:00 – 02:44
• Potential Government Shutdown: 02:44 – 03:09
• Childhood Immunizations Update: 03:30 – 04:17
• Super Bowl & Federal Reserve News: 04:17 – 04:55

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On the Blizzard's Human Toll:
  “We got hardly any sleep just listening to the sound of trees cracking and popping... eeriest, scariest sound, really.” – Kristen Hemmons [01:00]
• On Second Amendment Rights at Protests:
  “Under state law, we have no such prohibition on folks carrying firearms as long as they have a Minnesota permit to carry.” — Brian Straw [02:12]
• On Shifting Health Guidelines:
  “The pediatric academy's recommendation to continue routine immunization for these diseases is endorsed by 12 other medical groups.” – Rob Stein [03:30]

Conclusion

This episode delivers urgent reporting on extreme weather, federal and local legal conflicts, controversial law enforcement actions, shifting national health guidelines, and a preview of American sports and economic policy—all within five brisk minutes.