NPR News Now – January 26, 2026, 5PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: 5 minutes
Summary Prepared By: Podcast Summarizer AI

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode delivers a succinct roundup of major national and international news events as of January 26, 2026. Stories span federal immigration actions in Minnesota, an ongoing national winter storm crisis, concerns about CDC health data transparency, the largest U.S. Winter Olympics team in history, the geopolitical role of the Rafah crossing in Gaza, and a surge of demand for K-pop band BTS in Mexico.

Key Headlines and Insights

1. Federal Immigration Actions Escalate in Minnesota

Time Stamp: 00:13–01:21

• Federal Response: Minnesota Governor Tim Walls announced that Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino will depart the state, as the Trump administration sends border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to oversee federal immigration enforcement operations.

• Presidential Oversight: President Trump insists Homan will report directly to him, signaling direct White House engagement amid local tensions.

• Fatal Shooting Fallout: The move follows widespread outrage and protests over the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Preddy (age 37) by federal agents, with videos of the incident circulating online.

• Presidential Demands: Trump’s social media posts outlined conditions for potential withdrawal, including demands for state and city leaders to assist in handing over undocumented individuals and supporting federal apprehension efforts.

  “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight.”
  — Donald Trump, via social media [00:41]

  “At some point we will leave.”
  — Donald Trump, interview with The Wall Street Journal [00:41]

2. Deadly Winter Storm Grips U.S.

Time Stamp: 01:21–02:21

• Impact Scope: A severe winter storm has led to at least 25 deaths, stretching the effects of ice, sleet, and snow from New Mexico to the eastern seaboard.

• National Emergency: Nearly half of the U.S. population faces bitter cold, with subzero lows expected to persist through the week.

• Life-Threatening Cold: Jay Grimes, Louisiana state meteorologist, states:

  “Even though we’re done with the freezing rain, the sleet and the snow, we’re still a long way from being out of the woods in terms of the cold. The dangerous and potentially deadly cold will continue through the week.”
  — Jay Grimes [01:55]

• Power Outages & Infrastructure: Over a million customers lost power at the storm’s peak, and travel has been severely disrupted.

3. CDC Health Database Updates Stalled

Time Stamp: 02:21–03:07

• Data Transparency Warning: The CDC has stopped or delayed updates to nearly half (46%) of its 82 key health databases, many of which track vaccination, respiratory disease, and drug overdose data.

• Potential Reasons: The Health and Human Services Department attributes some lapses to ongoing efforts to consolidate databases.

• Researcher Findings: This information was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

  “At least half, 46%, had stopped updating... Most of the PAWS databases had been tracking vaccinations, respiratory diseases or drug overdoses.”
  — Rob Stein [02:30]

4. Economic Brief: Markets and Gaza Border Update

Time Stamp: 03:07–03:41

• Market Snapshot: U.S. stock indexes moved slightly higher; gold reached a new record high.
• Gaza Rafah Crossing: Anticipation surrounds the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a vital conduit for people and trade.
  • Israel will allow pedestrian crossings with full inspections.
  • Egypt calls for immediate two-way reopening.

5. Record U.S. Winter Olympics Delegation Announced

Time Stamp: 03:41–04:25

• Historic Team: Over 230 U.S. athletes will compete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

• Notable Figures:

  • Abby Winterberger (15, free skier): Youngest American Olympian this year.
  • Rich Rouenen (54, curler): Oldest on the U.S. team.
  • Mikaela Shiffrin: Two-time gold medalist returns for her fourth Games.

• New Events: Ski mountaineering debuts as an Olympic sport.

• Upcoming Dates: Opening ceremony is February 6; competition runs through February 22.

  “Generally, it’s just a really cool time for alpine ski racing and our team is bringing big energy into Milan Cortina.”
  — Athlete soundbite [04:01]

6. BTS Mexico Concert Demand & Presidential Intervention

Time Stamp: 04:25–04:53

• Fandom Moves Political Leaders: After rapid sell-out of BTS Mexico City concert dates, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum appealed directly to South Korea’s prime minister and concert organizers for more shows.
• No Additional Dates: Despite diplomatic pressure, the promoter declined to add concerts; current schedule is three dates in Mexico City this May.

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• Donald Trump (regarding federal intervention in Minnesota):

  “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight.” [00:41]
  “At some point we will leave.” [00:41]

• Jay Grimes (on winter storm danger):

  “Even though we’re done with the freezing rain, the sleet and the snow, we’re still a long way from being out of the woods in terms of the cold. The dangerous and potentially deadly cold will continue through the week.” [01:55]

• Athlete (alpine ski racing):

  “Generally, it’s just a really cool time for alpine ski racing and our team is bringing big energy into Milan Cortina.” [04:01]

Notable Moments

• [00:41] Danielle Kurtzleben details how video of federal agents shooting Alex Preddy has sparked protests and social media outrage.
• [01:55] Jay Grimes underscores that millions remain at risk, despite precipitation passing.
• [03:41] The U.S. Olympic roster sets a new record for team size, spanning athletes aged 15 to 54.
• [04:25] BTS fan fervor draws a unique, high-level diplomatic effort from Mexico’s president.

End of summary.
This five-minute episode offers a whirlwind but thorough look at some of the day's most urgent news cycles and human-interest stories in the U.S. and abroad.