NPR News Now – January 26, 2026, 6AM EST
Overview
This NPR News Now episode provides listeners with a rapid update on several major national stories, including legal challenges to federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, a deadly winter storm sweeping across the eastern U.S., economic outlook from business economists, updates on a private jet crash, ongoing trilateral diplomacy over Ukraine, and the long-awaited Super Bowl matchup.
Key Stories and Insights
1. Minnesota Challenges Federal Immigration Crackdown
- [00:15–01:17]
- A federal judge in Minnesota will hear arguments regarding whether to limit the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions in the state.
- The case comes after the fatal shooting of Alex Preddy, an ICU nurse, by federal agents during a protest—marking the second such fatality in the month.
- Minnesota, led by Democrats, is requesting the court declare the federal surge unconstitutional or at least limit specific enforcement tactics.
- The state alleges the administration’s real intent is policing, with aggressive tactics “harming innocent people, draining local budgets and leaving many afraid to leave their home.”
- Hearing will address a temporary pause (injunction) while the litigation continues.
Notable Quote:
"[Minnesota] says officers' aggressive tactics are harming innocent people, draining local budgets and leaving many afraid to leave their home."
— Jennifer Ludden, NPR News ([00:34])
2. Massive Winter Storm Disrupts the East
- [01:17–02:14]
- Brutal winter conditions persist from Kentucky to Maine, with warnings still active.
- Over a dozen fatalities reported, roughly 750,000 without power—most severely in Tennessee.
- In Nashville, functional infrastructure is under strain. Some residents, such as Alejandro Marin, consider venturing out for warmth despite dangerous road conditions.
- Local authorities have set up 24-hour warming centers at fire stations, police precincts, and community centers.
Notable Moments:
“No power at the moment, no heating as well. So our house is slowly dropping in temperature. I might be going to a hotel, potentially...”
— Alejandro Marin, Nashville Resident ([01:52])
3. Signs of Business Confidence in Hiring
- [02:14–03:08]
- National Association for Business Economics survey finds an upbeat hiring outlook—the strongest in years.
- 25% of firms plan to hire in next three months, less than 10% expect cuts.
- Over half forecast increased demand; only 6% expect a decrease.
- Most economists expect current tariffs to remain, with businesses passing on increased costs to consumers.
Notable Quote:
“About one in four firms say they plan to add workers in the next three months. Less than 1 in 10 is planning to cut jobs.”
— Scott Horsley, NPR News ([02:29])
4. Other Headlines
-
[03:08–03:38]
- Dow futures are flat in premarket trading.
- A private jet crashed while taking off in snowy conditions in Bangor, Maine. Eight were aboard; no condition details released.
-
Diplomatic Update: Ukraine Talks
- Trilateral talks (Ukraine, U.S., Russia) in the UAE see conflicting reporting:
- Ukraine says a security pact with the U.S. is “100% ready to be signed.”
- Russian sources say talks will continue next week instead.
- Trilateral talks (Ukraine, U.S., Russia) in the UAE see conflicting reporting:
5. Super Bowl Teams Decided
- [03:38–04:49]
- The Seattle Seahawks defeat the Los Angeles Rams, 31–27.
- Seahawks, under new leadership (Coach Mike McDonald and QB Sam Darnold), are aiming for their second Super Bowl title.
- Patriots clinch their seventh Super Bowl berth, overcoming Denver in “heavy snow” with backup QB Drake May.
- The Patriots end a six-year Super Bowl drought.
Notable Quote:
“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.”
— Becky Sullivan, NPR News ([04:18])
Memorable Quotes
-
On Minnesota’s Immigration Challenge:
“[The state] says officers' aggressive tactics are harming innocent people, draining local budgets and leaving many afraid to leave their home.”
— Jennifer Ludden ([00:34]) -
On Enduring the Winter Storm:
“No power at the moment, no heating as well. So our house is slowly dropping in temperature.”
— Alejandro Marin ([01:52]) -
On Economic Outlook:
“About one in four firms say they plan to add workers in the next three months. Less than 1 in 10 is planning to cut jobs.”
— Scott Horsley ([02:29]) -
On Super Bowl Aspirations:
“The Seahawks went 14-3 and now have a chance at their second ever super bowl title.”
— Becky Sullivan ([04:18])
Important Timestamps
- [00:15] Minnesota challenge to federal immigration enforcement
- [01:17] Winter storm devastation and Nashville struggles
- [02:14] Business economists’ upbeat hiring report
- [03:08] Private jet crash in Maine; Ukraine talks update
- [03:38] Super Bowl matchups finalized
This episode delivers crisp, informative updates on pressing legal, climate, economic, international, and sports stories with on-the-scene reporting highlighting both the national scope and impactful human stories behind the headlines.
