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.

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.