NPR News Now – January 26, 2026, 6PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Rapid-fire national and international news updates from NPR News

Episode Overview

In this concise newscast, NPR provides updates on a range of pressing domestic and international headlines as of January 26, 2026. The segment covers political tension in Minnesota following fatal shootings by federal agents, developments in U.S. immigration policy, a tragic plane crash in Maine, California's global health maneuver, shifts in Middle East dynamics, France's social media legislation for minors, and a quirky sporting announcement. The report maintains a sober, informational tone, mixing hard news with brief moments of lighter content.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Turmoil in Minnesota Over Federal Immigration Actions

• [00:14] Ryland Barton opens with news from Minnesota:

  • Governor Tim Walz announces the departure of Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino after shootings involving federal agents.
  • The events are directly tied to President Trump’s crackdown on immigration within the state.

• [00:40] Brian Baxt details fallout:

  • President Trump described his call with Gov. Walz as being on a “similar wavelength”.
  • The governor hints Trump is open to “ramping down” a federal operation involving thousands of agents.
  • Two high-profile deaths: ICU nurse and U.S. citizen Alex Preddy and Renee Macklin Goode (killed by ICE earlier).
  • Trump to consult with Homeland Security and send top border official Tom Homan to Minnesota.

  “Trump wrote that the two, quote, seem to be on a similar wavelength.”
  — Brian Baxt ([00:40])

2. Senate Oversight and Immigration Funding

• [01:22] Ryland Barton:
  • Sen. Rand Paul (Republican, Senate Homeland Security Chair) calls for immigration officials to testify about recent actions.
  • Urges accountability given “exceptional” DHS funding.
• Broader context: Congressional oversight in wake of controversial immigration enforcement.

3. Fatal Plane Crash in Bangor, Maine

• [01:48] Kaitlyn Boudian reports:

  • Six people killed when a plane crashed, flipped, and caught fire upon takeoff in stormy conditions.

  • Airport Director Jose Saavedra describes active operations amid snow and de-icing.

    “The airport remained open. There were planes landing and departing around that time, and we had crews on site responding to the ongoing storm.”
    — Jose Saavedra ([02:01])

  • NTSB investigating.

4. California Joins WHO Network After U.S. Withdrawal

• [02:21] Ryland Barton:
  • California teams with World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network following the Trump administration’s withdrawal.
• [02:31] Gabriela Emanuel provides details:

  • California is the first and only U.S. state to independently join.

  • Governor Gavin Newsom met with WHO leadership at Davos to formalize cooperation.

    “California joins more than 300 governments, labs and academic institutions who are part of the network.”
    — Gabriela Emanuel ([02:31])

5. Financial Markets Update

• [03:08] Stock indexes rose modestly—S&P 500 up 0.5%.

6. Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

• [03:12] U.S. Aircraft carrier arrives in region.
• Two Iranian-backed militias signal new attacks are imminent in support of Iran:
  • Yemen’s Houthi rebels threaten Red Sea shipping.
  • Iraqi militia warns of “total war” if Iran is targeted.
• UAE insists territory won’t be used for attacks on Iran.

7. France Debates Social Media Ban for Minors

• [03:57] Eleanor Beardsley reports:

  • French lawmakers vote on banning social media for under-15s.

  • President Macron calls it a priority to “protect children from excessive screen time.”

    “The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, said Macron, by either American platforms or Chinese algorithms.”
    — Emmanuel Macron, via Eleanor Beardsley ([03:57])

  • Australia enacted a similar under-16 ban in December.

  • New legislation also includes mobile phone bans in high schools.

8. The “Weenie 500” Returns

• [04:32] Fun, offbeat news:
  • Oscar Mayer’s fleet of six Wienermobiles to race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22—two days before the Indy 500.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump-Walz Discussions:

  “Trump wrote that the two, quote, seem to be on a similar wavelength.”
  — Brian Baxt ([00:40])

• On Airport Crash Response:

  “The airport remained open. There were planes landing and departing around that time, and we had crews on site responding to the ongoing storm.”
  — Jose Saavedra ([02:01])

• On France’s Stance Against Screen Addiction:

  “The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated...by either American platforms or Chinese algorithms.”
  — President Emmanuel Macron, via Eleanor Beardsley ([03:57])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minnesota immigration fallout: [00:14] – [01:22]
• Senate immigration oversight: [01:22] – [01:48]
• Bangor plane crash: [01:48] – [02:21]
• California—WHO collaboration: [02:21] – [03:08]
• Middle East / Iran tensions: [03:12] – [03:57]
• France social media legislation: [03:57] – [04:32]
• Wienermobile announcement: [04:32] – [04:56]

Summary Takeaway

This NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk, fact-driven overview of rapidly developing stories, from American domestic politics and tragedies to state-level international engagements and global conflicts, rounded out with a touch of cultural color from France and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tone remains measured and direct, providing just enough detail to inform listeners on evolving headlines likely to impact national and international discourse.