NPR News Now – January 26, 2026, 8AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman
Episode Theme: Top U.S. and world news updates in five minutes
Main Themes
- Legal challenges and protests following federal agents' actions in Minneapolis
- Winter storms causing widespread power outages and fatalities
- Labor strikes and media industry upheavals
- Community and cultural news, including a notable return of a quirky race at a major sporting event
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Federal Response and Deadly Protest Incident in Minneapolis
- [00:15-01:02]
- A federal judge will hold a hearing today on limiting the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota after federal agents shot a protester—second such incident this month.
- The Trump administration labels protesters as "anarchists" and "insurrectionists," but on-the-ground reports contradict this.
“These protests have been massive and overwhelmingly peaceful. I would describe the mood in Minneapolis right now as grief, anger, and there’s a sense that this city is at a breaking point.”
—Jasmine Garz, NPR Reporter, [00:41]
Gun Rights Debate Following Protester Shooting
- [01:02-01:53]
- Officials (including FBI Director Kash Patel) criticized protester Alex Preddy for being armed.
- Gun rights advocates respond, citing Minnesota’s permit laws.
“...That 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. That’s not accurate. Under state law, we have no such prohibition...”
—Brian Strawsser, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chairman, [01:37] - Police confirm Preddy had a permit. Despite Trump admin claims, video suggests Preddy did not brandish his weapon.
“...Videos from the incident show Preddy did not brandish his gun or even appear to be holding it.”
—Martin Kosti, NPR, [01:53]
Winter Storm: Power Outages & Deaths Nationwide
- [02:07–03:11]
- Over 800,000 without power across the U.S.; several deaths, including six from hypothermia in NYC.
- Southern states, especially Texas, hit hard, but not as disastrously as the historic 2021 blackout.
“The roads here are still coated in a layer of ice. This is a big problem for a part of the country that’s not used to dealing with winter weather… The state did not see a repeat of the deadly 2021 winter storm...”
—Matt Largey, Austin, [02:30] - Schools closed, flights canceled or delayed; temperatures remain below freezing into late Monday.
New York Nurses Strike & Washington Post Foreign Coverage Cuts
- [03:11–04:30]
- 15,000 nurses on strike in NYC demand better security, wages, and health benefits; partial deals reached.
- Over 60 Washington Post correspondents appeal to owner Jeff Bezos to protect foreign reporting amid cost-cutting.
“Hundreds of thousands of subscribers canceled when Bezos decided to kill an editorial endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024.”
—David Folkenflick, NPR, [03:48] - Reporters warned not to enter dangerous zones abroad, believed to be linked to potential layoffs.
“No reason was given, but the belief is that editors do not want to lay reporters off while they’re in perilous situations.”
—David Folkenflick, [04:09]
Community Feature: Oscar Meyer’s Return to the Indianapolis 500
- [04:30–04:54]
- The Weenie 500, a lighthearted race featuring six Oscar Mayer wienermobiles, returns to the Indianapolis 500.
- The Slaw Dog Mobile will defend its title.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “The Trump administration repeatedly called the protesters anarchists and insurrectionists, and this is simply not the case. I was there.”
—Jasmine Garz, [00:41] - “That’s 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 Strawsser, [01:37] - “At least one person in Austin died from exposure overnight Saturday… The state did not see a repeat of the deadly 2021 winter storm that knocked out power to millions.”
—Matt Largey, [02:30] - “Hundreds of thousands of subscribers canceled when Bezos decided to kill an editorial endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024.”
—David Folkenflick, [03:48]
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Minneapolis Protest & Immigration Policy: 00:15-01:02
- Gun Rights & Protester Shooting: 01:02-01:53
- Winter Storm Impacts/Texas Update: 02:07-03:11
- NYC Nurses Strike/Washington Post Cuts: 03:11-04:30
- Oscar Meyer Weenie 500: 04:30-04:54
This episode delivers concise but substantial reporting on rapidly developing national stories, mixing urgent coverage with moments of lighter community news, all within NPR’s factual, measured tone.