NPR News Now: 9AM EST, January 26, 2026 – Episode Summary

Main Theme

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Korva Coleman, covers major national and international headlines, including a federal legal battle over immigration tactics in Minnesota, the ongoing effects of a massive winter storm, a high-profile court case about journalist access to Gaza, the recovery of a fallen Israeli hostage, Alex Honnold’s historic free climb, and NFL playoff results setting the stage for the Super Bowl.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Crackdown and Legal Challenge in Minneapolis

• President Trump announces border czar Tom Homan's deployment to Minneapolis after the fatal federal agent shooting of protester and ICU nurse Alex Preddy.
• Minnesota seeks a court injunction, arguing the federal immigration surge is unconstitutional and politically motivated.
  • State leaders assert ICE's tactics are harming innocents, overburdening budgets, and generating widespread fear.
  • Homeland Security counters that the surge targets benefits fraud and criminal arrests.
  • A federal judge is set to decide on temporarily pausing the crackdown.

"Today's hearing is about a temporary pause while the case plays out."
— Jennifer Ludden (00:34–01:17)

2. Ongoing Winter Storm's Impact

• The massive winter storm continues to disrupt much of the nation:
  • New England and Ohio remain under winter storm warnings.
  • “Feels like” temperatures near zero reach down to the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Severe ice storms in the South, especially Mississippi, cause widespread power outages (over 180,000 customers affected).
  • Crews face difficult conditions restoring power, according to Governor Tate Reeves.

"It may take days to get the power back on in parts of the south."
— Joel Rose (01:44–02:07)

3. Israeli Supreme Court Hears Case on Journalist Access to Gaza

• International journalists’ petition for independent Gaza access, currently blocked by Israel, is being heard.
  • The government maintains journalists pose risks to troops—even with a ceasefire.
  • Judges question how journalists differ from international aid workers, who are granted entry.
  • Security assessments are presented privately; a court ruling is pending.

"Israeli Supreme Court judges asked a representative of the government how journalists were any different from international aid workers whom Israel does allow into Gaza."
— Daniel Estrin (02:27–03:10)

4. Recovery of Final Israeli Hostage’s Remains

• Israeli military recovers and identifies the remains of the last Israeli hostage, Ron Gavili, a special forces policeman killed on October 7, 2023.
  • Gavili’s body was recovered after a special operation in northern Gaza.

5. Alex Honnold’s Record-Breaking Free Climb of Taipei 101

• **Rock climber Alex Honnold becomes the first to free climb **Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
  • He ascended without ropes, harness, or a safety net, cheered on by thousands.
  • The climb, lasting 1.5 hours, was sponsored by Netflix and officially permitted by building and city authorities.
  • Taiwan’s president congratulated Honnold, calling him “brave and fearless.”

"The moment Honnold reached the top, a crowd of thousands broke into cheers."
— Ashish Valentine (03:59–04:35)

6. Super Bowl Matchup Set

• New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off in the Super Bowl after winning their championship games.
  • New England beat Denver (AFC), Seattle beat Los Angeles Rams (NFC).
  • Super Bowl scheduled in two weeks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jennifer Ludden (on Minnesota’s case):
  "It says officers aggressive tactics are harming innocent people, draining local budgets and leaving many afraid to leave their home." (00:34–01:17)

• Joel Rose (on Mississippi ice storm):
  "That's more than 10% of all utility customers in the state." (01:44–02:07)

• Daniel Estrin (on court’s skepticism):
  "The judges said they would issue a ruling." (02:27–03:10)

Key Timestamps

| Time | Segment Description | |--------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:15 | National and Minneapolis news headlines | | 00:34 | Jennifer Ludden on Minnesota's legal challenge | | 01:17 | Winter storm update and Joel Rose on southern outages | | 02:07 | Israeli Supreme Court and Daniel Estrin on Gaza access | | 03:10 | Israeli military hostage recovery news | | 03:59 | Alex Honnold’s free climb in Taipei (Ashish Valentine) | | 04:35 | Super Bowl teams announced |

Episode Recap

In this brisk yet detailed news roundup, NPR News Now delivers urgent updates on U.S. immigration enforcement controversy, extreme winter weather, high-stakes legal battles over press freedom, and human stories from conflict and sports. The episode weaves together domestic urgency and international coverage, punctuated by moments of personal achievement and national significance.