NPR News Now — January 26, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Length: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A fast-paced update on the day’s major headlines: severe winter weather in the Northeast, escalating tensions over immigration enforcement in Minnesota following a controversial killing, legislative standoffs in Congress, accelerating adoption of AI in the workplace, international news from France, a new study on Arctic noise, and K-pop frenzy in Mexico.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Severe Winter Storm in the Northeast

[00:15]

• The Northeast experiences the tail end of a massive winter storm.
• The storm brought “snow, sleet, and ice across the south and East.”
• At least 30 weather-related deaths reported.
• Heaviest snow reported from New York northward into New England.
• Arctic air is moving in behind the system, making for dangerous conditions.

2. Immigration Enforcement Tensions in Minnesota

[00:34]

• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz spoke with President Trump to "de-escalate tensions over immigration enforcement" after a Minneapolis man, Alex Preddy, was killed by immigration agents.
• Bipartisan outrage fueled after videos surfaced of the incident.
• Martin Kosti (NPR):
  • Walz reported Trump “agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota.”
  • Customs and Border Protection commander Greg Bovino, a figure associated with recent enforcement surges, will leave the state.
  • Bovino claimed (without evidence) that Preddy intended to “massacre law enforcement agents” before being shot. Bovino labeled border agents as the victims—a stance that drew local anger.
  • Trump to send ICE veteran and border czar Tom Homan to take over operations.
• Quote [00:52]:
  “On Saturday, Walz announced on social media that he'd spoken to Trump and that Trump, ‘agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota.’” — Martin Kosti

3. Congressional Fallout and Funding Standoff

[01:38]

• Senate Homeland Security Committee Chair Rand Paul calls for immigration and border officials to testify after Preddy’s killing.
• Claudia Grisales (NPR):
  • Senate Democrats move to block a spending bill containing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding.
  • Government shutdown looming if the bill isn’t passed by Friday.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer:
    • DHS funding plan is “woefully inadequate and fails to keep ICE agents in check”—Democrats seek to pull DHS funding from a broader $1.3 trillion government package.
    • The package includes budgets for Defense, Labor, and Health and Human Services.
    • Republicans oppose the removal but support a full investigation into Preddy’s death.
• Quote [02:12]:
  “Democrats are demanding Republicans pull the DHS funding from the overall $1.3 trillion bill, which also funds the Departments of Defense, Labor and Health and Human Services, among others.” — Claudia Grisales

4. American Workplaces Embrace AI

[02:41]

• Gallup poll findings:
  • 12% of employed adults use AI daily at work; nearly half have used it at least a few times a year.
  • Cites boom of tools like ChatGPT for writing, summarizing, answering questions.
• Stock indexes up; gold hits a record high.

5. France: Ex-Senator on Trial for Sexual Assault

[03:18]

• Former French senator Joel Jerriaud stands trial for allegedly drugging lawmaker Sandrine Josseau with ecstasy/MDMA to assault her.
• Blood tests confirmed Josseau ingested a “significant amount.” Jerriaud denies intent to drug.
• The trial follows France’s high-profile Pelicot case on drug-facilitated sexual assault.

6. Arctic Noise Pollution on the Rise

[03:49]

• Rebecca Hersher (NPR):
  • New UK study: The Arctic, though seen as quiet, is actually quite noisy due to human activity (snowmobiles, ships, planes).
  • Underwater mics reveal surprising levels of noise, potentially harmful for marine life.
  • Quote [03:56]: “Here’s one recording of a snowmobile driving on sea ice. That’s what the snowmobile sounds like underwater.”
  • Climate change may make things worse by allowing more activity.

7. K-Pop BTS Concert Demand in Mexico

[04:30]

• Huge demand for BTS in Mexico triggered a rapid ticket sellout.
• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appeals to South Korea’s Prime Minister and concert organizers for more dates.
• Promoters say adding dates isn’t possible at this time.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ryland Barton [00:15]:
  “The northeastern US is getting the last brunt of a massive winter storm that dumped snow, sleet and ice across the south and east. At least 30 weather related deaths have been reported.”

• Martin Kosti [00:52]:
  “Walz announced on social media that he'd spoken to Trump and that Trump, ‘agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota.’”

• Claudia Grisales [01:56]:
  “Democrats are demanding Republicans pull the DHS funding from the overall $1.3 trillion bill, which also funds the Departments of Defense, labor and Health and Human Services, among others. Republicans are pushing back, but many are also calling for a full investigation into Preddy's killing.”

• Rebecca Hersher [03:56]: “Here’s one recording of a snowmobile driving on sea ice. That’s what the snowmobile sounds like underwater.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:15 — Winter storm recap and deaths
• 00:34 — Minnesota immigration enforcement dispute
• 01:38 — Senate hearings and government funding fight
• 02:41 — Surge of AI in the workplace + economic updates
• 03:18 — French senator sexual assault trial
• 03:49 — Arctic noise pollution study
• 04:30 — BTS concert frenzy in Mexico

This episode captures a snapshot of the day’s urgent headlines, blending breaking news, politics, science, and culture in NPR’s signature brisk, balanced style.