NPR News Now: January 28, 2026, 10PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: January 29, 2026
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This tightly packed five-minute news update highlights major stories from across the U.S. and abroad: national reactions to a deadly ICE enforcement event in Minneapolis, Nashville’s response to a devastating winter storm, an update on Federal Reserve interest rates, a developing FBI action at Fulton County’s election offices, ongoing delays in a U.S. Supreme Court tariffs case, pop music ticket pricing controversies, and the surprising popularity of an LGBTQ-themed TV drama in Russia.

Key Stories & Insights

1. National Outrage Over Minneapolis ICE Shooting

• [00:15] Ryland Barton opens with the news that the killing of Alex Preddy by federal agents in Minneapolis has sparked widespread outrage.
• [00:31] NPR’s Frank Lankvitt reports that while many are upset, some Trump supporters strongly approve of the administration’s immigration enforcement.
  • Todd Ma (Trump supporter):

    "It's unfortunate and it's sad because if they would let the ICE officers just go do their job and not stop them or impede them from doing their job, it's creating this hostile environment." (00:39)

• [00:51] A recent CNN/SSRS poll reflects deep partisan divides:
  • 80% of Democrats/leaners believe ICE makes cities less safe
  • Two-thirds of Republicans/leaners believe ICE makes cities safer

2. Nashville Reels from Deadly Winter Storm

• [01:10] Nashville is still struggling after a massive winter storm.
• [01:23] Cynthia Abrams (WPLN) reports that over 100,000 are without power, three have died, and the National Guard has been deployed to help.
  • Chief William Swan (Nashville Fire Department):

    "Their job will be to remove trees, and that's their only objective, is to assist us into helping to restore power." (01:31)

• [01:39] News of possible carbon monoxide-related fatalities underscores the danger for residents enduring power outages.

3. Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady

• [02:01] Despite recent economic uncertainty, the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, as reported by Scott Horsley.
  • Vote: 10-2 in favor of holding rates (after three prior cuts)
• [02:27] Fed Chairman Jerome Powell:

  "We see the current stance of monetary policy as appropriate to promote progress toward both our maximum employment and 2% inflation goals." (02:27)

• [02:36] Powell is expected to preside over two more meetings before his term ends in May. President Trump likely to announce a new Fed nominee soon.

4. FBI Action at Fulton County Election Office

• [02:48] The FBI is executing a "court-authorized law enforcement act" at the Fulton County election office in Georgia, a location central to ongoing 2020 election controversies.
  • Fulton County is under scrutiny due to President Trump’s continued baseless claims of election fraud (and DOJ lawsuits for records).

5. Delayed Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Tariffs

• [03:20] An anticipated quick Supreme Court decision regarding Trump’s tariff powers has been delayed; it’s now following standard court timelines.

6. Ticketmaster and Harry Styles Ticket Pricing Backlash

• [03:52] Fans are upset over high Ticketmaster prices for Harry Styles' tour.
  • Ayanna Archie explains:
    • Artists set revenue targets considering production and payment obligations.
    • Promoters manage sales to meet targets via merchandise and premium ticket/parking bundles.
    • Ticketmaster's "Face Value" exchange can limit price gouging but restricts transfer to others, leading some artists to opt out.
    • NPR has contacted Styles’ team about participation in pricing controls but received no response.

7. Russian Fans Flock to Banned LGBTQ TV Drama

• [04:33] A TV drama about a secret gay romance between Canadian and Russian hockey players is finding a growing Russian audience, even under strict anti-LGBTQ laws.
  • Despite content restrictions, viewers find ways to watch the show.
  • The popularity is notable due to Russian censorship.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Todd Ma, on ICE enforcement:
  "It's unfortunate and it's sad..." (00:39)

• Chief William Swan, on National Guard’s winter storm role:
  "Their job will be to remove trees, and that's their only objective..." (01:31)

• Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, on interest rates:
  "We see the current stance of monetary policy as appropriate..." (02:27)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Minneapolis ICE Shooting & Political Divide: 00:15–01:10
• Nashville Winter Storm & Response: 01:10–02:01
• Federal Reserve Rate Decision: 02:01–02:48
• FBI & Election Office in Fulton County: 02:48–03:20
• Supreme Court Tariffs Case Delay: 03:20–03:52
• Ticketmaster/Harry Styles Controversy: 03:52–04:33
• Russian LGBTQ TV Drama Popularity: 04:33–end

Tone & Language

The tone is urgent, clear, and informative, consistently echoing NPR’s trademark directness and neutrality. The news is presented with concise, matter-of-fact delivery, quoting sources and officials as appropriate.