NPR News Now: Summary of January 28, 2026, 12PM EST

Main Theme:
This concise news update covers breaking developments in U.S. domestic protest investigations, immigration enforcement, nuclear safety regulations, winter storms, mental health diagnostics, and the financial markets. The episode delivers a snapshot of key national issues, with a particular focus on evolving government narratives, policy shifts, and public health concerns.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Contradictory Government Narrative in Minneapolis Protest Shooting

[00:16–01:13]

• Incident: Preliminary government assessment regarding the fatal shooting of protester Alex Preddy by Minneapolis police.
• Finding: The government review finds Preddy resisted arrest but does not mention that he attacked or threatened officers with a weapon, contrary to the Trump administration’s initial statements.
• Political Response: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces bipartisan scrutiny for previously labeling the incident as “domestic terrorism.”
• Notable Quote:
  • "The review makes no mention of Alex Preddy attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, as the administration first described the incident." — Jimena Bustier [00:34]

2. Unprepared Federal Immigration Tactics in Urban Protests

[01:13–01:41]

• Deployment: Large numbers of federal immigration agents (Customs and Border Protection, or CBP) have been sent to Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
• Concerns: Experts warn that CBP officers are less trained in urban policing and crowd control, citing their typical isolation at the border and associated law enforcement experiences.
• Consequences: The inexperience may affect how arrests are handled and the likelihood of using lethal force.

3. Quiet Rollback of Nuclear Safety Rules

[01:43–02:41]

• Policy Change: The Trump administration has rewritten internal rules governing safety, security, and environmental management at experimental nuclear reactors.
• Secrecy: Changes were distributed to companies but not released publicly.
• Expert Critique:
  • “In the best world, the public should expect as much openness from the government as is possible.” — Catherine Huff [02:21]
• Analysis: NPR confirms that new rules loosened restrictions on groundwater, security, and more, though the Department of Energy insists safety remains a "top priority."

4. Deadly Winter Storm Continues in Eastern U.S.

[02:41–03:44]

• Impact: Arctic air maintains severe cold, resulting in dozens of deaths from hypothermia, heart attacks, and accidents.
• Local Tragedy: Three siblings in Texas died after falling into an icy pond.
• Southern Response: Mississippi’s Governor Tate Reeves describes the cyclical challenges of restoring power amidst falling trees and limbs:
  • “It's somewhat like whack a mole. Every time one of the utility companies and power companies gets a large group back online, we have another tree fall or we have another limb fall.” — Governor Tate Reeves [03:26]
• Action: National Guard troops are deployed in Mississippi for storm recovery.

5. Major Update Planned for Mental Health Diagnostic Manual

[03:44–04:46]

• What's New: The American Psychiatric Association is revising the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for broader context.
• Addressing Criticism: The new edition will acknowledge critiques, especially the lack of reference to causes of mental health disorders:
  • "There are many critiques out there, and perhaps the most salient one is the fact that the DSM doesn't reference what the causes of mental disorders are." — Dr. Maria Okendo [04:21]
• Holistic Approach: Future DSMs will integrate genetic, environmental, experiential, and cultural factors. Five detailed papers on this shift were published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

6. Market Updates

[03:08–04:53]

• Snapshot:
  • Dow is up 19–25 points.
  • Nasdaq is up slightly; S&P is down 4 points.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jimena Bustier on the Preddy Shooting:
  “The review makes no mention of Alex Preddy attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon...” [00:34]

• Catherine Huff on Nuclear Rule Changes:
  “In the best world, the public should expect as much openness from the government as is possible.” [02:21]

• Governor Tate Reeves on Utility Struggles in Mississippi:
  “It's somewhat like whack a mole. Every time one of the utility companies and power companies gets a large group back online, we have another tree fall or we have another limb fall.” [03:26]

• Dr. Maria Okendo on DSM Changes:
  "There are many critiques out there, and perhaps the most salient one is the fact that the DSM doesn't reference what the causes of mental disorders are." [04:21]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minneapolis Protester Preddy Shooting Narrative Contradicted: [00:16–01:13]
• Federal CBP Tactics Questioned in Minnesota: [01:13–01:41]
• Nuclear Safety and Security Rules Changed: [01:43–02:41]
• Winter Storm Deaths and Recovery Efforts: [02:41–03:44]
• DSM Mental Health Diagnostic Manual Updates: [03:44–04:46]
• Market Updates: [03:08–04:53]

This NPR News Now episode delivers succinct, critical updates on U.S. law enforcement, energy policy, severe weather, mental health science, and financial markets for midday listeners.