NPR News Now: January 28, 2026 – 1AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Description: Five-minute roundup of headline news

Main Theme

This episode delivers a concise summary of the latest political, legal, and international news, covering an attack on Representative Ilhan Omar, controversy around a federal shooting in Minnesota, ongoing U.S. military anti-drug efforts, state-level redistricting battles, and diplomatic moves in Europe regarding the Arctic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar at Town Hall

• [00:15–01:05]
• At a Minnesota town hall, Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked by a man wielding a syringe filled with an unknown liquid while she responded to recent fatal shootings involving immigration agents.
• Security subdued the attacker; Omar continued speaking after the incident.
• The attacker is in custody and faces assault charges.
• The event is seen as part of ongoing hostile rhetoric, with President Trump recently claiming Omar "does not love the United States."
• Memorable Moment: Despite the attack, Omar “insisted on continuing to speak after the attack, and a statement from Omar's office says she is okay.”

2. Disputed Narrative on Minneapolis Shooting

• [01:05–02:09]
• The federal review contradicts the Trump administration’s description of Alex Preddy’s death.
• [01:30]–Ximena Bustillo reports:

  "The review makes no mention of Alex Preddy attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, as the administration first described the incident."

• Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is under bipartisan scrutiny for labeling the event as "domestic terrorism."
• The review says officers only noticed a gun once the struggle to arrest Preddy had begun.

3. US Military Strikes in Drug War Show Limited Results

• [02:09–03:12]
• The US has conducted about three dozen attacks on suspected drug smuggling boats, killing 126 people.
• President Trump claims these actions have significantly reduced maritime drug smuggling.
• [02:29]–John Otis challenges these claims:

  "During the last three months of 2025, when the US bombing campaign was in full force, drug seizures at the US-Mexican border actually increased...Cocaine seizures were up by 34% compared to the same period in 2024."

• Experts argue that smuggling networks simply shift routes, reducing the impact of such military campaigns.

4. Redistricting Battles in Maryland and Virginia

• Maryland Congressional Map Controversy
  • [03:12–04:05]
  • Governor Wes Moore pushes for new maps likely to help Democrats.
  • Republicans accuse Moore of silencing opposition voices.
  • [03:42]–Gov. Wes Moore:

    "Redlining, that I am the only black governor in this country and only the third elected black governor in the history of this nation. And Donald Trump and J.D. Vance and their allies...are doing everything in their power to silence the voices and trying to eliminate black leadership, elected leadership all over this country."

  • The bill may pass the House but faces state Senate hurdles.
• Virginia Judge Blocks Democratic Redistricting Plan
  • [04:13–04:37]
  • A judge halted Democrats' new map for not following correct processes.
  • The fight over control of political boundaries remains volatile, with both parties using the courts and legislatures.

5. Europe & Arctic Diplomacy

• [04:37–04:55]
• Danish and Greenlandic prime ministers start a European tour in Paris to build partnerships and safeguard Arctic sovereignty.
• The context is increased pressure from the Trump administration in the region.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Ilhan Omar’s resilience after attack

  • "[She] insisted on continuing to speak after the attack, and a statement from Omar's office says she is okay." —Giles Snyder [00:50]

• Misinformation in shooting narrative

  • "The review makes no mention of Alex Preddy attacking officers or threatening them with a weapon, as the administration first described the incident." —Ximena Bustillo [01:30]

• Drug war realities

  • "During the last three months of 2025...drug seizures at the US-Mexican border actually increased...Cocaine seizures were up by 34% compared to the same period in 2024." —John Otis [02:29]

• Redistricting, race, and representation

  • "Redlining, that I am the only black governor in this country and only the third elected black governor in the history of this nation. And Donald Trump and J.D. Vance and their allies...are doing everything in their power to silence the voices and trying to eliminate black leadership..." —Governor Wes Moore [03:42]

Important Timestamps

• [00:15] – News of attack on Rep. Omar
• [01:30] – Federal review on Minneapolis shooting described
• [02:29] – Critique of US drug interdiction efforts
• [03:42] – Governor Wes Moore addresses redistricting and race in Maryland
• [04:13] – Virginia judge blocks Democratic redistricting plan
• [04:37] – Danish and Greenlandic leaders visit Paris for Arctic strategy

This summary captures the urgent and evolving nature of current affairs touched on by NPR's news update, including political violence, misinformation, legislative struggles, and international diplomacy—all in a direct, informed tone consistent with NPR's reporting.