NPR News Now — January 28, 2026, 2AM EST

Main Theme

This episode delivers a concise briefing on the latest national and international news, including political tensions in Minneapolis, controversy within Homeland Security, escalating Arctic geopolitics, a record measles outbreak in South Carolina, and upcoming economic decisions from the Federal Reserve.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Incident at Ilhan Omar Town Hall (00:15 – 01:14)

• Event: At a Minneapolis town hall, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance by an agitator.

  • Security subdued the individual and Omar continued the event.

• Aftermath: Omar affirmed, "she wouldn't be intimidated" (00:37), referencing her ongoing calls for the ouster of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

• Broader Context: The incident comes amid criticism from Republicans and former President Trump, who mocked Omar's patriotism at a rally earlier that night.

• Background: Omar, Somali-born, is a U.S. citizen in her fourth House term seeking reelection.

  Notable Quote:
  "The lawmaker told reporters after the confrontation that she wouldn't be intimidated."
  — Annie Russell, NPR (00:37)

2. Controversy Surrounding DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (01:14 – 02:15)

• Calls for Resignation: At least two GOP senators—Thom Tillis (NC) and Lisa Murkowski (AK)—demand Secretary Noem's resignation after Border Patrol agents fatally shot a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis.

• Senate Criticism:

  • Tillis: Criticizes the agency's, and Noem's, handling as "amateurish and terrible" (01:32), saying, "They gotta deescalate there and treat these communities with some respect." (01:46)
  • Murkowski and Tillis both object to Noem labeling the nurse killed as a "domestic terrorist."

• White House Stance: President Trump defends Noem, stating she’s doing "a very good job."

  Notable Quote:
  "The agency's performance in Minneapolis disqualifies Noem from leading the department, calling her actions amateurish and terrible."
  — Liz Ruskin, NPR (01:32)

  Notable Quote:
  "They gotta deescalate there and treat these communities with some respect."
  — Senator Thom Tillis (01:46)

3. French Response to Arctic Tensions (02:15 – 03:14)

• Diplomatic Meetings: French President Macron hosts Denmark and Greenland's leaders, responding to Trump administration threats toward Greenland.

• Purpose: The European tour aims to bolster alliances and address sovereignty, climate, and geopolitical pressures in the Arctic.

• Gestures: France to open a consulate in Nuuk, signaling increased European diplomatic and economic presence.

• Support: Both Danish PM Mette Fredriksen and Greenlandic PM Jens Friedrich Nielsen express gratitude to France.

  Notable Quote:
  "Paris has taken steps to solidify its support for Greenland. Macron visited the capital, Nuuk, six months ago, and France announced it will open a consulate there to strengthen diplomatic and economic presence."
  — Eleanor Beardsley, NPR (02:29)

4. Border Patrol Shooting and Human Smuggling in Arizona (03:14 – 03:37)

• Incident: A man wounded in a gunfire exchange with Border Patrol agents is recovering post-surgery.
• Context: The individual, with a prior human smuggling conviction, was part of an alleged smuggling operation.
• Backdrop: Incident occurs amid Minnesota tensions.

5. Record South Carolina Measles Outbreak (03:37 – 04:38)

• Statistics:

  • South Carolina reports 7,189 confirmed measles cases, surpassing a deadly West Texas outbreak from last year.
  • The largest U.S. outbreak in nearly 30 years.

• Concentration: Outbreak mainly in Spartanburg County, with a 90% school vaccination rate—below the 95% threshold to prevent spread.

• Impact:

  • 20 people in isolation; 557 quarantined, including students at 19 schools.
  • 18 hospitalizations (adults and children) due to complications since October.

  Notable Quote:
  "The vast majority are in unvaccinated kids and teens... There's currently 20 people in isolation and 557 others in quarantine."
  — Maria Godoy, NPR (03:52)

6. Federal Reserve Meeting: Upcoming Economic Outlook (04:38 – 04:55)

• Anticipation: Investors await the Fed’s interest rate decision following three rate cuts since September.
• Announcement Timing: Decision expected Wednesday afternoon.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Omar’s resilience:
  "She wouldn't be intimidated."
  — Annie Russell, NPR (00:37)

• Senator Tillis on DHS actions:
  "They gotta deescalate there and treat these communities with some respect."
  — Senator Thom Tillis (01:46)

• On vaccine-preventable outbreaks:
  "The vast majority are in unvaccinated kids and teens... there are currently 20 people in isolation and 557 others in quarantine."
  — Maria Godoy, NPR (03:52)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:15–01:14] — Incident at Ilhan Omar town hall & political climate
• [01:14–02:15] — Calls for resignation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
• [02:15–03:14] — Macron, Denmark, and Greenland on Arctic geopolitics
• [03:14–03:37] — Arizona Border Patrol shooting tied to human smuggling
• [03:37–04:38] — South Carolina’s record measles outbreak
• [04:38–04:55] — Upcoming Federal Reserve rate announcement

This concise episode covers major breaking news stories in domestic politics, international diplomacy, public health, and economics. With firsthand reporting and clear context, it provides listeners a reliable snapshot of the early 2026 news landscape.