NPR News Now – 5PM EST, January 28, 2026
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode delivers concise updates on major U.S. and international news, focusing on ongoing federal resignations linked to controversial Justice Department actions, severe weather impacts in Nashville, decisions from the Federal Reserve, major tech layoffs, tensions rising in the Middle East, influence of social media on political discourse, and surprising international TV trends—all in under five minutes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Resignations at U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota ([00:15]–[01:13])
- Background: Following Justice Department pressure to investigate the widow of Renee Macklin Goode (killed by an ICE agent), three more staffers—one a division chief—have resigned, expanding a wave of departures.
- Context: Six prosecutors previously quit over the same controversy earlier in the month.
- Broader Issue: The resignations occur amidst intensified Trump administration immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, where agents have fatally shot two U.S. citizens in January.
- Related Development: An FBI agent who tried to look into Goode’s killing also resigned, citing pressure to stop the investigation.
Notable Quote:
“The departures add to the already significant exodus of veteran attorneys from the office there in recent weeks.”
—Ryan Lucas ([00:34])
2. Nashville’s Ongoing Blackout and Community Response ([01:13]–[02:03])
- Situation: Many Nashville residents are on their fourth consecutive day without heating after a winter storm wiped out power for half the city.
- Community Support:
- Volunteers, like Melissa Bruner from Kentucky, are distributing free meals with World Central Kitchen.
- Locals are finding shelter in friends’ and family members’ homes as hotels remain overbooked.
- Atmosphere: Emphasis on mutual aid and resilience amidst the cold crisis.
Memorable Moment:
“When things like this happen, you need to get out and help people.”
—Sweetie Hemmings ([01:48])
3. Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady ([02:03]–[02:53])
- Policy Decision: The Fed, aiming to battle persistent inflation (which exceeds its 2% target), opts to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged (in the 3.5%–3.75% range). The vote was 10-2.
- Dissent: Governors Chris Waller and Stephen Myron supported a further cut.
- Political Undercurrents:
- President Trump continues to request lower rates, though the Fed maintains supposed independence.
- Trump plans to nominate a successor for Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May.
Notable Quote:
“President Trump has been demanding lower interest rates, even though the central bank’s designed to be insulated from that kind of political pressure.”
—Scott Horsley ([02:41])
4. Massive Amazon Layoffs ([02:53]–[03:14])
- Action: Amazon announces 16,000 job cuts, following prior layoffs of 14,000 in October.
- Support for U.S. Staff: Laid-off employees have 90 days to find a new role within the company; otherwise, severance and health benefits are provided.
5. Iran Seeks Diplomatic Support Amid U.S. Military Threats ([03:15]–[03:46])
- Developments:
- Iran reaches out to Middle Eastern neighbors to prevent the U.S. from using their airspace if a strike is launched.
- Saudi Arabia and UAE both refuse overflight for military action.
- U.S. has moved an aircraft carrier to the region.
- President Trump calls on Iran to negotiate.
6. Social Media Influencers Weigh in on Immigration Crackdown ([03:46]–[04:31])
- Trend: Non-political, high-profile social media personalities speak out about the immigration raids and shootings in Minneapolis.
- Examples:
- Dylan Mansour (232,000 followers on Instagram) breaks topic tradition to denounce recent events.
- Creative accounts (e.g., American Girl doll photography) pivot to protest messages.
- Expert Take: Anand Pandian frames the trend as a broader moment of public responsibility for everyday citizens to speak up.
Key Quotes:
“This account is not going to become a political account, but I cannot stay silent with what is happening in the world today.”
—Dylan Mansour ([04:01])
“I think a lot of people have the sense now that they have to stand up and say something.”
—Anand Pandian ([04:24])
7. Russian Viewers Flock to LGBTQ-Themed Drama Despite Censorship ([04:31]–[04:54])
- Phenomenon: A TV drama about a clandestine relationship between Canadian and Russian hockey players achieves cult success in Russia, even as anti-LGBTQ laws attempt to block access.
- Adaptation: Russians find underground ways to view the show, sidestepping legal barriers.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:15] Major federal resignations tied to immigration cases
- [01:13] Nashville’s blackout and community relief efforts
- [02:03] Federal Reserve policy announcement and context
- [02:53] Amazon lays off 16,000 workers
- [03:15] Iran–U.S. military tensions and Gulf diplomacy
- [03:46] Social media activism responds to Minneapolis shootings
- [04:31] Russian underground fandom for LGBTQ series
Tone & Language
The reporting is factual, urgent, and sober, in classic NPR style. Comments from sources (e.g., community members, influencers, experts) bring warmth and community perspective to hard news.
Summary
This news roundup covers government resignations in Minnesota tied to immigration enforcement controversy, community response amid Nashville's power crisis, a pivotal Federal Reserve decision, significant tech layoffs at Amazon, diplomatic maneuvering in the Middle East, the politicization of content by social media influencers, and a cross-cultural media trend in Russia. The episode demonstrates both the interconnectedness of politics, economics, and society and the ways ordinary citizens are engaging with and reacting to these challenges.