NPR News Now – January 29, 2026, 5PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Main Theme: Latest U.S. and global news updates – top stories in government, weather, health, international affairs, and technology.

1. Assault Charge Against Man at Ilhan Omar Event

[00:14–01:18]

• Key Details:
  • Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, formally charged with assaulting Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at a Minneapolis town hall.
  • Kazmierczak allegedly ran towards Omar and sprayed her with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar.
  • Omar confronted the attacker, raising her fist before security intervened.
  • Kazmierczak’s social media includes critical posts about Omar; he was moved to federal custody.
• Context:
  • Omar, a vocal critic of President Trump and his immigration policies, quickly returned to her speech after the incident.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Omar ran toward him with her fist raised, but before security tackled him. Then Omar returned to speaking.” — Peter Cox [00:46]
• Reporter: Peter Cox, Minneapolis Public Radio

2. Severe Winter Storms Across the Eastern U.S.

[01:18–02:07]

• Key Updates:
  • The National Weather Service has issued storm advisories from the Northern Plains to the Gulf Coast.
  • Ongoing arctic air brings dangerously low temperatures, heavy snow, and gusty winds.
  • Recovery efforts in southern states hampered by previous ice storms; 250,000+ customers without power in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • National Guard troops deployed to assist with clearing roads and delivering emergency supplies to affected areas.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The prolonged freeze further complicates efforts in parts of the south to recover from an ice storm that has made travel treacherous and coated trees and power lines.” — Debbie Elliott [01:38]
• Reporter: Debbie Elliott, NPR

3. U.S. Life Expectancy Hits All-Time High

[02:07–02:56]

• Key Insights:
  • New federal data: Average U.S. life expectancy has reached 79 years in 2024, the highest since tracking began in 1900.
  • The improvement linked to fewer deaths from drug overdoses and COVID-19 (out of top 10 causes of death for the first time since the pandemic began).
  • Despite this milestone, the U.S. still trails behind countries like Australia and Japan regarding longevity.
• Quote:
  • “The increase in life expectancy was caused primarily by a drop in deaths from drug overdoses and from COVID 19, which fell out of the top 10 causes of death for the first time since the pandemic.” — Rob Stein [02:32]
• Reporter: Rob Stein, NPR

4. IRS Tax Return Filings & Deadlines

[02:56–03:42]

• Quick Points:
  • IRS anticipates 164 million tax returns by April 15.
  • Electronic filers may receive refunds within 21 days.
  • [Standard annual tax information update]

5. International News

- U.S.–Russia: Temporary Halt on Strikes in Ukraine

[03:04]

• President Trump claims to have asked President Putin to pause strikes on Kyiv and other critical Ukrainian cities for one week during extreme cold; Russia has not confirmed any agreement.
• Notable Mention:
  • “He says Putin agreed, but Russia has not confirmed that.” — Ryland Barton [03:11]

- Pakistan: Imran Khan’s Hospitalization

[03:19–04:28]

• Key Details:
  • Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan (in jail since spring 2023) was briefly hospitalized for a 20-minute procedure.
  • Khan’s party, lawyers, and family were not informed ahead of time.
  • His son, Qasem Khan, voiced concern that his father could lose his vision and urged authorities to allow access to independent specialist care.
  • Qasem also reports being blocked from seeing his father for more than 900 days.
  • Khan remains jailed on multiple charges, with supporters alleging retribution for his stance against Pakistan’s military.
• Quote:
  • “Khan's son, Qasem on X called for authorities to let his father access independent specialist care. He says his father has a condition which could cause him to lose his vision.” — Dia Hadid [04:05]
• Reporter: Dia Hadid, NPR

6. Technology: Tactile Super Bowl Experience for Blind and Low Vision Fans

[04:28–04:53]

• Key Points:
  • A new tactile device will allow blind and low-vision fans unprecedented access at the Super Bowl.
  • Device features: Tracks the football, vibrates on key plays, provides real-time audio, and allows users to feel the ball's position in play.
  • About 10 fans will use this technology when Seattle plays New England.
• Quote:
  • “With hands on the device, they'll feel the location of the ball and hear what's happening throughout the game.” — Ryland Barton [04:40]
• Notable for: Pioneering accessibility technology at a major U.S. sporting event.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the Omar Assault:
  “Omar ran toward him with her fist raised, but before security tackled him. Then Omar returned to speaking.” — Peter Cox [00:46]

• On Extreme Winter:
  “The prolonged freeze further complicates efforts in parts of the south to recover from an ice storm that has made travel treacherous and coated trees and power lines.” — Debbie Elliott [01:38]

• On Life Expectancy:
  “The increase in life expectancy was caused primarily by a drop in deaths from drug overdoses and from COVID 19, which fell out of the top 10 causes of death for the first time since the pandemic.” — Rob Stein [02:32]

• On Imran Khan’s Medical Care:
  “He says his father has a condition which could cause him to lose his vision.” — Dia Hadid [04:06]

• On Super Bowl Accessibility:
  “With hands on the device, they'll feel the location of the ball and hear what's happening throughout the game.” — Ryland Barton [04:40]

Timestamps for Reference

• Ilhan Omar Assault Update: 00:14–01:18
• Winter Storm Coverage: 01:18–02:07
• Life Expectancy Report: 02:07–02:56
• IRS Filing Information: 02:56–03:42
• Ukraine and Russia Pause Announcement: 03:04
• Imran Khan Hospitalization: 03:42–04:28
• Super Bowl Tactile Technology: 04:28–04:53

For full context and rapid updates, tune in to the next edition of NPR News Now.