NPR News Now – April 26, 2026, 2PM EDT

Host: Nora Ram | Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode Date: April 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this 5-minute NPR News Now update, Nora Ram and NPR correspondents deliver key headlines on breaking U.S. and global events. Coverage includes the aftermath of a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding struggles, the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, attacks in Mali, and a new world record at the London Marathon.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

[00:29–01:38]

• President Trump’s Response:

  • President Trump left the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a gunman opened fire and cited the incident to justify the need for a new, secure White House ballroom under construction.
  • Trump described the current venue, the Washington Hilton, as insecure, referencing its size and layout.
  • Quote (Donald Trump, [01:04]):
    "It’s always tough when you have a thousand rooms... people come down in elevators and they’re right over the top of where you’re speaking... we’re building a big, beautiful, very, very secure ballroom in every way with massive bulletproof glass that’s almost 4 inches thick."
  • The new ballroom faces ongoing legal challenges, and its future use is uncertain.

• Suspect Information:

  • The shooter has been identified as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California.
  • Initial charges include weapons and assault, with more possible as investigation progresses.
  • Reporting from the Scene (Steve Futterman, [01:58]):
    • Authorities searched Allen’s residence for items like computers and digital storage as they seek motives.
    • Allen is a Caltech graduate working in academic tutoring.

2. Department of Homeland Security Shutdown

[02:25–03:26]

• Funding Stalemate Intensified by Shooting:
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including Secret Service—remains unfunded since February 14.
  • The recent attack has heightened political urgency to resolve the issue.
  • Quote (Senator Mike Lee, [02:54]):
    "Same Secret Service that just saved President Trump’s life... has been defunded along with the rest of DHS for more than two months... To my Democrat colleagues in the Senate, it’s time to end this. Let’s end the Homeland Security shutdown now, please."
  • While the Senate advanced a bipartisan funding deal (with some exclusions for immigration enforcement), the House GOP is backing a slower, one-party plan.

3. 40th Anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster

[03:26–03:38]

• Marking four decades since the Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion in the former Soviet Union.
• Millions exposed to radiation; large-scale evacuations in Ukraine and Belarus; thousands of deaths linked to radiation illnesses.

4. Violence and Instability in Mali

[03:38–04:47]

• Attack on Defense Minister’s Residence:
  • Mali’s defense minister reportedly killed in an attack; militant and rebel groups claim responsibility for widespread incidents.
  • Reporting (Michael Koloki, [04:10]):
    • JNIM (al-Qaeda linked) and FLA (rebel group) both issue statements taking responsibility for attacks.
    • Malian military confirms deaths among the assailants and injuries to several individuals.
    • U.S. Embassy issues security alert; UN calls for international response in the Sahel region.
    • Quote (Michael Koloki, [04:25]):
      "The American Embassy in Mali has issued a security alert calling on US citizens in the West African nation to shelter in place following the attacks."

5. Sports: London Marathon World Record

[04:47–05:09]

• Moment of Athletic Achievement:
  • Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawway sets a new world record—finishing the London Marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds.
  • Quote (Sebastian Sawway, via Nora Ram, [04:54]):
    "With them calling, you feel so happy and strong."
  • Sawway credits the support of cheering crowds for his performance.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump on Venue Security:
  "We’re building a big, beautiful, very, very secure ballroom in every way with massive bulletproof glass..." ([01:04])
• Senator Mike Lee on DHS Shutdown:
  "Same Secret Service that just saved President Trump’s life... has been defunded along with the rest of DHS..." ([02:54])
• Michael Koloki on Mali Security:
  "The American Embassy in Mali has issued a security alert calling on US citizens... to shelter in place..." ([04:25])
• Sebastian Sawway on Setting Marathon Record:
  "With them calling, you feel so happy and strong." ([04:54])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner: 00:29–01:38
• Shooter Background & Residence Search: 01:38–02:25
• DHS Shutdown & Political Reactions: 02:25–03:26
• Chernobyl Anniversary: 03:26–03:38
• Attacks and Security in Mali: 03:38–04:47
• London Marathon Record: 04:47–05:09

This concise bulletin captures critical events in national security, politics, international crises, and sports, providing listeners with the most recent and impactful news.