Up First from NPR – January 26, 2026

Episode Main Theme:
The episode covers three pressing national stories: the fallout after a second fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, the resulting political standoff over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding in the Senate, and the aftermath of a major winter storm that swept across the U.S., causing power outages, delays, and dangerous conditions.

1. Minneapolis ICE Shooting: Aftermath and National Outcry

[02:09–05:56]

Overview

• Federal agents killed Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis—this is the second such killing since the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown began.
• Conflicting narratives emerge between federal authorities and video evidence.
• Protests erupt in Minneapolis, with further nationwide unrest.
• Concerns escalate about the independence of the federal investigation and transparency.

Key Points & Insights

• Conflicting Narratives:
  • The Trump administration labeled Preddy a “domestic terrorist,” claiming he brandished a gun and intended to massacre law enforcement ([02:44]).
  • Jasmine Garst (NPR): “Multiple videos contradict that... There is no evidence in the videos, which by the way, NPR has verified, that Preddy was ever brandishing a gun in his hand. What we do see is Preddy holding a phone... then at least six masked federal officers beating him, spraying him in the face with a chemical agent. Then they pin him down... then one agent appears to pull a gun from Preddy’s waistband before agents shoot him. We counted 10 rounds fired.” ([02:44])
• Pattern of Violence:
  • This is the second such fatal shooting in Minneapolis in January—the first victim, Renee Macklin Good, was killed on January 7 ([03:52]).
• Official Blockage and Investigation:
  • State criminal investigators have been blocked from accessing the scene by DHS—prompting a court-ordered temporary restraining order to preserve evidence ([04:23]).
  • Jasmine Garst: “Much like with the Renee Macklin Good investigation, state officials say they are being shut out... A federal judge has granted them a temporary restraining order... no Homeland Security officer can destroy or alter evidence related to Preddy's death.” ([04:23])
• Community Response and Protest:
  • Protests have been “massive and overwhelmingly peaceful,” contradicting White House claims of “anarchists and insurrectionists” ([05:01]).
  • Protest atmosphere: “The morning Alex Preddy was shot dead, neighbors immediately took to the street. They were met with tear gas.” ([05:01])
  • Protester (anonymous): “I mean, people are angry, but it’s peaceful. We're shouting... it's basically a goon squad going after residents of this beautiful city.” ([05:30])
  • Jasmine Garst: “The mood in Minneapolis right now is grief, anger, and there's a sense that this city is at a breaking point.” ([05:42])

Notable Quotes

• Jasmine Garst: “There is no evidence in the videos... that Preddy was ever brandishing a gun in his hand.” ([02:44])
• Protester: “It's basically a goon squad going after residents of this beautiful city.” ([05:30])
• Jasmine Garst: “The mood in Minneapolis right now is grief, anger, and there's a sense that this city is at a breaking point.” ([05:42])

2. Senate DHS Funding Showdown and the Prospect of a Government Shutdown

[05:57–09:30]

Overview

• The Minneapolis shootings have become a national political flashpoint.
• Most Senate Democrats are threatening to withhold votes on the DHS funding bill, endangering a critical $1.3 trillion spending package and raising the specter of a partial government shutdown.

Key Points & Insights

• Congressional Tension:
  • Senate Democrats refuse to fund DHS without new “guardrails” on immigration enforcement, risking funding for unrelated government sectors ([06:05]).
• Immediate Implications:
  • “A vote against homeland security funding would also be a vote against spending bills for defense, health, and more that have overwhelming bipartisan support.” ([06:33])
• Rising Tensions Post-Shooting:
  • The second killing increased opposition. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: “Senate Democrats will not provide the votes if the DHS funding is included...” ([07:12])
• Limited Actual Leverage:
  • Republican-controlled Congress previously approved $75 billion extra for ICE. Democrats’ current move would prevent an additional $10 billion but “is not going to stop the crackdown.” ([07:28])
  • Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota): “When they're killing two constituents in my state and they're taking two year olds out of the arms of their mom. No, I am not voting for this funding.” ([07:48])
• Democratic Demands:
  • Already secured increased funding for officer body cameras and some oversight.
  • Want further restrictions on excessive force and a “clean” vote on non-DHS funding ([08:20]).
• Republican Position:
  • Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) is “exploring all options,” but House is in recess, complicating solutions ([08:48]).
  • Some GOP Senators, like Bill Cassidy (R-LA), call for independent investigation: “The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.” ([09:10])
  • Possible political divides emerging in the GOP on handling DHS amid election season.

Notable Quotes

• Amy Klobuchar: “When they're killing two constituents in my state and they're taking two year olds out of the arms of their mom. No, I am not voting for this funding.” ([07:48])
• Sam Greenglass: “Democrats withholding their votes this week is not going to stop the crackdown. But they say they don't want to hand over the $10 billion or so more dollars that's on the line.” ([07:28])
• Sam Greenglass: “Some Republican senators are calling for an independent investigation and hearings. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said the credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.” ([09:10])

3. Severe Winter Storm: Southern to Northeastern US in Crisis

[09:40–13:09]

Overview

• A major winter storm swept from the Deep South through New England, leaving deaths, mass power outages, and widespread travel disruptions in its wake.

Key Points & Insights

• Scope of the Storm:
  • Deaths reported; hundreds of thousands without power, especially across Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi ([09:50]).
  • Ice brought chaos—roads and power lines impassable; trees and branches downed in many communities.
  • Nashville resident Alejandro Marone: “Trees have been going down everywhere across the neighborhood... there's been three trees, branches that have come off. So pretty intense.” ([10:45])
• Restoration Efforts:
  • Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves called it the “biggest ice storm” in 30+ years. As many as 180,000 customers without power in-state ([11:09]).
  • Reeves: “The real challenge in an ice storm is... it's not safe for our people to be out and about trying to do things because of the amount of ice that is on the road.” ([11:31])
  • Warming centers are open but may not reach the most rural or isolated residents ([11:47]).
  • Storm’s impact stretched into the Northeast, including Massachusetts ([12:00]).
• Travel Disruption:
  • Over 10,000 flights canceled in one weekend. Sunday marked the worst single day for cancellations since early COVID-19 pandemic ([12:25]).
  • Airports in NYC, DC, and Boston especially hard-hit. American, Delta, and United Airlines faced major operational challenges ([12:25]).
  • Disruptions are expected to continue as airlines reposition crews and aircrafts.

Notable Quotes

• Alejandro Marone (Nashville): “Trees have been going down everywhere... it's been pretty intense.” ([10:45])
• Tate Reeves (MS Governor): “The real challenge in an ice storm is... it's not safe for our people to be out and about trying to do things because of the amount of ice that is on the road.” ([11:31])

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minneapolis shooting report begins: [02:09]
• Details on the shooting and protest atmosphere: [02:44–05:56]
• DHS funding/Senate shutdown standoff: [05:57–09:30]
• Winter storm report begins: [09:40]
• Air travel impact & conclusion of segment: [12:20–13:09]

Summary Takeaways

• The episode offers a close look at a high-tension cycle: federal use of force in immigration enforcement, the subsequent political fallout in Congress, and how national crises (including natural disasters) intersect with governance.
• Emotional tone throughout: hosts and reporters emphasize both the gravity of state violence and the hardship caused by weather, balancing breaking-news urgency with firsthand testimony.
• Throughout, the hosts amplify the voices of local residents, congressional leaders, protesters, and officials, keeping the original tone: empathetic, concerned, skeptical of official narratives, and intent on accountability.

A must-listen for those seeking a succinct yet thorough update on the nation's most urgent issues this Monday.