Israel recovered the body of the final Israeli hostage in Gaza, paving the way for the next steps in President Trump's peace plan, the Israeli military announced Monday, January 26, 2026, according to NPR Politics. The hostage was identified as Ran Gvili, 24, who was taken during the conflict.

In other international news, activists reported that at least 6,126 people were killed in Iran during a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, NPR News reported Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The U.S. has responded to the crisis by sending an aircraft carrier group to the Mideast, potentially signaling a military response.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated on Monday, January 26, 2026, that Europe is not capable of defending itself without U.S. military support, according to NPR News. Speaking to EU lawmakers in Brussels, Rutte said Europe would need to more than double its current military spending targets to achieve independent defense capabilities. "If anyone thinks here that the European Union or Europe as a whole can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming. You can't," Rutte said.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Border Patrol is facing scrutiny for its history of excessive force, NPR News reported on January 26, 2026. Critics argue that the agency is less prepared than big city police departments for handling crowds and situations involving protesters, some of whom are legally armed. Federal officials are reportedly investigating the recent killing of Alex P. in Minneapolis.

In sports news, veteran U.S. sled racer Katie Uhlaender claimed she was unfairly denied a chance to compete in her sixth Winter Olympic Games, NPR News reported on January 26, 2026. Uhlaender is urging the International Olympic Committee to create a "wild card" berth that would allow her to race in Milan Cortina next month. "This is about the integrity of sport and code of ethics that upholds sportsmanship, fair play, integrity, respect and community," Uhlaender said.