NPR News Now – January 24, 2026, 11PM EST

Host: NPR | Date: January 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This rapid-fire NPR News Now episode covers the biggest stories of the day in the U.S. and beyond. Key themes include the aftermath of a deadly federal immigration operation in Minneapolis, an impending major winter storm across the Eastern U.S., the Democratic National Committee’s push for voter registration ahead of the midterms, deadly weather in Afghanistan, and a high-profile military investigation in China.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Deadly Federal Immigration Operation in Minneapolis

• Public Reaction & Local Leader Response

  • Residents of Minneapolis are “responding with shock and anger” following the shooting death of Alex Jeffrey Pretty, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a federal immigration (ICE) operation.
  • Mayor Jacob Frey, in a press briefing, emphasized the loss and challenged the necessity of the escalation.
  • [00:35] Political Analyst: “The chaos that we are seeing is...”
  • [00:38] Doua Khalilpal: “Caused directly by ICE, border control and this federal administration.”

• Security and Legal Actions

  • [00:56] Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara describes efforts to de-escalate a tense protest:
    • "State and local law enforcement did deploy less lethal and gas munitions at that assembly in order to allow for a safe egress of law enforcement and to prevent further violence and damage."
  • Governor Tim Walz has activated the National Guard to assist local police, and the mayor is seeking a court order to halt immigration enforcement.

2. Major Winter Storm Threatening Eastern U.S.

• Forecast and Warnings

  • [01:37] Chris Van Buskirk (WBOR):
    • Over 15 inches of snow expected in parts of New England, from Texas to Massachusetts.
    • Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a remote workday for state employees as a precaution.

• Preparedness and Potential Impact

  • [01:58] Governor Maura Healey:
    • “We're taking this storm very seriously. I have activated the state Emergency Operations center and directed all relevant agencies to deploy resources.”
  • [02:07] Chris Van Buskirk:
    • The National Weather Service warns of “widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages and vast tree damage are likely across the country.”

3. DNC Plans Major Voter Registration Investment Ahead of 2026 Midterms

• Strategy Shift

  • [02:30] Ben Giles (KJZZ):
    • DNC Chair Ken Martin announces millions in funding for direct voter registration, moving beyond previous reliance on nonpartisan organizations.
    • The strategy aims to engage underrepresented and traditionally Democratic-leaning voter groups more directly.

• Memorable Quote & Political Lessons

  • [02:50] Political Analyst:
    • “As we learned in 2024, we can't just assume that certain demographics, whether they be young voters, voters of color or otherwise, will automatically support the Democratic party. We have to earn registration so that we can earn every vote.”
  • Additional note: In Arizona, Republicans currently outnumber Democrats by 300,000 registered voters.

4. Deadly Weather Disaster in Afghanistan

• Impact and International Response
  • [03:11] Doua Khalilpal reports:
    • At least 61 dead and 110 injured in Afghanistan due to avalanches and heavy snowfall.
    • Key highways are cut off; 18 million people still need aid after last year’s earthquakes.
    • The United Nations appeals for $1.7 billion in humanitarian relief.

5. China Investigates Senior Military General Amid Larger Crackdown

• Latest and Highest-Ranking Target in Anti-Corruption Drive
  • [04:04] Emily Feng:
    • General Zhang Youxia, 75, is under investigation for “suspected violations of Communist Party discipline.”
    • Zhang is a veteran and a “princeling,” aligning him closely with Xi Jinping.
    • Chinese Defense Ministry is also probing General Liu Junli.
    • Recent months have seen the removal or purge of multiple senior military officials in Xi’s push to consolidate power.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Minneapolis ICE Operation:

  • [00:38] Doua Khalilpal: “Caused directly by ICE, border control and this federal administration.”
  • [00:56] Chief Brian O’Hara: “State and local law enforcement did deploy less lethal and gas munitions at that assembly in order to allow for a safe egress of law enforcement and to prevent further violence and damage.”

• On DNC Voter Strategy:

  • [02:50] Political Analyst: “We have to earn registration so that we can earn every vote.”

• On Storm Preparedness:

  • [01:58] Governor Maura Healey: “We're taking this storm very seriously. I have activated the state Emergency Operations center and directed all relevant agencies to deploy resources.”

• On China’s Military Purge:

  • [04:04] Emily Feng: “This is the most high-ranking official yet to be targeted.”

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Minneapolis ICE shooting and response: 00:15–01:09
• Winter storm warnings and preparations: 01:09–02:19
• DNC moves on voter registration: 02:19–03:11
• Deadly Afghanistan snowstorms: 03:11–03:54
• Chinese military investigation: 03:54–04:48

Conclusion

This edition of NPR News Now delivers urgent updates on public safety, political strategy, and global crises, featuring direct commentary from leaders and analysts. Listeners are kept informed and prepared for rapidly unfolding events at home and abroad.