NPR News Now — Detailed Summary

Episode: NPR News: 01-24-2026 7PM EST
Date: January 25, 2026
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers a concise, high-impact summary of major news developments across the country and internationally. Key topics include a fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving federal agents, a severe winter storm affecting large portions of the U.S., diplomatic efforts related to the war in Ukraine, significant arts and culture news from the Kennedy Center, and legal action by the city of Philadelphia over the removal of a slavery memorial.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis by Federal Immigration Agents

[00:14 – 01:19]

• Incident:
  Minnesota officials identified Alex Jeffrey Preddy as the person shot and killed in Minneapolis, marking the second death involving federal immigration agents in less than three weeks.

• Official Statements:

  • Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith jointly named Preddy and clarified he was a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen.
  • Notably, Senator Tina Smith commented on the broader implications:

    “The Trump administration has already called Alex Preddy a domestic terrorist. He was a nurse. She stressed that if this can happen in Minnesota, it can happen in any community in the country.”
    (Sen. Tina Smith, 00:36)

• Response:
  Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey requested National Guard deployment to support police, with members distinguished by yellow safety vests.

2. Massive Winter Storm Threatening the U.S.

[01:19 – 02:13]

• Scope of Storm:

  • Spanning the Southwest to the Mid-Atlantic and up through the Northeast.
  • Heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, and sleet expected; already thousands without power in the Southwest.

• Meteorological Risks:

  • National Weather Service expert, Josh Weiss, emphasized the severity:

    “If people lose power, people can't get out of their homes because snow and ice is covering the roadways. They could be stuck for several days without the ability to get warm.”
    (Josh Weiss, 01:45)

  • Risk of subzero wind chills extending as far south as Dallas, Memphis, and Raleigh, making the situation “truly life threatening.”

• Travel Impact:

  • Thousands of flights canceled or delayed.

3. Trilateral Talks on the Russia-Ukraine War

[02:13 – 03:07]

• Diplomatic Progress:

  • U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian delegations met for two days in Abu Dhabi.
  • Officials viewed the meeting itself as a “big step,” noting respectful conversations despite no major breakthroughs.

• Outstanding Issues:

  • Major sticking points include territorial division and de-escalation terms.

• Next Steps:

  • Follow-up meeting already scheduled for the coming week in Abu Dhabi.
  • Speaker summarizes:

    “Just getting them to the table to talk is a big step…having everyone in the same room was progress.”
    (U.S. Official, 02:26)

• Escalating Violence:

  • As discussions took place, Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine’s two largest cities.

4. Kennedy Center Cancellations & Renee Fleming

[03:07 – 04:21]

• Concert Cancelation:

  • Renowned soprano Renée Fleming cancels upcoming Kennedy Center concerts due to a scheduling conflict.

• Context:

  • Her withdrawal is part of a larger trend following President Trump’s self-installation as Kennedy Center chairman, which has prompted many artists and groups to withdraw.

• Notable Past Connection:

  • Fleming had previously been a Kennedy Center artistic advisor and was honored in 2023:

    “This is another level, and it's not.” — Renée Fleming echoing her excitement,
    “Comparable to anything else.” — Kennedy Center video clip
    (03:59–04:04)

• Broader Impact:

  • Other resignations include the Washington National Opera and banjoist Béla Fleck.

5. Philadelphia Sues Federal Government Over Slavery Memorial

[04:21 – 04:50]

• Issue:

  • Lawsuit filed after the National Park Service removed a slavery memorial at the Presidents’ House in Philadelphia.

• Memorial Significance:

  • The removed exhibit honored nine individuals enslaved by George Washington.

• Legal Basis:

  • City claims the NPS violated multiple laws and a 2006 agreement.
  • The Department of the Interior asserts removal aligns with President Trump’s order to eliminate “divisive race centered ideology narratives” from national cultural institutions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Minneapolis Shooting:

  “She stressed that if this can happen in Minnesota, it can happen in any community in the country.”
  (Sen. Tina Smith, 00:36)

• Winter Storm Warning:

  “So people are trapped due to heavy snowfall and damage, increasing rain. This cold is going to linger all of next week, making a dangerous situation truly life threatening.”
  (Josh Weiss, 01:45)

• On the Russia-Ukraine Talks:

  “Just getting them to the table to talk is a big step…having everyone in the same room was progress.”
  (U.S. Official via Tamara Keith, 02:26)

• Renee Fleming on Kennedy Center Honor:

  “This is another level, and it's not...Comparable to anything else.”
  (Renée Fleming and Kennedy Center video, 03:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis Shooting Coverage: 00:14 – 01:19
• Winter Storm Analysis: 01:19 – 02:13
• Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: 02:13 – 03:07
• Kennedy Center Cancellations: 03:07 – 04:21
• Philadelphia Lawsuit over Slavery Memorial: 04:21 – 04:50

Overall Tone:
Direct, urgent, and concise, providing listeners with rapid-fire updates on major stories with a clear sense of official reaction and public impact.

End of Summary