NPR News Now — January 24, 2026, 8PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: January 24, 2026
Format: 5-minute news roundup

Episode Overview

This episode provides a compact rundown of major national and international stories. Key topics include a controversial federal shooting in Minneapolis, a major impending winter storm in the Northeast, escalating U.S.-Canada tensions over trade, developments in Ukraine-Russia peace talks, and significant childcare reforms in San Francisco and New York City.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Immigration Shooting in Minneapolis

• Incident: Federal immigration officers shot and killed Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, during an attempt to detain an allegedly undocumented and armed individual in Minneapolis.
• The incident triggered large-scale protests and renewed scrutiny of federal enforcement tactics, especially in a city already tense from a recent fatal shooting.
• Official Account:
  • Kristi Noem (Homeland Security Secretary) states Preddy "approached agents with a gun" and "resisted violently" before being shot ([00:14]).
• Counter-Narrative:
  • Kelly Morrison (Congresswoman) disputes this, claiming video evidence contradicts DHS's version:

    "We watched the videos of a masked federal agent shooting Alex in the back multiple times while he was pinned down by more than six other masked federal agents. And once again, DHS has come out with a predetermined narrative that contradicts everything we saw with our own eyes." — Kelly Morrison ([00:55])

• Response from Local Officials:
  • Jacob Fry (Minneapolis Mayor) plans to seek a temporary restraining order against President Trump's immigration crackdown ([01:13]).

2. Major Winter Storm Threatens the Northeast

• A powerful winter storm is expected to hit Connecticut and much of the Northeast, potentially delivering the largest snowfall in a decade.
• Preparation & Warnings:
  • Garrett Ucolito (Transportation Commissioner): "We know, we're New Englanders, we know how to handle winter weather. But I strongly encourage people to stay." ([01:51])
  • Residents urged to stay home Sunday; up to 20 inches forecast.
  • Governor Ned Lamont and the National Weather Service emphasize the storm's severity:

    "Weather Channel often hypes up these storms. This is the real McCoy, and I want you to pay special attention." ([02:01])

• Coverage: State and local agencies are mobilizing 900 snowplow drivers and issuing winter storm warnings through Monday evening.

3. U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Escalate

• President Trump threatened steep tariffs against Canada, accusing them of facilitating Chinese exports into the U.S. if Ottawa finalizes a trade agreement with China.
• Trump's Accusations:
  • Referred to Prime Minister Mark Carney as "governor" and threatened a 100% tariff ([02:34]).
  • Criticized Carney for "trying to turn Canada into a drop off port for Chinese exports."
• Canadian Response:
  • Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc: No free trade agreement is being pursued with China; the focus remains on U.S.-Canada relations.
  • Provincial premiers express support for Carney in prioritizing Canadian economic growth.

4. Ukraine–Russia–U.S. Peace Talks

• President Volodymyr Zelensky reports that talks in Abu Dhabi with Russian and U.S. officials were "constructive," but no significant breakthroughs occurred ([03:10]).
• Negotiations focused on military and economic issues related to the four-year-old Moscow-led war.
• Next round of talks scheduled for February 1; ongoing U.S. efforts to facilitate a ceasefire deal.

5. Major Child Care Reforms in San Francisco & New York City

San Francisco

• New Initiative: Family of four earning less than $230,000 qualifies for free child care; 50% subsidy for those up to 200% of the area median income ([03:59]).
  • Funded through a voter-approved tax measure.
• Innovative Eligibility: San Francisco uses area median income (not federal poverty guidelines), broadening access:

  • "This is going to remove a huge burden for working parents. We're going to be the first major city in the nation to actually get this." — Unnamed Commentator ([04:11])

New York City

• Mayor Zoran Mandani is developing a plan for universal free childcare up to age five ([04:43]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We watched the videos of a masked federal agent shooting Alex in the back multiple times while he was pinned down by more than six other masked federal agents..." — Kelly Morrison, 00:55
• "We know, we're New Englanders, we know how to handle winter weather. But I strongly encourage people to stay." — Garrett Ucolito, 01:51
• "Weather Channel often hypes up these storms. This is the real McCoy, and I want you to pay special attention." — NPR Commentator, 02:01
• "This is going to remove a huge burden for working parents. We're going to be the first major city in the nation to actually get this." — NPR Commentator (re: San Francisco policy), 04:11

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minneapolis Shooting & Protest: 00:14 – 01:13
• Winter Storm Coverage (Connecticut): 01:38 – 02:21
• U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions: 02:21 – 03:10
• Ukraine Peace Talks: 03:10 – 03:59
• Childcare Reforms (SF & NYC): 03:59 – 04:54

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise, up-to-the-minute reporting on fast-changing national and international developments, with an emphasis on policy impacts and strong community reactions.