NPR News Now – 01-25-2026 10AM EST

Date: January 25, 2026
Host: Korva Coleman
Length: Five minutes
Theme: The latest U.S. and global news headlines and updates

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on pressing national and international stories. Top stories include the ongoing dispute over the investigation into a fatal shooting by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis, severe winter storm impacts across large swathes of the U.S., an analysis of Hollywood's box office slump under winter weather, the latest on Ukraine-Russia talks, and a record-setting feat by American rock climber Alex Honnold.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota-Federal Dispute over Shooting Investigation

[00:16–02:03]

• Context: Minnesota and federal officials are in conflict over who will investigate the shooting death of Alex Preddy, a Minneapolis protester, by a federal immigration agent.
• Legal Action: State officials secured a temporary court order instructing the federal government to preserve all evidence.
• State’s Position:
  • Minnesota Senator Tina Smith criticized federal authorities:

    "Our state investigators had to get a warrant to have access to the evidence...and even then the federal agents refused to give them access. So looks very much like another cover up as we see that they are having the Department of Homeland Security say we're going to be handling the investigation, not even the FBI."
    (Senator Tina Smith, 00:45)

• Federal Position:
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agent, stating Alex Preddy was armed and attacked officers, but declined to specify when the weapon was retrieved.
  • Noted that this marks the third immigration officer shooting in Minneapolis in January, with the agency deploying 2,000 more officers amid mounting unrest.
  • Thousands protested this federal response over the weekend.

2. Severe Winter Storm Cripples Much of U.S.

[02:03–03:12]

• Scope: Winter storm warnings stretch from New Mexico to Maine, with the main threat shifting from snow to hazardous ice.
• Impact: Around 750,000 customers are without power.
• On-the-Ground Perspective:
  • Blake Farmer in Nashville describes the dire conditions:

    "It's honestly not safe to walk outside right now, and not just because the ground is a sheet of ice. Holy cow, that's a 150-year-old oak smashing through the woods, whacking a power line and crushing some Adirondack chairs."
    (Blake Farmer, 02:32)

  • Southern states are especially vulnerable due to tree fragility and reliance on electric heating.
  • Power restoration may take days, with freezing temperatures to persist for at least a week.

3. Hollywood Box Office Takes a Hit Amidst Storm

[03:12–04:12]

• Industry Impact: The snowstorm led to poor box office numbers nationwide, the worst weekend of the year.
• Key Film:
  • The thriller "Mercy Being" underperformed, with opening estimates dropping from $15M to $12M.
• Quotable Moment:
  • Bob Mondello notes:

    "Snowy weather is giving movie theaters very little mercy this weekend."
    (Bob Mondello, 03:26)

  • Major cinema chains (AMC, Cinemark, Regal) closed dozens of theaters; 20+ states declared emergencies.

4. Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

[04:12–04:36]

• Update: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported "constructive" talks but no breakthrough in UAE-hosted negotiations aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Focus: Discussions centered on possible parameters for peace, with participation from military officials.

5. Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 Climb

[04:36–04:56]

• Event: Famed American rock climber Alex Honnold scaled Taipei 101 without ropes or protection, completing the ascent in roughly 90 minutes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Senator Tina Smith (00:45):

  "So looks very much like another cover up as we see that they are having the Department of Homeland Security say we're going to be handling the investigation, not even the FBI."

• Blake Farmer, Nashville (02:32):

  "Holy cow, that's a 150-year-old oak smashing through the woods, whacking a power line and crushing some Adirondack chairs."

• Bob Mondello, on box office (03:26):

  "Snowy weather is giving movie theaters very little mercy this weekend."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minnesota shooting investigation dispute: 00:16–02:03
• Winter storm and power outages: 02:03–03:12
• Hollywood box office impact & theater closures: 03:12–04:12
• Ukraine-Russia talks wrap-up: 04:12–04:36
• Alex Honnold's Taipei 101 climb: 04:36–04:56

This episode presents a fast-paced digest of the day’s most important news, underscored by tension around federal-state jurisdiction, the impact of unprecedented winter weather, economic bites in entertainment, ongoing international negotiations, and an inspiring adventure story.