NPR News Now – January 25, 2026, 10PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: January 26, 2026
Episode Overview:
This concise NPR News Now update covers the aftermath of a fatal shooting involving a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, mounting political backlash against Trump’s immigration policy, the impact of a severe winter storm across the eastern US, updates on Ukraine’s security agreement with the US, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions amid political pressures, and the passing of public health leader Dr. William Foege.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Fatal Shooting of Alex Prezzi & Immigration Policy Backlash

[00:15–01:59]

• Incident Overview:

  • 37-year-old nurse Alex Prezzi was shot and killed by a border agent in Minneapolis.
  • The Trump administration claims Prezzi provoked the shooting; bystander video contradicts this, showing Prezzi holding a phone.
  • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and local officials demand an end to the immigration crackdown.

• Public & Political Reaction:

  • Over 60 Minnesota CEOs signed an open letter urging state, local, and federal officials to collaborate after the shooting.
  • President Trump’s immigration policies now face pushback from voters and Congress.

• Political Analysis (Mara Liasson):

  • Senate Democrats refuse to fund the Department of Homeland Security following a second fatal Minneapolis shooting involving ICE.
  • Trump’s approval ratings are falling; immigration, previously a strong issue, is now a liability.
  • A New York Times poll finds only 36% approve of ICE’s job performance; 61% say ICE's tactics “gone too far.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Political Commentator (on shifting public sentiment):

    “If you voted for this administration, heck, even if you thought Operation Metro Surge was a good idea... you’re still allowed to look at what’s happening here in Minnesota and say, this isn’t what I voted for and this isn’t what I want.”
    — [00:41]

  • Mara Liasson (on the political stakes):

    “New polls taken before the second fatal shooting show majorities of voters disapprove of ICE's tactics...that sentiment could have an impact on the midterm elections even though Trump himself isn’t on the ballot.”
    — [01:41]

2. Record Winter Storm Disrupts the Eastern U.S.

[01:59–02:55]

• Severe Weather Impact:

  • Massive storm brings record cold, power outages, and dangerous travel from Gulf Coast to New England.
  • North Carolina’s Gov. Josh Stein highlights road closures due to snow, sleet, freezing rain.
  • Officials warn of black ice and advise people to stay off the roads; school closures and remote work policies enacted.

• Current Power Outages:

  • 900,000 people without power; Tennessee hardest hit (~300,000 without power).
  • Significant outages also in Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Weather Reporter (on road safety):

    “Stay off the roads. Black ice is going to stick around for a few days…so whatever precipitation is on the ground is going to turn to ice overnight.”
    — [02:34]

3. Ukraine–US Security Agreement and EU Aspirations

[02:55–03:50]

• Diplomatic Update:
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says a security agreement with the US is “100% ready,” awaiting a signing date.
  • Zelensky positions Ukraine’s EU membership push by 2027 as an economic security guarantee.
  • He acknowledges fundamental disagreements with Russia regarding territorial concessions.

4. Federal Reserve Holds Steady Amid Political Pressure

[03:50–04:31]

• Economic Policy Update:

  • The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain current interest rates due to persistent inflation, despite prior rate cuts to support the job market.
  • President Trump has pressured the Fed for more rate cuts and has instigated a DOJ investigation into the central bank.
  • Fed Chairman Jerome Powell maintains the importance of the Fed’s independence from political influence.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Scott Horsley (on Powell’s stance):

    “Powell said public service sometimes requires standing firm in the face of threats. This week’s post-meeting news conference will give Powell another chance to make the case for why the Fed should be insulated from political interference.”
    — [04:12]

5. Remembering Dr. William Foege

[04:31–04:55]

• Obituary:
  • Dr. William Foege, age 89, leader in global smallpox eradication, has died.
  • As a medical missionary in Nigeria, he contained a smallpox outbreak via targeted vaccination, later served as CDC Director.

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• “This isn’t what I voted for and this isn’t what I want.” — Political Commentator [00:41]
• “Only 36% of voters approve of the way ICE is doing its job.” — Mara Liasson [01:37]
• “Black ice is going to stick around for a few days… every night this week we’re going to get below freezing.” — Weather Reporter [02:34]
• “Powell said public service sometimes requires standing firm in the face of threats.” — Scott Horsley [04:12]

Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This NPR News Now update captures the rapidly evolving public response to immigration enforcement, severe winter weather disruptions, Ukraine’s foreign policy advances, economic signals from the Federal Reserve, and the loss of a historic public health leader, providing condensed but comprehensive coverage of the day’s critical news.