NPR News Now: January 25, 2026, 11AM EST
Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR)
Date: January 25, 2026
Episode Theme:
A concise update on pressing domestic and international news, with stories ranging from a controversial shooting in Minneapolis, massive winter storms across the U.S., shifting U.S.-Canada-China trade relations, a remarkable free climb in Taiwan, and Japan’s diplomatic “panda farewell.”
Key News Stories & Insights
1. Tension Over Immigration Agent-Involved Shooting in Minneapolis
[00:16 - 01:23]
- Incident:
Federal immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Preddy in Minneapolis on Saturday. - Conflict Between Agencies:
- State investigators claim they were blocked from the crime scene by federal law enforcement, even after returning with a signed judicial warrant.
- This has reignited longstanding tensions over jurisdiction and transparency in federal use-of-force incidents.
- State Response:
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the state will conduct its own investigation:
“We need to have a fair investigation, understanding what's happening and held accountable. ... They can have full immunity. And what I'm telling you is they will not. There will be justice to Minnesotans.”
— Minnesota Governor Tim Walz [00:57] - The state is suing to prevent destruction of evidence. A judge has granted a temporary order to preserve evidence.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the state will conduct its own investigation:
2. Massive Winter Storm and Emergency Declarations in 10 States
[01:23 - 02:27]
- Scope:
- President Trump approved emergency declarations in 10 states, including Indiana and Kentucky.
- More than 800,000 people lost power—majority in Southern states.
- Impacted Areas:
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee among the hardest hit.- Tens of thousands of outages reported.
- Mississippi social media shows icicles forming on power lines.
- Utility Response:
- Southwestern Electric Power Company reported extensive damage from ice-laden trees falling on power lines.
- Utility crews are prepared but outages continue to increase.
- Quote:
“Utilities say they have crew members on standby to repair downed lines. But in many areas hard hit by the storm, outage numbers continue to creep up.” — Matt Bloom, NPR News [02:12]
3. U.S.-Canada-China Trade Tensions Escalate
[02:27 - 03:09]
- Tariff Threat:
- President Trump threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a trade deal with China.
- Timeline:
- Trump initially praised the Canada-China trade deal.
- After Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's critical remarks at Davos, Trump reversed his stance and issued the tariff threat.
- Insight:
“Trump is very unpredictable. That's why he's forcing other countries to de risk to separate from the United States and look for other partners.”
— Mara Liasson, NPR [02:53]
4. Alex Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Skyscraper
[03:09 - 04:24]
- Event:
- Alex Honnold, known for “Free Solo” and his rope-less feats, climbed Taiwan’s 101-story, 1,600-foot Taipei 101 skyscraper.
- He used only his hands and some chalk—no ropes, no safety net.
- Public Reaction:
- Large crowd gathered and cheered as he climbed.
- Remarkable Details:
- The building is in a high-risk earthquake zone.
- It features an internal steel damper system.
- Quote:
“If you look at a building like Taipei 101, you're just like, dude, it's so big. It's so much bigger than everything around it. The view is insane.”
— Alex Honnold [03:55] - Climb Duration:
- About 1.5 hours.
5. Japan Bids Farewell to Its Last Pandas as Panda Diplomacy Shifts
[04:24 - 04:55]
- Event:
- Crowds gathered at Tokyo Zoo to say goodbye to the last two pandas—twin cubs returning to China.
- The pandas are Chinese-owned under “panda diplomacy,” an agreement dating back to 1972.
- Diplomatic Context:
- The return comes at a time when Japan-China relations have soured.
- Pandas symbolized the normalization of diplomatic ties between the countries.
- Quote:
“Japan received its first pandas in 1972, a gift that marked the normalization of diplomatic ties with Beijing.”
— Windsor Johnston [04:48]
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Governor Tim Walz (on federal immunity):
“They can have full immunity. And what I'm telling you is they will not. There will be justice to Minnesotans.” [00:57]
- Mara Liasson (on Trump’s unpredictability):
“That's why he's forcing other countries to de risk to separate from the United States and look for other partners.” [02:53]
- Alex Honnold (on Taipei 101):
“Dude, it's so big. It's so much bigger than everything around it. The view is insane.” [03:55]
Key Timestamps
- [00:16] Minnesota shooting and jurisdictional clash
- [01:23] Winter storm emergency declarations and impact
- [02:27] US-Canada-China trade tension escalation
- [03:09] Alex Honnold’s skyscraper free climb
- [04:24] Japan’s final panda farewell
This summary captures the impactful events and memorable commentary featured in NPR’s 5-minute news update for January 25, 2026, at 11AM EST.
