NPR News Now: January 25, 2026, 11PM EST — Episode Summary

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This NPR News Now episode provides a concise roundup of the latest significant national and international news, spanning from a high-profile police shooting and business response in Minnesota, severe winter weather impacts across the U.S., escalating Israeli actions against a UN agency, updates from the Sundance Film Festival, and a peace march making national headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Business Leaders Call for Calm after Shooting [00:16–01:14]

• Background: CEOs from over 60 major Minnesota companies (including Target, Best Buy, and General Mills) released an open letter urging officials to deescalate tensions after ICU nurse Alex Preddy was fatally shot by federal immigration officers.
• Business Impact: Companies report recent losses amid unrest.
• Investigations & Public Response: There are growing calls for investigations into the circumstances of Preddy’s death. Greg Bovino, Customs and Border Patrol commander, addressed the media but withheld details pending investigation.
  • Quote:

    "How many shots were fired? Where were the weapons located? All those facts are going to come out in the investigation… So I’m not going to speculate."
    — Greg Bovino [00:58]

• Political Tensions:
  • President Trump (to the Wall Street Journal): "We're reviewing everything and we'll come out with a determination." [01:14]
  • Governor Tim Walz stresses urgency, telling Trump he can "end this today."

2. Major Winter Storm Disrupts Northeast [01:14–02:09]

• Storm Impact: Heavy snow and sleet from Arizona to Maine, notably burying New Jersey under nearly a foot. The sleet reduced expected snow totals but brought dangerous ice.
• Travel and Power:
  • 2,700+ flight cancellations in the New York metro area.
  • Power outages—modest as of report, but risks rising.
  • New Jersey Transit: All rail and bus service suspended, possible resumption on Monday, pending further updates.
  • Quote:

    "...the icy sheen poses its own risks. Power outages were relatively modest by mid afternoon, but as the storm continues, more outages are possible."
    — Bruce Kahnfeiser [01:37]

3. Israel Moves Against UNRWA Facilities [02:09–03:08]

• Background: Israel to cut off power and water to several UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency) sites, following government criticism that the agency supports terrorism, which UNRWA denies.
• Context:
  • Israel has already bulldozed UNRWA's main offices in East Jerusalem.
  • In 2024, Israel banned UNRWA from its territory; law now allows cutting utilities.
  • UNRWA uncertain about which facilities are targets, as Israeli officials are barred from UNRWA contact.
• Quote:

  "UNRWA says it does not know which of its facilities might be targeted, given Israel's also forbidden its government officials from having any contact with UNRWA."
  — Emily Feng [02:27]

4. Sundance Film Festival: Last Year in Park City [03:08–04:15]

• Festival Update: Sundance, founded by Robert Redford, is moving from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, next year. The current festival pays tribute to Redford and screens past hits like "Little Miss Sunshine."
• New Films & Stars:
  • Standouts include "the Moment," a mockumentary with Charli XCX, and three other films starring or featuring her.
  • Olivia Wilde directs and stars in "the Invite," with Seth Rogen and Penelope Cruz.
  • Diverse lineup includes midnight movies, documentaries, and TV episodes.
  • Notable Moment:

    "Don't you just think the whole, like, keep having a brat summer thing is a bit cringe?"
    — Charli XCX (clip from 'the Moment') [03:45]
    "It's all cringe."
    — Mandalit Del Barco [03:49]

5. Monks' Walk for Peace Reaches North Carolina [04:15–04:55]

• Update: The Walk for Peace, a 93-day journey by 19 Buddhist monks from Texas to D.C., encountered icy, snowy conditions in North Carolina—their first experience with such weather on the trek.
• Public Reception: Thousands greet the monks at North Carolina’s state capitol in Raleigh.
• Governor’s Message:
  • Governor Josh Stein thanks the monks for inspiring unity and hope, referencing rising partisan discord.
  • Quote:

    "We live in a time of partisan rancor and political discord. We don't want to be on guard against our neighbors. We want to come together."
    — Governor Josh Stein [04:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Greg Bovino on investigation:
  "How many shots were fired? Where were the weapons located? All those facts are going to come out in the investigation… So I’m not going to speculate." [00:58]
• President Trump on the shooting:
  "We're reviewing everything and we'll come out with a determination." [01:14]
• Bruce Kahnfeiser on the storm:
  "...the icy sheen poses its own risks. Power outages were relatively modest..." [01:37]
• Emily Feng on UNRWA:
  "UNRWA says it does not know which of its facilities might be targeted, given Israel's also forbidden its government officials from having any contact with unrwa." [02:27]
• Charli XCX in 'the Moment':
  "Don't you just think the whole, like, keep having a brat summer thing is a bit cringe?" [03:45]
• Governor Josh Stein on unity:
  "We live in a time of partisan rancor and political discord. We don't want to be on guard against our neighbors. We want to come together." [04:44]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minnesota CEO Letter/Shooting — 00:16–01:14
• Winter Storm in Northeast — 01:14–02:09
• Israel vs. UNRWA — 02:09–03:08
• Sundance Film Festival — 03:08–04:15
• Monks’ Walk for Peace — 04:15–04:55

This episode encapsulates a dramatic day across the U.S. and the globe, touching on community tensions, political responses, environmental hazards, global conflict, arts and culture milestones, and messages of unity. The brief and balanced reporting style delivers the essentials for listeners wanting a rapid yet meaningful update.