NPR News Now: January 25, 2026 – 12PM EST

A concise, five-minute update on major U.S. and international news, as reported by Windsor Johnston and NPR correspondents, with critical insights into immigration tensions, severe winter weather, voter registration efforts, Myanmar’s election, the Australian Open, and a daring sporting feat.

Main Theme

This episode delivers a high-impact, rapid-fire briefing on major breaking and ongoing stories: a controversial fatal Border Patrol shooting in Minneapolis, an intense winter storm affecting much of the U.S., heightened political mobilization for the upcoming midterms, Myanmar’s highly disputed elections, a tennis upset at the Australian Open, and Alex Honnold’s latest climbing accomplishment.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Federal Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis

[00:17–01:15]

• Minnesota authorities appeal to President Trump to withdraw federal immigration officers after a Border Patrol agent shot and killed Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a federal operation — the city’s second such incident this month.
• Official account:
  • Border Patrol Commander Greg Bevino defends the agent’s actions:
    “The suspect decided to inject himself into a law enforcement action. What's not being said here is the fact that Border Patrol agents and law enforcement were conducting a targeted law enforcement effort against a violent illegal alien...”
    (Greg Bevino, [00:53])
• Contradiction:
  • Social media bystander videos reportedly contradict the Department of Homeland Security’s version of events, raising questions about the use of force.

Severe Winter Storm Sweeps Across U.S.

[01:15–02:18]

• Over 800,000 utility customers without power; hardest hit regions include eastern Texas and northern Louisiana.
• More than a dozen governors declared states of emergency or preparation.
• North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issues a warning:
  “Fellow North Carolinians, this is a serious storm. We are taking it seriously and so should you.”
  (Gov. Josh Stein, [01:52])
• President Trump grants North Carolina’s request for federal emergency assistance.
• Up to two feet of snow forecast in parts of the Northeast, prompting school and college closures for Monday.

DNC Launches Direct Voter Registration Push

[02:18–03:13]

• The Democratic National Committee commits millions of dollars to Southwest-focused voter registration efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
• Strategic shift:
  • DNC Chair Ken Martin outlines new approach:
    “As we learned in 2024, we can't just assume that certain demographics, whether they be young voters, voters of color or otherwise, will automatically support the Democratic Party. We have to earn every registration so that we can earn every vote.”
    (Ken Martin, [02:52])
• Context: Republicans hold a 300,000-voter edge in Arizona.

Myanmar’s Disputed Election Amid Civil War

[03:13–03:56]

• Myanmar holds its final round of internationally condemned general elections, with support from China and Russia, but called illegitimate by the UN and Western governments.
• The military-backed Union, Solidarity and Development Party reportedly secures a parliamentary majority—amid ongoing civil war and unrest.

U.S. Tennis Upset at the Australian Open

[03:56–04:37]

• American 25th seed Lerner Tien defeats three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in straight sets (6-4, 6-0, 6-3), advancing to the quarterfinals.
• Tien, age 20, becomes the youngest male quarterfinalist at the Australian Open since 2015 and the youngest American to achieve this in over 20 years.
• Tien’s reaction:
  “Feels amazing. I mean, so special to do it, especially here where, you know, it's always so special for me to come back and play every year.”
  (Lerner Tien, [04:11])
• Next match: Tien faces Alexander Zverev, ranked world number three.

Alex Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Unroped

[04:37–04:56]

• Famed rock climber Alex Honnold free-climbs the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan—without ropes or protective gear.
• The ascent took approximately 1.5 hours, adding to Honnold’s record of high-risk, high-profile urban climbs.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Greg Bevino’s Defense:
  “The suspect decided to inject himself into a law enforcement action...”
  (Border Patrol Commander, [00:53])
• Governor Stein’s Urgency:
  “We are taking it seriously and so should you.”
  (NC Governor Josh Stein, [01:52])
• DNC Strategy Shift:
  “We can't just assume that certain demographics... will automatically support the Democratic Party.”
  (DNC Chair Ken Martin, [02:52])
• Tennis Prodigy’s Joy:
  “Feels amazing. I mean, so special to do it, especially here...”
  (Lerner Tien, [04:11])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Federal Shooting and Fallout: 00:17–01:15
• Winter Storm Impact and Response: 01:15–02:18
• DNC Voter Registration Drive: 02:18–03:13
• Myanmar Controversial Elections: 03:13–03:56
• Australian Open Tennis Upset: 03:56–04:37
• Alex Honnold Climbs Taipei 101: 04:37–04:56

NPR News Now remains a vital, fact-based resource for quickly understanding the key developments of the day—combining official statements, firsthand reactions, and field reports in a compact format.