NPR News Now: 01-25-2026 – 4PM EST

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise, five-minute update on several major stories unfolding in the U.S. and abroad. Topics include clashes between state and federal authorities over a police shooting in Minnesota, severe winter weather across multiple states, escalating U.S.–Canada trade tensions, slow progress in Russia–Ukraine–U.S. peace talks, developments in the Syrian ceasefire, and heightened warnings from Iranian military leaders.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Minnesota Shooting Sparks Federal–State Clash

• Controversy over Federal Obstruction:
  State and federal officials are in open conflict regarding the investigation into the death of Alex Preddy, a U.S. citizen killed by federal immigration agents during a protest.

• Access to Evidence Denied:
  Senator Tina Smith (MN) alleges that federal authorities refused state investigators access to evidence, even after a court-authorized warrant.

• Bipartisan Demand for Transparency:
  Republican senators join Democratic calls for a joint investigation.

  "Our state investigators had to get a warrant to have access to the evidence of the shooting of Alex Preddy, and even then the federal agents refused to give them access to the evidence."
  — Senator Tina Smith (00:43)

• Handling Called a "Cover Up":
  Smith expresses concern over federal stonewalling:

  "Smith called the government's handling of the case a cover up." (00:59)

2. Major Winter Storm Cripples Northeast Travel

• Changing Forecast but Ongoing Danger:
  Snow totals initially expected to reach 12–18 inches revised down to 6–10, but dangerous ice accumulation raises concerns for infrastructure.
• Power and Transportation at Risk:
  Ice threatens to bring down power lines, while travel is “expected to grind to a halt.”

  "That ice could wreak more havoc than the snow, as it has the potential to weigh down power lines and prompt widespread power outages."
  — Bruce Konviser (01:51)

• Service Suspensions Announced:
  NJ Transit to suspend service; most NYC area airport flights canceled.

3. U.S.–Canada Trade Tensions Erupt

• Trump Threatens Major Tariffs:
  President Trump reverses his public stance on Canada's China policy, threatening a 100% tariff in response to a Canadian/China trade deal.

• Reaction to Diplomatic Remarks:
  The move follows critical remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Carney at Davos.

• Unpredictability as Foreign Policy:
  NPR’s Mara Liasson observes Trump’s inconsistency:

  "What's interesting about this is when that trade deal was announced, Trump was positive about it... But then after Carney's speech, he changed his mind and threatened tariffs. So I think the bottom line here is that Trump is very unpredictable."
  — Mara Liasson (02:39)

  "That's why he's forcing other countries to de risk to separate from the United States and look for other partners."
  — Mara Liasson (02:54)

4. Diplomacy: Russia–Ukraine–U.S. Peace Talks

• No Breakthroughs, Cautious Progress:
  Talks in the UAE end with no agreement on the key issue of oversight at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
• U.S. Envoys Involved:
  Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (President Trump’s son-in-law) participate.
• Ukraine Calls Talks "Constructive":
  President Zelensky notes talks were positive, but no actionable results.

5. Syrian Ceasefire Extended, ISIS Prisoners in Focus

• Ceasefire Threatened, Then Renewed:
  After fighting risked the safety of ISIS prisons, Syrian government and Kurdish forces agree to a 15-day extension.

• Transfer of High-Risk Detainees to Iraq:
  A rare gesture: Syria’s defense ministry will let the U.S. move “potentially dangerous” ISIS prisoners.

  "Tens of thousands of ISIS fighters and families have been held for years without being charged with a crime in northeastern Syria."
  — Jane Araf (04:13)

6. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Commander Issues Warning

• Escalating Rhetoric:
  The IRGC commander threatens U.S. and Israel, stating Iran’s “finger is on the trigger.”
• Background:
  Warning follows Trump’s condemnation of Iran’s crackdown on protests.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "Our state investigators had to get a warrant to have access to the evidence of the shooting of Alex Preddy, and even then the federal agents refused to give them access to the evidence."
  — Senator Tina Smith (00:43)

• "Smith called the government's handling of the case a cover up." (00:59)

• "That ice could wreak more havoc than the snow, as it has the potential to weigh down power lines and prompt widespread power outages."
  — Bruce Konviser (01:51)

• "What's interesting about this is when that trade deal was announced, Trump was positive about it... But then after Carney's speech, he changed his mind and threatened tariffs."
  — Mara Liasson (02:39)

• "So I think the bottom line here is that 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 (02:54)

• "Tens of thousands of ISIS fighters and families have been held for years without being charged with a crime in northeastern Syria."
  — Jane Araf (04:13)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Minnesota shooting investigation & federal–state conflict – 00:14–01:22
• Winter storm hits U.S. Northeast – 01:22–02:20
• U.S.–Canada trade dispute emerges – 02:20–03:03
• Russia–Ukraine–U.S. trilateral peace talks – 03:03–03:50
• Syrian ceasefire and ISIS detention developments – 03:50–04:24
• Iran–U.S.–Israel tensions rise – 04:24–04:53

This news update captures critical developments in U.S. domestic affairs, international diplomacy, and global security, providing insight into rapidly evolving events and the personalities shaping them.