NPR News Now: 01-25-2026, 5PM EST

Host: NPR (Ryland Barton)
Date: January 25, 2026

Overview

This concise five-minute NPR News Now episode provides listeners with critical updates on national and international headlines, including a contentious federal shooting in Minnesota, a major winter storm disrupting the American South, U.S. diplomatic maneuvers in the Middle East, political fallout over President Trump’s Greenland policy, progress in Ukraine’s security talks, impacts of severe weather on Hollywood’s box office, and a daring skyscraper climb in Taipei.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Shooting and Federal-State Clash

[00:15 - 01:17]

• Incident: Immigration agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Preddy in Minneapolis.

• Jurisdictional Conflict: State investigators were reportedly barred from the crime scene by federal agents, even after producing a judicial warrant.

• Governor Walls Responds: Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walls declared the state would conduct its own investigation and invoked concerns over federal agent accountability.

• Legal Action: The state has sued to prevent destruction of evidence, and a judge ordered its preservation.

  • Notable Quote:
    “What I'm telling you is they will not. There will be justice to Minnesotans.”
    — Minnesota Governor Tim Walls, [00:52]

2. Severe Winter Storm: Nationwide Impacts

[01:17 - 01:55]

• Power Outages: About one million people, mainly in the South, are without electricity.

• Hazardous Conditions: Black ice poses a prolonged road danger; freezing temperatures preventing thawing.

• Travel Disruptions: Over 11,000 flights canceled nationally.

  • Tactical Advice:
    “Secondary roads in particular aren’t going to get treated as quickly. ... So understand that road conditions will remain dangerous into next week.”
    — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, [01:33]

3. U.S. Envoys in Israel: Gaza Ceasefire and Border Discussions

[01:55 - 02:55]

• Meetings: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff (U.S. envoys) met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding next steps in the Gaza ceasefire process.

• Potential Developments: Talks centered on reopening Gaza’s crossing with Egypt, possibly allowing Palestinians cross-border movement for the first time in years.

• Military Posturing: U.S. CENTCOM’s Admiral Brad Cooper discussed security with Israel’s military chief amid speculation about possible U.S. strikes on Iran.

  • Notable Context:
    “The border is expected to open this week despite Israeli opposition, as the last Israeli hostage body in Gaza still has not been recovered.”
    — Daniel Estrin, [02:22]

4. Trump’s Greenland Policy Draws Right-Wing Criticism in Europe

[02:55 - 03:21]

• Issue: President Trump’s ambitions to control Greenland have strained relations not just internationally but also with European far-right leaders, who are traditionally supportive.
• Reactions: Figures from Germany, France, and the U.K. (notably Nigel Farage) describe the plans as “hostile” or a “mistake”.

5. Ukraine Security and EU Aspirations

[03:21 - 03:46]

• Security Agreement: President Zelensky states a U.S.-Ukraine security pact is “100% ready,” pending a signing date.
• EU Membership: Zelensky emphasizes EU admission by 2027 as a vital economic security measure.
• Negotiations: Talks with Russia and the U.S. set to resume February 1.

6. Hollywood Box Office Suffers Amid Winter Storm

[03:46 - 04:32]

• Low Turnout: Severe weather has driven weekend box office numbers down, with only $58 million in receipts—the year’s lowest.

• Major Film: The major new release is “Mercy,” a thriller about an AI justice system.

• Closing Theaters: Major chains temporarily close numerous theaters across 20+ states.

  • Memorable Movie Line:
    “Your trial will now commence, Mercy being.”
    — Mercy (AI Justice System Character), [03:50]

  • Industry Insight:
    “What was projected to be a $15 million opening now looks more like 12 million. And observers place the blame on snow.”
    — Bob Mondello, [03:52]

7. Alex Honnold’s Rope-less Skyscraper Climb

[04:32 - 04:55]

• Event: American climber Alex Honnold scales a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taipei, unaided by ropes or protection.
• Spectacle: Cheered on by a crowd, the 90-minute ascent was broadcast live on Netflix.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “There will be justice to Minnesotans.”
  — Minnesota Governor Tim Walls, [00:52]
• “Secondary roads in particular aren’t going to get treated as quickly. … So understand that road conditions will remain dangerous into next week.”
  — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, [01:33]
• “Your trial will now commence, Mercy being.”
  — Mercy (AI Justice System Character), [03:50]
• “What was projected to be a $15 million opening now looks more like 12 million. And observers place the blame on snow.”
  — Bob Mondello, [03:52]

Segment Timestamps

• Minnesota Federal Shooting and Investigation: [00:15 - 01:17]
• Winter Storm and Power Outages: [01:17 - 01:55]
• US Envoys in Israel, Gaza Discussions: [01:55 - 02:55]
• Trump’s Greenland Policy Criticized: [02:55 - 03:21]
• Ukraine Security and EU Talks: [03:21 - 03:46]
• Box Office Weather Effects, “Mercy” Movie: [03:46 - 04:32]
• Alex Honnold Taipei Skyscraper Climb: [04:32 - 04:55]

Tone: Direct, fact-driven, urgent, and brisk—typical of NPR hourly newscasts.
For Listeners: This summary captures the most pressing developments from a fast-paced news cycle, offering context and key voices from each headline story.