NPR News Now – 6PM EST, January 25, 2026

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Rylan Barton
Episode: NPR News: 01-25-2026 6PM EST
Date: January 25, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This tightly-packed five-minute NPR News Now episode covers the latest national and global headlines. Major stories include tensions over a federal immigration operation in Minnesota, power outages caused by a winter storm in the South, trade tensions between Canada, China, and the US, notable sports updates, the passing of a global health leader, and a UK law enforcement restructuring.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown and Fatal Shooting

• Event: A federal immigration operation in Minneapolis results in the shooting death of Alex Preddy, a nurse, by federal agents.
• Political Response:
  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticizes federal overreach, questioning if the public wants “an all powerful federal government that could menace, kill and kidnap citizens” (00:34).
• Federal Agency Stance:
  • Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino defends agents, stating Preddy “chose to interfere with immigration officers” and that the tragedy “was preventable by folks making better choices, politicians, journalists and would be anarchists and rioters.” (00:45)
• Visual Evidence:
  • Bystander video shows multiple federal agents surrounding Preddy, with some punching and restraining him prior to the fatal shooting (01:05).

2. Major Winter Storm and Widespread Southern Power Outages

• Storm Impact: A severe winter storm brings snow and ice, leading to around one million power outages across Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi (01:12).
• Human Story:
  • Matt Hackworth, a Mississippi minister, describes the toll:

    “We lost power about 10 minutes till midnight last night and then kept hearing pops and bangs and booms from trees breaking under the weight of the ice.” (01:52)

• Outlook: Restoring power to the hardest-hit regions may take weeks (02:04).

3. Canada-China Trade Relations and US Tariff Threat

• Political Context:
  • Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney rules out a comprehensive free trade agreement with China after threats from US President Trump to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Ottawa reaches such a deal (02:14).
• Recent Deal:
  • Canada and China agree to reduce tariffs: Beijing drops duties on some Canadian agricultural and seafood products; Canada lowers tariffs on 49,000 Chinese EVs from 100% to 6.1% (02:32).
• Trade Treaty Constraints: Under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement, Canada faces restrictions on making trade agreements with “non-market economies” such as China.

4. Sports Highlights

• NFL Championship Games:
  • In Toronto, the New England Patriots face the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship; later, the LA Rams take on the Seattle Seahawks (03:07).
• Australian Open Upset:
  • Lerner Tian, a 25th-seeded American tennis player, eliminates three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in straight sets (03:53).
  • Tian, age 20, is now the youngest man to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals since 2015, and the youngest American to do so in over two decades.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Tian: “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.” (04:08)

5. Passing of Dr. William Foege, Smallpox Eradication Leader

• Dr. William Foege, a pivotal figure in the eradication of smallpox and former CDC Director, died at age 89 (03:21).
  • Notable for developing a ring vaccination strategy during an outbreak in Nigeria, contributing to global health progress.

6. UK Creates a “British FBI”

• Policy Move: The UK government plans to establish the National Police Service—a consolidated federal agency to handle complex investigations including terrorism and organized crime, intended to ease burdens on local forces (04:34).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Gov. Tim Walz's rebuke of federal action:

  “...whether they wanted to support an all powerful federal government that could menace, kill and kidnap citizens.” (00:34)

• Border Patrol defense:

  “Our Title 8 immigration mission continues unabated here in Minneapolis despite yesterday’s tragedy that was preventable by folks making better choices, politicians, journalists and would be anarchists and rioters.”
  – Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (00:45)

• On the Mississippi blackout:

  “We lost power about 10 minutes till midnight last night and then kept hearing pops and bangs and booms from trees breaking under the weight of the ice.”
  – Matt Hackworth, Presbyterian minister (01:52)

• On the tennis upset:

  “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 Tian (04:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:14 – Immigration crackdown and shooting in Minneapolis
• 01:12 – Southern winter storm and power outages
• 02:14 – Canada-China trade dispute, US tariff threat
• 03:07 – Sports updates (NFL, Tennis)
• 03:21 – Death of Dr. William Foege, smallpox leader
• 04:34 – UK to create National Police Service (“British FBI”)

Episode Tone and Style

The episode is direct, urgent, and fact-focused, delivering headline news with a brisk pace and gravitas characteristic of NPR’s reporting style. Quotations from interviews and newsmakers add emotional undertones and urgency to the facts presented.

Summary

This edition of NPR News Now provides a rapid-fire overview of the day’s top stories, balancing national crises, international diplomacy, sports triumphs, and significant obituaries. The episode is a concise yet comprehensive touchpoint for listeners seeking to catch up on current events in under five minutes.