NPR News Now – 01-25-2026, 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 25, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news update delivers the latest national and international headlines, focusing on a police shooting in Minnesota, a major U.S. winter storm, new immigration-related housing policies, tensions in US-Canada trade, a notable Australian Open tennis upset, and a record-breaking climbing feat. The reporting covers both breaking developments and key reactions, providing listeners with essential context for the day's top stories.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Minnesota Protester Shot by Federal Agents

Timestamps: 00:14 – 01:34

• Incident: Minnesota authorities identified the protester shot and killed by federal immigration agents as Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse.

• Context: Preddy was motivated by opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

  “He cared about those people and he knew it was wrong.”
  — Michael Preddy (Alex Preddy’s father), [00:33]

• Official Statement: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed:

  “An individual approached U.S. border Patrol officers with a .9 millimeter semiautomatic handgun… The armed suspect reacted violently, fearing for his life and for the lives of his fellow officers… An agent fired defensive shots.”
  — Secretary Kristi Noem, [00:48]

• Contradictory Evidence:

  • Video footage seemingly contradicts Noem’s account, instead showing Preddy being restrained and struck by multiple agents before being shot.
  • To date, no evidence has surfaced of Preddy brandishing or using a firearm.

2. Massive U.S. Winter Storm Impacts Millions

Timestamps: 01:34 – 02:09

• Scale: Over 170 million people are under weather advisories, with more than 500,000 power outages reported.

• Details:

  • In Mississippi, videos show long icicles weighing down power lines.
  • Southwestern Electric Power Co. notes widespread outages due to falling trees.
  • Thousands of utility crews are on standby, but outage numbers continue rising.

  “But right now, outage numbers are still ticking up as the storm moves east.”
  — Matt Bloom, [02:09]

3. HUD Orders Citizenship Verification in Public Housing

Timestamps: 02:09 – 03:11

• Policy Update: The Trump administration has directed all public housing authorities to immediately verify tenants' citizenship status or risk loss of federal funds.

• Audit Findings: HUD's recent audit found approximately 200,000 cases with incomplete eligibility verification.

  “HUD says the review was part of a broader effort to prevent misuse of taxpayer funded housing assistance.”
  — Windsor Johnston, [02:28]

• Reaction:

  • The New York City Housing Authority stated existing rules already require such verification and is “reviewing HUD’s latest guidance.”
  • Clarification of who qualifies and who does not for public housing.

4. US-Canada Trade Tensions Flare Over China Deal

Timestamps: 03:11 – 03:57

• Trump Threatens Tariffs: President Trump threatens new tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a trade deal with China.
• Backdrop:
  • Trump had previously supported such deals for Canada.
  • Canadian Prime Minister delivered a forceful speech in Switzerland condemning use of tariffs as political weapons, without explicitly naming Trump.

5. American Tennis Prodigy’s Australian Open Upset

Timestamps: 03:57 – 04:38

• Event: 25th-seed Learner Tien (U.S.) defeats three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open, reaching his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

  “It took less than two hours for the American 25th seed Learner Tien to eliminate the Russian former world number one in straight sets, 6-4, 6-love, 6-3.”
  — Cristina Kukulya, [03:57]

• Emotional Highlight:

  “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.”
  — Learner Tien, [04:14]

• Milestone: At 20, Tien is the youngest man in the Australian Open quarterfinals since 2015.

6. Alex Honnold’s Skyscraper Climb

Timestamps: 04:38 – 04:52

• Achievement: Noted American climber Alex Honnold scales Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan, free solo (no ropes or protective gear).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Michael Preddy’s tribute to his son:

  “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people and he knew it was wrong.”
  — Michael Preddy, [00:33]

• Official vs. Eyewitness Contradiction:

  “…Video footage appears to contradict what she’s saying. It shows Preddy being surrounded by multiple federal agents… restrained… hit… then he is shot multiple times. So far, no video has surfaced showing that Preddy brandished a firearm or tried to use one.”
  — Korva Coleman, [01:07]

• On the Winter Storm’s Impact:

  “But right now, outage numbers are still ticking up as the storm moves east.”
  — Matt Bloom, [02:09]

• Young Tennis Star’s Reaction:

  “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.”
  — Learner Tien, [04:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start Time | |-------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Minnesota protester shooting & fallout | 00:14 | | Major winter storm disrupts US power grid | 01:34 | | HUD citizenship verification for public housing | 02:09 | | Trump threatens tariffs on Canada over China deal | 03:11 | | American tennis prodigy upsets Medvedev in Australia | 03:57 | | Alex Honnold climbs Taipei 101 | 04:38 |

This rapid-fire news brief efficiently captures the day’s crucial events with clarity and immediacy, offering listeners both the headlines and the nuanced context behind major stories.