NPR News Now – January 25, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: January 25, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode provides authoritative updates on major U.S. and international news stories, from a controversial shooting in Minneapolis to storms battering the Southeast, high-level geopolitics between Canada, China, and the U.S., NFL playoff results, Middle East tensions, and sanctions enforcement on Russian oil. Each story is addressed with factual reporting and relevant voice clips or expert input.

Key Stories and Discussion Highlights

1. Minneapolis Shooting by Federal Agents (00:15–01:15)

• Incident: FBI agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Preddy, a U.S. citizen, during a Minneapolis protest.
• Federal Response: FBI Director Cash Patel defends the agents' actions, emphasizing Preddy should not have been armed at the protest.
  • Notable Quote: "You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple. You don't have that right to break the law." – Cash Patel (00:42)
• Dispute: NPR, citing verified evidence, reports no indication Preddy brandished his weapon.
• Political Pushback: Senator Lisa Murkowski calls for an independent investigation and congressional hearing.
  • Notable Quote: "Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American." – Sen. Lisa Murkowski (reported by Luke Garrett at 01:06)

2. Severe Winter Storm in the Southeastern U.S. (01:15–02:05)

• Impact: Widespread power outages in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana due to hazardous snow and particularly ice from freezing rain.
• Expert input: National Weather Service forecaster warns of dangerous conditions.
  • Notable Quote: "It does not take much freezing rain to accumulate on roads and make any elevated surfaces, such as overpasses, very treacherous." – Corey Chaskilson (01:50)
• Casualties: Hundreds of car accidents reported.

3. Canada Rejects Free Trade Deal with China (02:05–02:57)

• Diplomatic Context: Canadian PM Mark Carney asserts no intention to pursue a broader free trade agreement with China, a day after President Trump threatens steep tariffs if Ottawa proceeds.
• Recent Agreements: Recent, limited bilateral deals include China dropping tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood, and Canada easing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
• Regulatory Limitation: Carney cites constraints under the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement barring deals with non-market economies such as China.

4. NFL Playoff Update (02:57–03:15)

• News: New England Patriots reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019 after beating the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.
• Upcoming Game: Patriots await the winner between the Seattle Seahawks and LA Rams in the NFC Championship.

5. Middle East Tensions and Syrian Ceasefire (03:15–04:25)

• Iran: Authorities unveil a mural in Tehran warning the U.S. against military action, as U.S. warships move toward the region. The mural’s slogan: "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind."
• Syria: Ceasefire between government and Kurdish forces has been extended for 15 days.
  • Notable Details: Syrian Defense Ministry permits the U.S. to transfer dangerous ISIS prisoners to Iraq. Tens of thousands of ISIS affiliates remain detained without charge.
  • Reporter: Jane Araf summarizes the situation and humanitarian concerns (03:50–04:25).

6. French Navy Seizes Tanker Carrying Russian Oil (04:25–04:55)

• Enforcement: Captain of an intercepted oil tanker detained; ship was transporting Russian petroleum in violation of sanctions.
• Context: French and other authorities are increasing crackdowns on "shadow fleet" ships used to evade sanctions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• FBI Director Cash Patel (00:42):

  "You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It's that simple. You don't have that right to break the law."

• Senator Lisa Murkowski (reported by Luke Garrett, 01:06):

  "Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American."

• NWS Forecaster Corey Chaskilson (01:50):

  "It does not take much freezing rain to accumulate on roads and make any elevated surfaces, such as overpasses, very treacherous."

• Tehran Mural Slogan (03:40):

  "If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind." (as reported by Ryland Barton)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:15 – Minneapolis shooting and federal response
• 01:15 – Winter storms devastate the Southeast
• 02:05 – Canada’s trade policy with China and U.S. response
• 02:57 – New England Patriots advance to Super Bowl
• 03:15 – Middle East: Iran mural and Syrian ceasefire
• 04:25 – French Navy intercepts Russian oil tanker

This NPR News Now episode, delivered in the network’s signature calm, matter-of-fact style, encapsulates top national and global stories with expert and political voices, reflecting the day’s most pressing issues in under five minutes.