ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - January 25, 2026

Key Concepts

Winter Storm: A massive, 2,000-mile-long storm impacting over 200 million Americans with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and sub-zero temperatures.
State of Emergency: Declared in at least 20 states due to the severity of the winter storm.
Flight Cancellations: Over 11,000 flights cancelled on Sunday, with over 2,400 already cancelled for Monday.
ICD (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Shooting: The fatal shooting of Alex Pretty, an ICU nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis, sparking outrage and calls for an independent investigation.
Use of Force Policy: DHS guidelines governing when federal agents can use lethal force, currently under scrutiny in the Pretty shooting.
Power Outages: Over 1 million customers without electricity, primarily in the South, due to ice accumulation and downed power lines.
Free Solo Climbing: A form of rock climbing where climbers ascend without ropes, harnesses, or other protective equipment, exemplified by Alex Honnold’s climb of a skyscraper.

Winter Storm Coverage

A sprawling winter storm, extending 2,000 miles from New Mexico to New England, is impacting over 200 million Americans. At least 20 states have declared a state of emergency. The storm is characterized by heavy snow (potentially exceeding 20 inches in Boston), sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures.

Travel Disruptions: Over 11,000 flights were cancelled on Sunday, with over 2,400 already cancelled for Monday. Washington’s Reagan National Airport cancelled all scheduled flights for Sunday. Roadways are treacherous, with multiple semi-trucks jackknifing in Mississippi and a water main bursting in Dallas due to freezing temperatures.
Power Outages: More than 1 million customers are without power, particularly in the South. Trees coated in ice are falling onto power lines and roads. Tennessee and North Carolina are heavily affected.
Regional Impacts:
- Boston: Expecting over 20 inches of snow.
- New York City: Accumulated over 8 inches of snow, with sanitation workers working around the clock to clear streets. Five deaths are being investigated as potentially cold-related.
- Dallas: Drivers were stranded after an NBA game.
- Missouri: A pile-up occurred on a state highway, with a truck landing on top of a car.
- Kentucky: Freezing rain coated roads with ice.
- Nashville: Trees are falling due to ice accumulation.
- Virginia: Emergency crews are working to keep roadways clear.
Forecast: Lee Goldberg reported that the storm will continue to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast overnight, with potential for a foot of snow in New England. Sub-zero temperatures are expected across a broad area, lasting into early February. Tornado watches were issued for parts of Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.

Minneapolis Shooting Investigation

The shooting death of Alex Pretty, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and American citizen, by federal agents in Minneapolis has sparked outrage and calls for an independent investigation.

Initial Claims: The Trump administration initially claimed Pretty was a “domestic terrorist” who intended to attack law enforcement, armed with a handgun. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the agent fired defensively, believing Pretty posed an imminent threat.
Contradictory Evidence: Video footage appears to contradict these claims. The video shows Pretty holding a phone before being shoved, pepper-sprayed, and pulled into the street. An agent is seen apparently removing a gun from his waistband before multiple shots are fired. An independent audio analysis found ten shots were fired in less than five seconds. A doctor’s affidavit indicates Pretty sustained at least three bullet wounds to the back.
Independent Investigation Calls: Minneapolis Mayor and other officials are demanding Immigration agents leave the city. Several Republicans have joined Democrats in calling for an independent investigation.
Pretty’s Background: Pretty was a law-abiding citizen with a license to carry a firearm and no criminal record. He worked as an ICU nurse at a VA hospital and was reportedly concerned about the ongoing protests and ICE activity in Minneapolis.
DHS Response: DHS is leading the investigation with FBI support, but continues to defend the agents’ actions. All agents involved have been moved out of Minneapolis.

Other News Items

Jewelry Store Robbery: A car crashed into a jewelry store in Anaheim Hills, California. Suspects stole jewelry before crashing during a police chase. Seven arrests were made.
Skyscraper Climb: Alex Honnold completed a free solo climb of a 1600-foot skyscraper without ropes or a safety net in approximately 90 minutes. He hopes to inspire others to pursue their goals.

Logical Connections

The broadcast presented a series of distinct but interconnected stories. The winter storm served as the primary focus, highlighting the immediate dangers and disruptions faced by millions. The Minneapolis shooting was presented as a separate but equally urgent issue, raising questions about the use of force by federal agents and the administration’s response. The other news items (robbery and skyscraper climb) provided brief diversions from the more serious topics. The common thread throughout was a sense of crisis and the need for immediate attention and resolution.

Notable Quotes

Linsey Davis: “How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?” (referencing the Minneapolis shooting)
Kristi Noem (Secretary of Homeland Security): “This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement.” (regarding the Minneapolis shooting)
Boston Resident (regarding the storm): “We’re New Englanders, we’re tough. We’re used to snow, used to ice. We weather it all. Visibility is going to be terrible. So stay off the roads.”

This summary aims to provide a detailed and specific account of the broadcast, preserving the original language and technical precision of the transcript.