5 Must-Read Stories You Missed Overnight – Jan 26, 2026
The events of January 25, 2026, were marked by significant news in politics, weather, human rights, and sports, drawing attention from across the globe.
Intensifying Scrutiny on Immigration Policies
The Trump administration encountered increasing criticism due to its immigration stance. This scrutiny heightened following the shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal agents on January 23. The incident, taking place on a slippery roadway, led to questions surrounding official narratives regarding the shooting.
Pretti’s death followed another tragic event where federal agents shot Renee Good, 37, just weeks earlier. Both instances stirred debate over the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
Prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama publicly condemned the violence. They asserted that these incidents exemplify an assault on American values under Trump’s leadership.
Severe Winter Storm Causes Widespread Disruption
On January 25, a massive winter storm severely affected the United States, particularly eastern and southern states. Consequently, over 1 million customers lost power, with significant outages reported in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The storm disrupted daily life, leading to more than 10,000 flight cancellations. Reports highlighted that freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions contributed to the chaos.
Power Outage Statistics
| State | Customers Affected |
|---|---|
| Tennessee | 330,000+ |
| Mississippi | 100,000+ |
| Louisiana | 100,000+ |
| Other impacted states | Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, West Virginia, Alabama |
Political Shift in Venezuela
On the same day, human rights developments emerged from Venezuela. At least 80 political prisoners were released, as reported by Alfredo Romero, director of the rights group Foro Penal. This release is part of a wider initiative, with previous claims from Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodriguez stating that 626 individuals had been freed.
Despite these releases, uncertainty remains regarding the overall human rights situation in the country.
Iran Faces Domestic Challenges
Iran’s judiciary head issued strong warnings on January 25 regarding those behind recent anti-government protests. These demonstrations, initially sparked by economic grievances, evolved into a larger movement challenging the regime’s authority.
Following a government crackdown and an internet blackout, the protests have diminished yet remain a significant concern for the Iranian leadership.
Football: Manchester United Upsets Arsenal
In sports, Manchester United defeated Arsenal 3-2 on January 25, impacting the Premier League title race. Goals from Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha secured the victory, marking United’s first league win at Arsenal since 2017.
This defeat has implications for Arsenal, who were aiming to maintain a lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa. The match infused optimism at Manchester United, particularly with Michael Carrick now serving as interim coach.
These highlights from January 25, 2026, reveal a day filled with critical developments across diverse fields, reflecting ongoing challenges and changes on both national and international stages.
