NPR News Now – January 22, 2026, 11PM EST
Episode Overview
This NPR News Now episode provides a concise, five-minute update on key national and global events, focusing on imminent weather emergencies across the US, controversy surrounding a child detained by ICE, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s congressional testimony regarding Trump investigations, Netflix’s reboot of "Star Search," and a significant development regarding TikTok’s ownership in the US.
Key News Segments & Insights
1. Major Winter Storm Threatens Much of the US
[00:16 – 01:22]
- Scope: A vast area from New Mexico to the Northeast prepares for a dangerous winter storm, placing tens of millions under warnings for extreme cold and hazardous conditions.
- Potential Impacts:
- Frigid temperatures
- Accumulations of ice, snow, and sleet
- Dangerous travel conditions and power outages
- Disruption of air traffic
States of Emergency:
Texas, the Carolinas, and Georgia have declared emergencies to prepare resources, open warming stations, and activate the National Guard.
Notable Quote:
“Make sure you got the things that you need at your house to stay warm and hunker down in case you lose power for a day or two.”
— Georgia Governor Brian Kemp [01:07]
2. Controversial Detention of a Child by ICE in Minnesota
[01:22 – 02:22]
- Incident:
- Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken by ICE from a running car outside his home in Minnesota, now held in Texas with his father.
- The Columbia Heights public school superintendent accuses agents of using the child as "bait" to force family members outside.
- Government Response:
- DHS claims the child was “abandoned” by his parents, contrary to local officials’ accounts.
- Both the boy and his father are at the Dilley Detention Center in Texas.
- DHS highlights over 3,000 arrests in Minneapolis in recent weeks, emphasizing efforts to remove “dangerous criminals.”
Notable Details:
Liam is the fourth child from his district detained by ICE in the last few weeks.
3. Jack Smith Defends Trump Investigations Before Congress
[02:22 – 03:12]
- Context:
- Special Counsel Jack Smith testified on Capitol Hill, addressing his two major criminal cases against former President Trump (election interference, classified documents).
- Key Points:
- Neither case advanced to a jury before Trump returned to the White House.
- Smith asserted he had proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” and denied political motivations.
- Expressed regret for not publicly supporting prosecutors and FBI agents, many of whom faced job loss and threats under the Trump administration.
Notable Quote:
“[My only regret was] not expressing enough support for the prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on the cases. Many … have been fired by the Trump administration. Some have faced threats … for doing their jobs.”
— Jack Smith [02:52]
4. Netflix Relaunches “Star Search” for the TikTok Generation
[03:12 – 04:21]
- Premise:
- The classic 80s/90s talent competition has returned with updates to fit modern interactivity and viewership trends.
- Features celebrity judges, talented youth contestants, and a real-time, viewer-driven voting system using TV remotes or phones.
- Audience Role:
- Viewers are positioned as the “fourth judge”; decisions are made and aired rapidly.
- Critical Reception:
- Some media critics, like James Poniewozik (NYT), question whether TV audiences desire such active involvement.
Notable Quotes:
“The audience is truly the fourth judge.”
— Jesse Collins, Executive Producer [03:53]
“I think people look to television for, you know, a more passive experience.”
— James Poniewozik, NYT TV Critic [04:12]
- Schedule:
- Finale to air on February 17th.
5. TikTok’s Chinese Owner Finalizes Deal to Avoid US Ban
[04:21 – 04:55]
- Resolution:
- ByteDance has agreed with major investors to launch a majority US-owned joint venture, resolving legal and political pressures.
- Background:
- Under a recent law signed by then-President Joe Biden, TikTok faced a ban unless it found new US ownership.
- Market Impact:
- Asian markets up on the news; Japan’s Nikkei leads.
Memorable Closing
Host: “I'm Giles Snyder. This is NPR News.” [04:52]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Winter Storm Coverage: 00:16 – 01:22
- ICE Child Detention: 01:22 – 02:22
- Jack Smith Testifies: 02:22 – 03:12
- ‘Star Search’ Reboot: 03:12 – 04:21
- TikTok Ownership Update & Markets: 04:21 – 04:55
This episode delivers fast, fact-based updates spanning urgent weather alerts, national controversies, high-profile political developments, pop culture revivals, and international business news—as always, in NPR's clear and neutral tone.
