NPR News Now – 01-23-2026, 3PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Date: January 23, 2026
Theme: Rapid-Fire Top Stories from the U.S. and Abroad

Episode Overview

The January 23, 2026, 3PM EST update from NPR News Now delivers key national and international news headlines, with a focus on recent ICE controversies in Minnesota, the looming extreme winter weather in New York, the UN’s response to Iranian human rights concerns, recent Trump administration initiatives, and unusual pub protests in the United Kingdom. The episode is concise, informative, and captures the latest developments in a five-minute roundup.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ICE Actions and Community Response in Minnesota

[00:16–01:20]

• Immigration Enforcement Controversy:
  Federal immigration officials dispute reports that ICE agents targeted a five-year-old child in Minnesota; they claim their primary focus was the child's father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias.
  Quote:

  "Earlier this week, Arias fled from law enforcement officers and left his child behind again, middle of winter in a car. We will enforce the law as it's written, but we will go above and beyond to reunite families because that is who we are."
  —Marcos Charles (ICE Official), [00:39]

• Ongoing Tensions:

  • Local officials counter that the child was among four minors detained recently.
  • The Twin Cities has seen daily protests following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, which remains under investigation.
  • Economic blackout protests feature clergy, labor unions, grassroots organizers, and businesses.

2. Looming Extreme Winter Weather in New York State

[01:28–02:27]

• States of Emergency:
  Over a dozen governors have declared emergencies as blizzard conditions are forecast for several days.
• New York Impact:
  Governor Kathy Hochul warns of up to 18 inches of snow for New York City and Long Island, with dangerously low temperatures reminiscent of the deadly December 2022 snowstorm. Quote:

  "That's what I'm trying to prevent, is always reminding people that hypothermia can settle in quickly, frostbite can settle in, and that's something that maybe a lot of people in other parts of our state aren't even aware of."
  —Kathy Hochul (Governor, NY), [02:07]

• Remote Work Guidance:
  State employees to work remotely; private employers are asked to follow suit.

3. United Nations Extends Probe on Iran Human Rights Abuses

[02:27–03:12]

• UN Investigation:
  Ongoing concern about mass arrests and continued brutality by Iranian authorities, despite a temporary reduction in street violence.
• Conflicting Statements on Executions:
  • President Trump says Iran reassured him against executions.
  • Senior Iranian judicial authorities make statements to the contrary. Quote:

  "We have indications that the security forces made mass arrests in several cities, even pursuing injured people into hospitals and detaining lawyers, human rights defenders, activists and ordinary civilians."
  —Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, [02:43]

4. Trump Administration Announces New Anti-Abortion Initiatives

[03:16–03:50]

• March for Life Rally:
  The administration spotlights three policies:
  • Expanded “Mexico City policy” to limit U.S. funding for DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and gender equality work internationally.
  • Prohibition on use of human fetal tissue in NIH-supported research.
  • Fraud investigation targeting COVID-era funds used by Planned Parenthood.
• Event Participation:
  President Trump sends a video message; Vice President J.D. Vance speaks in person.

5. UK Pub Owners Boycott Labour Lawmakers

[03:50–04:43]

• Tax Protest:
  In retaliation for a new commercial property tax, British pub owners have banned Labour Party MPs from their establishments.
• Widespread Action:
  Over 1,000 pubs join; the government hints at upcoming concessions. Memorable moment:

  “Signs have appeared on the doors of pubs across Britain, which read 'no Labour MPs.' ... More than a thousand pubs have joined the protest, and Labour lawmakers, eager to get back to their favorite watering holes, have taken note.”
  —Fatima Al Kassab (NPR London), [04:06]

6. Market Update

[04:43–04:54]

• Dow Jones down nearly 300 points (half a percent) at 49,084.
• S&P up by 2; Nasdaq up 73 points.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “We will go above and beyond to reunite families because that is who we are.”
  —Marcos Charles (ICE Official), [00:39]
• “That's what I'm trying to prevent, is always reminding people that hypothermia can settle in quickly, frostbite can settle in...”
  —Governor Kathy Hochul (New York), [02:07]
• “We have indications that the security forces made mass arrests in several cities...”
  —Volker Turk (UN Human Rights), [02:43]
• “Signs have appeared on the doors of pubs across Britain, which read 'no Labour MPs.'”
  —Fatima Al Kassab (NPR), [04:06]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:16–01:20] — ICE confrontation and protests in Minnesota
• [01:28–02:27] — Winter storm and emergency measures in New York
• [02:27–03:12] — UN investigation of Iran human rights abuses
• [03:16–03:50] — Trump administration's anti-abortion initiatives at March for Life
• [03:50–04:43] — UK pubs ban Labour MPs over property tax
• [04:43–04:54] — Market Summary

This news roundup offers clear, concise updates on major developments, blending urgent national reporting with international perspectives and moments that capture both policy debates and public response.