NPR News Now – January 23, 2026, 4PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major U.S. news, with a focus on the ongoing Arctic blast affecting multiple states, intensified federal immigration enforcement and protests in Minnesota, new measures against sanctuary cities, key moves in U.S. abortion policy, a stock market wrap, and the arrest of a Canadian Olympic athlete wanted on drug charges. The tone is direct and urgent, balancing factual reporting with voices from the affected communities.

Key Discussion Points & Timestamps

1. Arctic Blast Impacting Much of the United States

• [00:16] Millions across Texas to New York face sustained snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures.
• No direct quotes, but underscores the nationwide impact and the context for several news stories.

2. Protests and Economic Blackout in Minnesota Over ICE Tactics

• [00:16–01:33] Large-scale protests in Minneapolis as ICE escalates immigration enforcement.
• Meg Anderson (NPR):
  • Reports on coordinated community resistance, including clergy, labor unions, business closures, and safety networks.
• Notable Quote:
  • Martha Bardwell (Minneapolis Pastor) [01:11]:

    “We are in total crisis here in Minnesota with this ICE surge. Thousands of agents are terrorizing our communities.”

• Networks delivering food to those sheltering at home, standing guard at schools, and alerting neighborhoods of federal agent activity.

3. Military Deployment Orders to Minnesota

• [01:33–02:17]
  • Multiple military units, including a battalion from the 4th Infantry Division (Fort Carson, CO), a military police battalion (Fort Bragg), and 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division (Alaska), are told to prepare for deployment to Minnesota.
  • Reflects the gravity of the situation and federal response to state-level resistance.

4. Trump Administration Reviews Federal Funding to Democratic States

• [02:17–02:59]
  • Tamara Keith (NPR):
    • The White House Budget Office orders a review of federal funding to 14 Democratic states and D.C.
    • Stated purpose: data gathering to reduce “improper and fraudulent use of federal funds.”
  • Notable Quote:
    • President Trump (via J.D. Vance soundbite) [02:34]:

      “Starting February 1st, we’re not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities.”

  • Also notes the lack of a clear legal definition of “sanctuary city,” highlighting political tensions after the 2024 election.

5. Markets End Mixed

• [02:59–03:16]
  • Dow down 285 points (0.5%) – closes at 49,098.
  • S&P and Nasdaq close slightly up.

6. March for Life Rally and Abortion Policy Expansion

• [03:16–03:46]
  • Thousands rally in Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life.
  • Speeches:
    • President Trump (recorded message)
    • Vice President J.D. Vance (live), who announces expanded restrictions on foreign aid.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Vice President J.D. Vance [03:37]:

      “We’re going to start blocking every international NGO that performs or promotes abortion abroad from receiving a dollar of U.S. money.”

  • Policy extension bans funding not only for abortion but also for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and what Vance terms "radical gender ideologies."

7. Arrest of Former Canadian Olympic Snowboarder on Drug Charges

• [03:46–04:50]
  • Ryan Lucas (NPR):
    • Ryan Wedding, Canadian Olympian (2002), arrested in Mexico City.
    • Indicted in 2024 for cocaine conspiracy, murder, running a major trafficking network.
    • Arrest follows months on FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted and a $15 million State Department reward.
    • Now extradited to face trial in the U.S.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office confirms Wedding’s transfer to U.S custody.

Notable Quotes

• Martha Bardwell (Minneapolis Pastor) [01:11]:

  “We are in total crisis here in Minnesota with this ICE surge. Thousands of agents are terrorizing our communities.”

• President Trump [via J.D. Vance] [02:34]:

  “Starting February 1st, we’re not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities.”

• Vice President J.D. Vance [03:37]:

  “We’re going to start blocking every international NGO that performs or promotes abortion abroad from receiving a dollar of U.S. money.”

Memorable Moments and Tone

• The urgency in Martha Bardwell’s voice captures the tension in Minnesota.
• The federal government’s response to sanctuary states signals high-stakes political conflict.
• Announcement of sweeping policy changes on abortion-related aid signals a sharp turn in U.S. foreign relations and domestic policy.
• The dramatic arrest of Ryan Wedding ties international crime into the national news cycle.

Useful for Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

This episode provides a brisk but comprehensive survey of critical U.S. developments: extreme weather, escalating federal-vs-state conflict over immigration, major changes in funding for Democratic states, a firm stance on abortion policy, and a headline-making international arrest. The inclusion of clear timestamps, quoted voices from both officials and those affected, and explanations of context help paint a vivid, up-to-date picture for anyone who missed the broadcast.