NPR News: 01-23-2026 5AM EST

Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Dave Mattingly

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR news update covers breaking national and international stories, including a dangerous winter storm sweeping the US, renewed diplomatic efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war, a lawsuit by President Trump against JPMorgan Chase, Amazon’s planned layoffs, troubling trends for abandoned seafarers, and NFL playoff matchups leading to Super Bowl 60. The episode delivers a concise snapshot of major headlines with authoritative context and firsthand quotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Winter Storm Threatens the US

[00:17 - 01:24]

• Widespread Warnings: Millions across the US are preparing for a severe winter storm stretching from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings as heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected.
• Arctic Conditions Explained:
  • Rebecca Hersher explains:

    “Usually freezing cold air is trapped up in the polar regions. The jet stream keeps the cold air trapped up there. But when the jet stream gets weaker, cold air can escape south... that's what's expected to happen next week.” [00:44]

  • Scientists are actively assessing whether climate change is making such polar vortex events more likely. The relationship remains debated among researchers.
  • Public safety concern: Polar vortex conditions can be deadly, especially in less-prepared regions.
• Governors' Response: States of emergency declared across Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The National Guard is mobilized in affected states.

2. Diplomatic Moves in Russia-Ukraine War

[01:24 - 02:03]

• High-Level Talks in Moscow: President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for new negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
• Putin’s Position:
  • Steve Witkoff reports:

    “We’re discussing things that have been discussed for six or seven months. And he came and he said he wants to make a deal.” [01:56]

• International Response: Talks came shortly after Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized European allies for their handling of Russia's continued invasion.

3. Trump Sues JPMorgan Chase

[02:03 - 03:13]

• Basis of Lawsuit: President Trump files a $5 billion suit against JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon, alleging the bank closed his accounts in 2021 for “political and social motivations” after January 6.
  • Maria Aspen summarizes:

    “A JPMorgan Chase spokesperson tells NPR...the lawsuit has no merit and that the bank, quote, does not close accounts for political or religious [reasons].” [02:26]

• Broader Context: Trump has accused several banks of “debanking conservatives,” previously suing Capital One and signing an executive order targeting “politicized or unlawful debanking.”
• Industry Defense: Banks maintain account closures follow legal and regulatory risk assessments.

4. Amazon Job Cuts

[03:13 - 03:57]

• Planned Layoffs: Reuters reports Amazon will announce more job cuts, trimming nearly 10% of its white-collar workforce. This follows the cut of 14,000 jobs in October.
• Disclosure: Amazon is a financial supporter of NPR.

5. Seafarer Abandonment Reaches Record High

[03:57 - 04:31]

• Concerning Report: The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) states over 6,000 shipping workers were abandoned in foreign countries in 2025—an all-time high.
• Most Affected: Indian seafarers suffered most, with more than 1,000 abandoned; India responded by blacklisting repeat-offending companies.
• Global Hotspots: The Middle East and Europe—especially Turkey and the UAE—reported the highest abandonment rates.
  • Jackie Northam reports:

    “The Middle east and Europe are the worst regions overall for abandoning crew members, and specifically Turkey and the United Arab Emirates has significantly higher incidence than any other country's.” [04:13]

6. NFL Playoffs: Road to Super Bowl 60

[04:31 - 04:56]

• Upcoming Games:
  • New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos (AFC Championship, in Denver)
  • Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (NFC Championship, in Seattle)
• Super Bowl Date: Winners will play in Super Bowl 60 on February 8.

Notable Quotes

• Rebecca Hersher [00:44]:

  “What is clear is that polar vortex conditions can be deadly, especially in parts of the country that aren’t accustomed to very cold weather.”

• Steve Witkoff [01:56]:

  “He came and he said he wants to make a deal.”

• Maria Aspen [02:26]:

  “He alleges that JPMorgan Chase closed his accounts in 2021 after the January 6 attacks on the US Capitol as a result of, quote, political and social motivations.”

• Jackie Northam [04:13]:

  “The Middle east and Europe are the worst regions overall for abandoning crew members, and specifically Turkey and the United Arab Emirates has significantly higher incidence than any other country's.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:17] Winter storm coverage and science behind the polar vortex
• [01:24] Governors declare emergencies; National Guard mobilization
• [01:56] Russia-Ukraine negotiations: Witkoff and Kushner meet Putin
• [02:26] Trump sues JPMorgan Chase; background and responses
• [03:13] Amazon layoffs preview
• [03:57] Record seafarer abandonment: ITF report
• [04:31] NFL Playoff matchups and Super Bowl details

This NPR update, concise yet comprehensive, offers listeners the urgent news they need to start their day with clarity and context.