NPR News Now – 01-23-2026 5PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR)
Date: January 23, 2026
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced NPR News Now episode delivers a snapshot of major headlines in under five minutes, focusing primarily on growing domestic protests over immigration policy, significant military and federal agency developments, European diplomatic friction, controversy over NATO and US alliances, and a closing update on the investigation into Hunter S. Thompson's death.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Minnesota Protests Against Immigration Crackdown

[00:18–01:01]

• Nationwide Walkout:
  • A major coalition of labor unions, progressive organizations, and clergy led a mass protest in Minnesota against President Trump’s immigration policies.
  • Minnesotans were urged to abstain from work, school, and shopping in response.
  • Over 700 businesses reportedly closed for the action.
• Escalating Tensions:
  • Strained confrontations reported between federal law enforcement and both activists and community members.
• Community Voices:
  • St. Paul resident Guy Hammink speaks out in support of targeted community members:

    “It's made me angry. It made me feel like I got to do something. And I feel like there's people who are scared to go outside and people who aren't being targeted feel like there's an obligation for those people to stand up for those who are being targeted. So I'm just here to show my support for my neighbors.”
    — Guy Hammink, 00:48

2. Federal and Military Readiness Amidst Unrest

[01:01–01:33]

• Army Deployment Prep:
  • An army battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado, has received a preparatory order for potential deployment to Minnesota, per an anonymous official.
  • Additional units from North Carolina and Alaska are also on alert.
  • President Trump threatens invoking the Insurrection Act, which enables domestic military deployment.

3. FEMA Disaster Worker Policy Reversal

[01:33–02:15]

• Background:
  • FEMA relies on a workforce under renewable 2-4 year contracts to manage disasters.
  • Recently, the agency had begun terminating contracts as they expired, a move criticized by disaster response experts for undermining federal response efficacy.
• Abrupt Change:
  • FEMA has suddenly suspended this termination policy, likely in light of an impending severe winter storm.
• Trump Administration:
  • The administration has been critical of FEMA and is reportedly seeking reforms.
• FEMA Statement:
  • FEMA told NPR its workforce is "designed to fluctuate," but did not clarify future plans regarding contract terminations.

4. Diplomatic Tensions Over Greenland

[02:15–03:07]

• Danish PM in Greenland:
  • Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visits Greenland following high-level EU meetings.
  • A diplomatic crisis persists following President Trump’s threats to “take over” Greenland.
  • Frederiksen comments:

    “It's a serious situation we're in. Everyone can see that... Now there's a diplomatic, political track that we're going to pursue and we need to prepare it.”
    — Mette Frederiksen, 02:28

  • No details disclosed on a so-called “framework for an agreement” with Trump.

5. Trump Sparks Outrage Over NATO Afghanistan Comments

[03:07–03:55]

• President’s Remarks:
  • President Trump tells Fox News he's uncertain NATO would come to the US's aid, and dismisses the alliance's front-line role in Afghanistan.
• UK and Allied Outrage:
  • British politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, criticize Trump’s comments as “insulting and frankly, appalling.”

    “I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured.”
    — Keir Starmer, 03:43

  • British veteran Ben McBean (who lost limbs in Afghanistan) posts on social media expressing fury.
  • UK’s Afghanistan involvement marked the only Article 5 invocation in NATO’s history.

6. Journalist Hunter S. Thompson Death Review

[04:23–04:54]

• Investigation Update:
  • Official review of Thompson’s 2005 death reaffirms original finding of suicide, following concerns raised by former wife Anita Thompson.
  • Anita expresses relief at the review’s outcome, allowing loved ones to “move forward with a clean conscience.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Guy Hammink (community solidarity):

  “...I feel like there's people who are scared to go outside and people who aren't being targeted feel like there's an obligation for those people to stand up for those who are being targeted.”
  — [00:48]

• Mette Frederiksen (Danish PM):

  “It's a serious situation we’re in. Everyone can see that, she said. Now there’s a diplomatic, political track that we’re going to pursue and we need to prepare it.”
  — [02:28]

• Keir Starmer (UK PM):

  “I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and I’m not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured.”
  — [03:43]

Segment Timestamps

• Protests in Minnesota/ICE Crackdown: 00:18–01:01
• Military/FEMA Developments: 01:01–02:15
• Greenland/Danish Diplomatic Drama: 02:15–03:07
• NATO Comments & UK Reaction: 03:07–03:55
• Hunter S. Thompson Death Review: 04:23–04:54

This episode delivers critical, rapidly unfolding stories on domestic unrest, international relations, and federal policy shifts—providing listeners with a comprehensive news snapshot as events develop.