NPR News Now: 01-23-2026 7PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: January 24, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a rapid roundup of major news stories from the U.S. and worldwide. Key topics include a potential domestic military deployment amid an immigration crackdown, winter storm power grid concerns, anti-abortion policies, the increasing use of AI in job hunting, new NCAA advertising rules, a major measles outbreak, and the discovery of ancient cheetah mummies in Saudi Arabia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Potential Army Deployment to Minnesota Amid Immigration Crackdown

• [00:15] Ryland Barton reports that an army battalion in Fort Carson, Colorado, has received orders to prepare for deployment to Minnesota.
  • This is linked to Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.
  • President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, possibly deploying the military domestically.

2. Winter Storm Threatens U.S. Power Grid

• [00:47] Camilla Dominoski explains how the winter storm is testing the electric grid, recalling the 2021 Texas blackouts.
  • Over 40% of U.S. electricity comes from natural gas, and both its production and transport struggle in extreme cold.
  • Power plants themselves are vulnerable to cold weather.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Karen Panetta (IEEE): “Ice on power lines combined with high winds and falling branches create a, quote, perfect storm ripe for an outage.” [01:07]
  • Utilities are trimming trees and prepping response teams in anticipation of storm damage.

3. Anti-Abortion Rally in Washington, D.C.

• [01:26] Thousands gather for an anti-abortion rights rally; Vice President J.D. Vance addresses the crowd.
  • Vance, expecting a child, emphasizes meaning found in family over career.
  • Notable Quote:
    • J.D. Vance: “You’re never going to find great meaning in a cubicle or in front of a computer screen, but you will find great meaning if you dedicate yourself to the creation and sustenance of human life.” [01:43]
  • Some activists express disappointment at the Trump administration’s pace on limiting medication abortion.
  • Vance highlights new bans, such as federal fetal tissue research restrictions.

4. AI’s Growing Role in Job Hunting

• [02:15] Both applicants and employers increasingly use AI tools, altering the job search landscape.
• [02:25] Windsor Johnston reports:
  • Job seekers use AI (like ChatGPT) for cover letters and communication.
  • Companies deploy automated systems to scan applications, flagging for tone and personality.
  • Sociologist Erin Hatton warns that AI can perpetuate and amplify biases.
    • Quote:
      • Erin Hatton: “AI systems reproduce human bias since these systems are actually trained on human data. AI can also amplify bias and therefore inequality.” [02:49]
  • Transparency is urged so applicants understand how decisions are made.

5. NCAA Approves Uniform Advertising Patches

• [03:09] NCAA will allow teams to display up to two small advertising patches on uniforms during regular season games.
  • Expected to generate millions to support college athletics.

6. Largest U.S. Measles Outbreak in South Carolina

• [03:09] Public health officials confirm 700 cases, focusing on Spartanburg County.
• [03:43] Maria Godoy reports:
  • 485 quarantined; 10 in isolation; at least 12 hospitalized (adults & children).
  • Measles' contagiousness highlighted: one case can infect up to 18 others if unvaccinated.
  • Majority of cases are among unvaccinated youth.
  • Officials stress vaccine effectiveness and need for higher uptake.

7. Discovery of Ancient Cheetah Mummies in Saudi Arabia

• [04:29] Scientists have found seven mummified cheetahs—up to 1,800 years old—in northern Saudi Arabian caves.
  • Cause of mummification unclear, though stable, dry cave conditions suspected.
  • Genetic study could expand conservation and reintroduction efforts.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:15] – Army prepares for possible domestic deployment to Minnesota.
• [00:47] – Winter storm endangers the U.S. electricity grid.
• [01:26] – D.C. anti-abortion rally, VP Vance’s remarks.
• [02:15] – AI alters the job application and hiring process.
• [03:09] – NCAA uniform advertising; measles outbreak update.
• [04:29] – Ancient cheetah mummies discovered in Saudi Arabia.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Karen Panetta (IEEE):

  • “Ice on power lines combined with high winds and falling branches create a, quote, perfect storm ripe for an outage.” [01:07]

• Vice President J.D. Vance:

  • “You’re never going to find great meaning in a cubicle or in front of a computer screen, but you will find great meaning if you dedicate yourself to the creation and sustenance of human life.” [01:43]

• Erin Hatton (sociologist):

  • “AI systems reproduce human bias since these systems are actually trained on human data. AI can also amplify bias and therefore inequality.” [02:49]

Tone and Style

The episode maintains NPR’s signature brisk, neutral, and informative tone, offering succinct news capsules with expert commentary and quotes that add context and urgency.