NPR News Now – 8AM EST – January 23, 2026

Host: Korva Coleman
Runtime: 5 minutes
Episode Summary:
In this early morning news update, NPR brings listeners up to speed on a major winter storm impacting half the United States, activist responses to government actions in Minnesota and Washington DC, developments on Gaza policy from former President Trump's team, Trump’s legal action against JPMorgan Chase, and a new record for best-selling albums. The coverage is concise, direct, and filled with statements from both officials and citizens on the ground.

1. Powerful Winter Storm Hits Half the US

[00:13 – 01:16]

• Scope: The storm stretches from the Rockies, through Texas, and up into New England.
• States of Emergency: Declarations across states from Texas to Virginia.
• Hazards:
  • Heavy snow (over a foot for some regions)
  • Ice storms, risking destruction of tree limbs and power lines
  • Record-breaking cold temperatures
• Local Officials’ Perspective:
  • Philip Jones (Nashville Department of Transportation):

    "The ice is a lot more treacherous. We'll have different emergencies to deal with." (00:44)

• Residents’ Concerns:
  • Jacqueline Thorpe (North Carolina):

    "I pray that the power don’t go out and I’m praying that they have some type of emergency assistance where they can come because you cannot go without dialysis." (00:55)

• Early Impacts:
  • Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights ahead of the storm.
  • Milwaukee and Chicago schools canceled due to extreme low wind chills (down to -40°F).

2. Minnesota General Strike over Immigration Raids

[01:16 – 01:54]

• Background: Activists call for a statewide walkout to protest "overwhelming immigration operation" by the federal government.
• How It’s Unfolding:
  • Residents urged to avoid work, shopping, and dining out.
  • Many businesses to remain closed in solidarity.
  • Multiple demonstrations, including a large march and rally in downtown Minneapolis this afternoon.
• Weather Note: Activists marching despite extreme cold (expected afternoon temperatures of -10°F).
• Community Pulse:
  • Meg Anderson (reporting from Minneapolis):

    "Given the strong community response we've seen here so far, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people still show up." (01:46)

3. March for Life in Washington, D.C.

[01:54 – 02:31]

• Event: Thousands of anti-abortion activists to brave cold weather for the annual March for Life.
• Plan: Gathering on the National Mall, marching to the US Supreme Court.
• Speakers: Vice President Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson are slated to address the crowd; both are noted for their opposition to abortion.

4. Trump’s “New Gaza” Plan Released in Davos

[02:31 – 03:10]

• Announcement: President Trump unveils a vision for a reconstructed Gaza, presented by Jared Kushner at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
• Plan Elements:
  • Economic zone, free of Hamas and heavy weapons
  • Infrastructure: train lines, airport, advanced manufacturing, parks, tourist coastline, high-rise towers "resembling Dubai"
  • Provision for 100,000 new homes (UN notes this is only a fraction of housing lost)
• Local Response:
  • Rada Tuhair (Gazan mother of four):

    "It is not Gaza that all our rights and our homes are gone. She says all we want is aid and Israel to open the border." (03:02)

5. Trump Sues JPMorgan Chase

[03:10 – 04:09]

• Litigation: President Trump files a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon.
• Allegations:
  • Claims accounts were closed in 2021 following January 6th due to political/social motives.
  • Points to a broader concern about "debanking cons" against him.
  • Trump previously sued Capital One for similar reasons; issued executive order against "politicized or unlawful debanking" last August.
• Bank’s Response:
  • JPMorgan Chase spokesperson (via email):

    "The lawsuit has no merit and that the bank, quote, does not close accounts for political or religious reasons." (03:36)

6. The Eagles Set New Album Sales Record

[04:09 – End]

• Top Selling Album: Eagles' "Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975" is now the best-selling album of all time (US).
• Other Rankings:
  • Eagles’ "Hotel California" is in third.
  • Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" holds second place.
• Cultural Note: Signature lyrics from "Hotel California" are recited, celebrating the album’s enduring legacy.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Storm and Emergency Readiness:
  • "The ice is a lot more treacherous. We'll have different emergencies to deal with."
    — Philip Jones, Nashville DOT (00:44)
• Personal Stakes Amid Crisis:
  • "You cannot go without dialysis."
    — Jacqueline Thorpe, NC (00:55)
• Community Resolve:
  • "I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people still show up."
    — Meg Anderson, Minneapolis (01:46)
• Gazan Skepticism on Reconstruction:
  • "All we want is aid and Israel to open the border."
    — Rada Tuhair, Gaza (03:02)
• Corporate Rebuttal:
  • "[The bank] does not close accounts for political or religious reasons."
    — JPMorgan Chase (03:36)

This episode delivers a snapshot of pressing national and international issues, with a sharp focus on the lived experience of those affected, policy developments, and cultural milestones. The reporting is swift, detailed, and paired with voices from the field, capturing both factual updates and emotional stakes.