NPR News Now: January 23, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR News)
Date: January 24, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced summary of top U.S. and international news stories, including coverage on immigration protests in Minneapolis, the Trump administration’s review of funding for sanctuary states, extreme winter weather alerts in Arkansas, stagnant stock market news, a rare diplomatic meeting over the Ukraine conflict, warnings on AI toys for children, and efforts to save an endangered hummingbird in Ecuador.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Immigration Crackdown Protests in Minneapolis

Reporter: Jennifer Ludden

• Protests erupted in downtown Minneapolis against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies.
• Actions included an economic boycott, with widespread business closures.
• Many protesters expressed fear—even legal residents were reluctant to share their names due to perceived aggression by ICE.
• Notable Quote:
  • Protester (00:52): “We're against violence. You know, these kids are being dragged out of their homes.”
• Trump administration officials have painted protesters as violent and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, including possible military involvement:
  • Jennifer Ludden (00:57): “…threatened to invoke the Insurrection act to quell them using active military forces.”
• Some citizens, despite the risks, felt compelled to defend their communities.

2. Review of Federal Funding for Sanctuary States

Reporter: Tamara Keith

• The White House Budget Office is reviewing federal funding sent to 14 Democratic states and the District of Columbia, following President Trump’s pledge to withhold federal aid from “sanctuary cities and states.”
• According to the memo, the current process is a data-gathering exercise, but it aligns with Trump’s threats to cut funding.
  • Notable Quote (01:49):
    • President Trump (recorded): “Starting February 1st, we're not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities.”
• There’s no formal, legal definition for “sanctuary cities.” The targeted states all voted Democratic in 2024.
• Concerns surround both the legitimacy and potential impact of these proposed funding cuts.

3. Winter Storm Warnings in the Southern and Central U.S.

Reporter: Maggie Ryan (Little Rock Public Radio)

• Arkansas and the central U.S. are bracing for a major winter storm with subzero temperatures and significant snow.
• Governor Sarah Sanders has declared a state of emergency; up to 18 inches of snow is expected in northern Arkansas.
• Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. urged people to stay home:
  • Notable Quote (02:47):
    • Frank Scott Jr.: “Please do not add any extra friction to the roads while we're out clearing the roads because it can cause more harm than you realize.”
• Officials stress the severity of the weather and the importance of limiting travel.

4. Stock Market & International Diplomacy

• The S&P 500 ended a volatile week of tariff discussions with little change.
• For the first time, Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. envoys met in the UAE to discuss the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
  • Unresolved issues include whether Ukraine will cede any territory.

5. Warnings on AI Toys for Children

Reporter: Rachel Myro (KQED)

• Common Sense Media is advising against giving AI companion toys to children under five, and urges caution for kids aged 6-13.
• Researchers found three popular voice-activated toys—Gram, Bondu, and MECO3—are designed to elicit emotional attachment and collect personal data.
• Robbie Torny (Common Sense Media) highlighted risks for very young children:
  • Notable Quote (04:09):
    • Robbie Torny: “The younger you go, the riskier it becomes because of the features of the…”
• Manufacturers claim their products are age-appropriate and require parental consent.

6. Last Refuge for Critically Endangered Hummingbird

• A small reserve in the Ecuadorian Andes shelters the black-breasted puffleg, one of the world's most endangered birds (population ~150-200).
• The high-altitude forests the bird depends on face threats from agriculture and grazing, further endangering the species.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Immigration Protester (00:52): “We're against violence. You know, these kids are being dragged out of their homes.”
• President Trump, on sanctuary cities (01:49): “Starting February 1st, we're not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities.”
• Frank Scott Jr., Little Rock Mayor (02:47): “Please do not add any extra friction to the roads while we're out clearing the roads because it can cause more harm than you realize.”
• Robbie Torny, Common Sense Media (04:09): “The younger you go, the riskier it becomes because of the features of the…”

Segment Timestamps

• Protests in Minneapolis: 00:14–01:18
• Sanctuary States Funding Review: 01:18–02:14
• Arkansas Winter Storm: 02:14–03:04
• Stock Market / Ukraine Talks: 03:04–03:47
• AI Toy Warning: 03:47–04:29
• Hummingbird Conservation: 04:29–04:54

Summary

This episode delivers concise, essential updates on some of the most pressing current events, from protests against federal immigration crackdowns and the implications of federal funding reviews for sanctuary states, to urgent weather alerts, sensitive diplomatic negotiations, technology-related child safety, and the plight of an endangered species. The tone remains direct and informative, quoting voices on the scene and emphasizing the immediacy and gravity of the issues.