NPR News Now: January 24, 2026, 12AM EST

Host: Dwahalisai Kowtao
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This episode provides rapid updates on significant national and international news stories, focusing on a major approaching winter storm in the U.S., large-scale immigration protests in Minneapolis, a controversial U.S. military strike in the drug war, a federal lawsuit over the removal of a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia, and political shifts in Vietnam’s leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Major Winter Storm Threatens Over Half the U.S.

• Forecast and Impact (00:16 – 01:03):
  • A vast winter storm system is expected to sweep across 34 states, from Arizona to New England, potentially affecting more than half the country.
  • New York City prepares for “the nation’s largest snow fighting operation,” deploying thousands of trucks and workers.
    • Quote:
      • "We are going to see more than 2,000 of those sanitation workers begin 12 hour shifts starting tomorrow evening. They will salt as soon as we see the first snowflakes hit the ground with 700 salt spreaders. And then as soon as we see 2 inches of snow accumulate, we're going to see 2200 plows activate." – New York City Official (00:46)
  • The National Weather Service predicts 6 to 12 inches of snow in NYC from Sunday into Monday.

2. Immigration Protests and Crackdown in Minneapolis

• Protests Against Trump Administration’s Policies (01:03 – 02:13):
  • Thousands march in Minneapolis opposing strict immigration enforcement; includes economic boycott with many businesses closed.
  • Protesters express fear and criticism of ICE raids; rally despite cold weather.
    • Quotes:
      • "We're against violence. You know, these kids are being dragged out of their home." – Protester/Interviewee (01:46)
      • "Refugees and even US Citizens have been arrested." – Protester/Interviewee (01:51)
  • The administration accuses protesters of violence and threatens to use the Insurrection Act; a protester says speaking out for neighbors outweighs fears.
  • Memorable Reporting:
    • “One man who's been here decades and says he is in the country legally was still afraid to give his name because of how aggressive he says ICE agents are acting. He spoke through a ski mask for warmth.” (01:29)

3. U.S. Military’s Lethal Strike on Alleged Drug Smuggling Boat

• Details on the Attack (02:13 – 03:09):
  • U.S. Southern Command confirms a strike in the eastern Pacific killed two people; video shows explosion aboard a fleeing boat.
  • It is the 35th operation since September, with deaths now totaling 125 as the U.S. targets alleged drug traffickers linked to Venezuela’s ousted President Maduro.
  • Human rights groups denounce the killings as “unlawful executions.”
    • Quote:
      • “The strikes began as a way to put more pressure on Maduro, the now ousted Venezuelan leader who the US Accuses of drug trafficking. But human rights groups described the killings as unlawful executions.” – John Otis, NPR Correspondent (02:46)

4. Philadelphia Sues Over Removal of Slavery Exhibit

• Federal Lawsuit Filed (03:09 – 03:50):
  • The city of Philadelphia demands the Department of Interior restore an exhibit on slavery, recently removed from Independence National Historical Park.
  • Critics accuse the Trump administration of “whitewashing history” and erasing the names of nine enslaved individuals from the park.
    • Quote:
      • “Critics and observers say the Trump administration is, quote, whitewashing history by removing references to slavery and the names of nine enslaved people.” – NPR Host (03:25)

5. Vietnam’s Communist Party Leader Reappointed

• Leadership and Reforms (03:50 – 04:52):
  • Vietnam’s top leader, the former Minister of Public Security, secures unanimous reappointment as Communist Party chief.
  • Has spearheaded anti-corruption efforts and economic reforms since 2024, contributing to rapid growth.
  • He’s poised to consolidate power further by seeking the presidency, aiming for a dual-leadership role modeled on China’s system.
    • Quote:
      • “The dual role would be broadly similar to that of China's Xi Jinping in the one party state where power has traditionally been split between the party general secretary and the president, prime minister and head of the national Assembly.” – Michael Sullivan, NPR (04:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We are going to see more than 2,000 of those sanitation workers begin 12 hour shifts starting tomorrow evening.” – New York City Official (00:46)
• “We're against violence. You know, these kids are being dragged out of their home.” – Protester (01:46)
• “Refugees and even US Citizens have been arrested.” – Protester (01:51)
• “But human rights groups described the killings as unlawful executions.” – John Otis, NPR (02:54)
• “Critics and observers say the Trump administration is, quote, whitewashing history by removing references to slavery.” – NPR Host (03:25)
• “The dual role would be broadly similar to that of China's Xi Jinping in the one party state…” – Michael Sullivan, NPR (04:41)

Important Segment Timestamps

• US Winter Storm Preparation: 00:16 – 01:03
• Minneapolis Immigration Protests: 01:03 – 02:13
• US Military Strike on Drug Boat: 02:13 – 03:09
• Philadelphia Slavery Exhibit Lawsuit: 03:09 – 03:50
• Vietnam Leadership Reappointment: 03:50 – 04:52

This succinct yet comprehensive five-minute news roundup offers critical updates on pressing U.S. weather threats, civil protests, military maneuvers, cultural debates, and shifting political landscapes abroad, reflecting NPR’s focus on balanced, fact-driven reporting.