NPR News Now – January 24, 2026, 1AM EST

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Dwahilisai Kowtao
Date: January 24, 2026
Length: 5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major national and international stories. Highlights include severe winter weather threatening the southern and central US, the 53rd annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., a Pentagon contractor indicted over classified leaks, pro-Maduro protests in Venezuela amidst shifting oil policy, and Russia’s continuing assault on Kyiv during harsh winter conditions.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Massive Winter Storm Hits Southern and Central US

[00:16 – 01:15]

• Arkansas: Governor Sarah Sanders declared a state of emergency.
  • National Weather Service: Subzero temperatures expected in central and northern Arkansas this weekend and early next week.
  • Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. urges residents to stay home to allow crews to clear streets.
  • Mix of snow and sleet; northern Arkansas could see up to 18 inches of snow.

Notable Quote:

“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.”
— Road safety official (01:00)

2. March for Life Rally in Washington, D.C.

[01:15 – 02:02]

• Event: 53rd annual March for Life draws thousands, with Vice President J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson attending.
• President Trump: Addresses crowd via video, referencing his 2018 attendance and emphasizing the administration’s stance on family and life policy.

Notable Quotes:

“Now the work to rebuild a culture that supports life continues in every state, every community and every part of our beautiful land. This is a battle that must be fought, must be won, not only in the corridors of power, but above all, in the hearts and souls of the people.”
— Vice President J.D. Vance (01:44)

• Atmosphere: Marchers carry signs supporting pro-life values, including:

  • “Life is worth living.”
  • “Get married, have kids. You won't regret it.” (Quote attributed to Charlie Kirk)

• Background: Reiterates the context of Roe v. Wade's overturn in 2022.

3. Classified Leak by Pentagon Contractor

[02:02 – 03:10]

• Subject: Aurelio Perez Lugonis, 61, indicted for leaking classified national defense information to a Washington Post reporter, identified as Hannah Natenson.
• Details:
  • Charges: 5 counts of transmission, 1 count of unlawful retention of national defense information.
  • Alleged actions: Repeatedly removed documents between October and January; classified content appeared in at least five articles.
• Press Freedom Concern: FBI search of Natenson’s home highlights the intersection of press freedoms and leak investigations.

Notable Quote:

“Some of that classified information then turned up in at least five articles written or co-authored by the reporter. The indictment does not name the journalist, but it is known to be Hannah Natenson of the Washington Post.”
— Ryan Lucas, NPR (02:50)

4. Pro-Maduro Protests and U.S.-Venezuela Oil Policy

[03:10 – 04:14]

• Event: Supporters of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro rally on the anniversary of Venezuela’s democracy.
• Key Issues:
  • Calls for “liberation” of Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores.
  • Venezuela’s Congress introduces bill to allow U.S. oil firms to invest independently of Venezuela's government, a measure previously encouraged by the Trump administration.
  • Uncertainty surrounds further demands on Venezuela's government, including elections and political prisoners.

Notable Quote:

“Will they demand Venezuela's government hold new elections? Will they push them harder on the issue of political prisoners? Those are questions that remain to be answered here in Caracas in the following months.”
— Manuel Ruda, Caracas (04:05)

5. Russian Strikes on Kyiv Amid Peace Talks

[04:14 – 04:54]

• Update: Russia again attacks Kyiv, leaving parts without power or heat; strikes described as “massive” by local reporters.
• Context:
  • Peace talks continue in Abu Dhabi involving U.S., Russia, and Ukraine negotiators.
  • Moscow’s stated position: demands for control over much of the Donbas region remain a condition for halting hostilities.

Memorable Moments

• Winter Storm Emergency Appeal: Mayor Scott Jr. and state officials urge the public to stay off the roads for safety and to aid in cleanup (01:06).
• Call to Continue Pro-life Activism: Vice President J.D. Vance’s assertion that pro-life efforts must extend beyond legislative victories to “the hearts and souls of the people” (01:44).
• Press Freedom in the Spotlight: Coverage of the FBI’s search of a journalist’s home as part of a leak investigation, raising questions about the relationship between national security and journalism (03:00).
• Caracas Demonstration: Manuel Ruda’s on-the-ground report from a pro-government Venezuelan protest, noting the uncertainty over the country’s political future and oil policy (03:29).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Winter Storm Coverage (Arkansas): 00:16 – 01:15
• March for Life Rally (Washington, D.C.): 01:15 – 02:02
• Pentagon Contractor Indicted for Leaks: 02:02 – 03:10
• Pro-Maduro Protests & Oil Policy (Venezuela): 03:10 – 04:14
• Russian Strikes on Kyiv: 04:14 – 04:54

Summary prepared for listeners seeking in-depth headlines and context from NPR News Now, 1AM EST, January 24, 2026.