NPR News Now – January 24, 2026, 7AM EST

Episode Summary

This five-minute NPR News Now update delivers breaking news across the United States, covering a major winter storm affecting millions, intensifying immigration protests in Minneapolis, an unsettling incident with ICE in Colorado, President Trump's policy pivot impacting Wall Street, and major developments involving TikTok.

Major Winter Storm Threatens Over 200 Million Americans

Overview:
A severe winter storm is set to impact states from Texas to the East Coast, prompting emergency measures and preparedness efforts, especially in the New York region.

Key Points:

• Widespread Impact:
  • "More than 200 million Americans are under a winter storm watch or warning this weekend." – Windsor Johnston (00:15)
• State of Emergency:
  • Both New York and New Jersey governors have declared states of emergency, enabling the deployment of essential resources like snowplows and salt spreaders. – Bruce Konviser (00:36)
• Expected Conditions:
  • The storm could bring up to 18 inches of snow; coastal areas may experience sleet or freezing rain.
  • Significant icing may cause downed branches and widespread power outages.
• Preparedness:
  • "New York has more than 5,000 utility workers on hand ready to repair downed power lines." – Bruce Konviser (00:36)
• Memorable Moment:
  • Bruce Konviser ends his report emphasizing the main concern: "Ice. Ice." (01:15)

Tensions Rise Over Immigration Enforcement in Minneapolis

Overview:
Thousands protested in Minneapolis in response to increased federal immigration enforcement and a recent fatal shooting, leading to heightened community fears and protective actions by educators.

Key Points:

• Ongoing Protests:
  • "Thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Minneapolis on Friday to protest federal immigration enforcement." – Windsor Johnston (01:17)
• Community Impact:
  • Becky, an elementary school teacher, describes feeling like a "bodyguard" for students (01:37), emphasizing measures like sheltering in place and accompanying students for safety.
    • Quote: “We have sheltered in place when ICE has been in our vicinity. We walk our kids to their cars. Now instead of just dismissing them. Teachers are signing up to patrol on our off hours to make sure that our kids are safe at their bus stops, following back to their homes to make sure they're safe.” – Becky (01:37)
• Background:
  • High tensions after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent earlier in the month.
  • The Pentagon orders several hundred soldiers to prepare for potential deployment to Minneapolis.

ICE Incident in Vail, Colorado Raises Concerns

Overview:
Reports surface of racist playing cards left in cars of detained individuals, triggering investigations.

Key Points:

• Details of Incident:
  • "A Latino advocacy group alleges that racist playing cards were left in abandoned cars after the drivers had been detained." – Windsor Johnston (01:56)
  • Ace of spades (“death card”) and ICE center contact details were found on cards. – Hallie Zander (02:30)
• Response:
  • ICE condemns the behavior, promises investigation.
  • The Eagle County Sheriff's Office calls the incident "disturbing."
    • Quote: “The CIA said it was effective psychological warfare at the time. Printed on the cards found this week were the phone number and physical address of an ICE processing center in Aurora.” – Hallie Zander (02:30)

Financial Markets React to President Trump’s 'Taco Trade' on Greenland

Overview:
Wall Street faced turbulence due to President Trump’s sudden policy pivots—specifically, threats and retraction regarding tariffs tied to Greenland.

Key Points:

• Presidential Pivot:
  • Trump threatened tariffs on European countries unless the US gained control of Greenland, then reversed position, calming markets.
    • Quote: "Trump always chickens out. It's a phrase the president deeply dislikes. But Wall Street investors stand by what they call the taco trade…" – Rafael Nam (03:32)
• Market Reaction:
  • Stocks initially plummeted, then rebounded after a “framework of a deal,” though no details were provided.
  • "The Dow Jones and the S and P ended the week with small losses, but it could have been worse. Once again, the Taqwa trade came through." – Rafael Nam (03:32)

TikTok Secures Deal with US Investors Amid Congressional Scrutiny

Overview:
TikTok’s parent company ByteDance agrees to restructure US operations, involving prominent American investors, to stave off a potential Congressional ban and address national security concerns.

Key Points:

• Key Players:
  • American software giant Oracle and investment firm Silver Lake join as new investors.
  • A US-based version of TikTok is established, with enhanced data security under Oracle’s management.
• Context:
  • 200 million American users potentially affected.
• Legal and Political Implications:
  • The deal concludes a six-year battle over data privacy and national security.
    • “The deal includes new data security safeguards that would place US User information inside Oracle's cloud systems.” – Windsor Johnston (04:16)

Timeline and Notable Quotes

• 00:15 – Windsor Johnston summarizes the national weather emergency.
• 00:36 – Bruce Konviser details emergency declarations in NY/NJ.
• 01:17 – Becky, Minneapolis teacher, on the direct impact on her students.
• 02:30 – Hallie Zander explains the ICE related playing card incident.
• 03:32 – Rafael Nam introduces Wall Street’s “taco trade” regarding Trump’s Greenland policy.
• 04:16 – Windsor Johnston outlines the TikTok deal’s structure and implications.

This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid but thorough update on significant national events, giving special focus to weather emergencies, heightened anxieties over immigration enforcement, an ethical scandal tied to ICE, Wall Street’s reactions to Trump’s unpredictability, and a pivotal moment for TikTok’s future in the US.