Overview of Up First — Minnesota Protests, Zelenskyy Slams Europe In Davos, Winter Storm Approaches
This episode of NPR’s Up First (hosts Leila Fadel and A. Martinez) covers three main stories: large-scale protests and a general strike in the Twin Cities responding to an immigration enforcement push, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s blunt critique of Europe at Davos, and an expansive, potentially life‑threatening winter storm moving across much of the U.S. The show also highlights a longer NPR investigation into the Challenger disaster and includes sponsor messages.
Key takeaways
- Twin Cities: Community leaders, faith groups and unions called a general strike and widespread demonstrations after federal arrests of protesters; residents report increasing aggression from immigration agents and allegations of racial profiling.
- Davos: Zelensky publicly urged Europe to stop over‑relying on the United States, to unite and build its own defense capacity — and proposed Ukraine can help Europe learn to defend itself.
- Winter storm: A massive storm is forecast to affect more than 170 million people with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and extreme cold — officials warn of travel hazards and widespread power outages; multiple states issued emergency declarations and prepositioned crews.
Segment summaries
Minnesota protests and federal enforcement
- What’s happening: Organizers called a general strike in Minneapolis–St. Paul, urging people to stay home, avoid commerce, and join planned marches and rallies. Many businesses planned to close.
- Trigger: The action followed arrests by federal authorities of three people involved in a church protest where protesters confronted a pastor who is a local ICE official. Authorities charged the arrestees with conspiracy to deprive others of rights (religious rights cited).
- Community response and concerns: Most protests have been peaceful, but residents and activists report increased use of tear gas, pepper spray and aggressive detentions by immigration agents. Several people — including U.S. citizens — described being detained and subjected to racist remarks. Local police leaders reported off‑duty officers were stopped and had guns drawn on them by federal agents.
- Officials’ messaging: National officials visiting the area emphasized enforcement and the use of federal resources to prosecute perceived violations; local leaders and activists emphasize fear, racial profiling claims, and a chilling effect on civic participation.
Zelensky’s Davos appearance: message to Europe
- Main message: Zelensky criticized European leaders for complacency and for relying on the United States to guarantee security. He warned that Europe risks being “left behind” and urged it to learn to defend itself.
- Concrete asks: He renewed calls for stronger European defense capability (referencing a previously proposed united European armed force) and argued Ukraine can share frontline experience and capabilities (e.g., sea drones) to help protect European interests.
- Strategic framing: Zelensky framed NATO unity as fragile if the U.S. were to step back and suggested Europe must build credible defense capacity to avoid dependence.
- Tone: Blunt — described Europe as being in a dangerous loop, asked it to wake up and act now.
Major winter storm across the U.S.
- Scope and timeline: National Weather Service warned more than 170 million people in the storm’s path; system tracking from the Southwest northeastward through the weekend.
- Hazards: Heavy snow and blizzard‑like squalls north of the system; crippling ice and sleet to the south; prolonged frigid temperatures after precipitation moves out; life‑threatening conditions and potential widespread power outages (ice on trees/power lines).
- Preparations and impacts: More than half a dozen governors declared emergencies (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia cited). States prepositioned power crews, pretreated roads, called up National Guard, and staged supplies. Schools in parts of the Midwest and Tennessee canceled classes; airlines issued advisories and cancellations.
- On-the-ground notes: Retail shelves emptied of ice melt and propane in some Southern cities. Louisiana’s governor urged residents to stay home and prepare (notably urging people to “cook a gumbo” while sheltering).
Notable quotes
- J.D. Vance (as quoted): “If you go and storm a church ... we’re going to use every resource of the federal government to put you in prison.” (context: a federal official’s strong enforcement stance reported during the Minneapolis coverage)
- Nasr Ahmed (Minneapolis resident detained by immigration authorities): “They were just using a lot of force to arrest me. I was screaming. I was crying. I was so scared.”
- Volodymyr Zelensky (Davos): Europe “looks lost” and must stop relying on the United States; “with Ukraine at your side, no one will wipe their feet on you.”
- Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (storm prep): “Stay off the roads... get comfortable, cook a gumbo. Please get in your homes, get warm, get safe and stay there.”
Action items / practical advice (for listeners)
- If in the storm’s path:
- Follow state and local emergency declarations and travel advisories; stay off roads if officials advise.
- Stock basic supplies: food, water, medications, ice‑melt, batteries, charged devices and backup heat sources (and fuel where safe).
- Prepare for power outages: have warm clothing, blankets, and a plan for pets; protect pipes from freezing.
- Monitor airline notifications if traveling and check school/city closure lists.
- For Twin Cities residents and observers:
- Expect ongoing demonstrations and heightened federal enforcement activity; follow updates from local officials and community organizations.
- If attending protests, be aware of safety guidance and legal resources provided by organizers.
Other notes
- The episode promoted an NPR Sunday investigation into the Challenger disaster (40th anniversary coverage) and included production credits and sponsor messages (MidiHealth, Fisher Investments, EasyCater, Bombas).
- Reporting sourced: NPR reporters on the ground (Meg Anderson in Minneapolis; Joanna Kakissis in Kyiv; Debbie Elliott on the storm).
This summary highlights the facts, local reactions, and practical implications across the three main stories covered in the episode.