NPR News Now – January 6, 2026, 1PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a rapid-fire update on the day’s most significant national and international news stories. Key topics covered include mounting tensions over US intentions toward Greenland, controversy surrounding US Senator Mark Kelly and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a Pentagon review of women in combat, a landmark Wyoming Supreme Court abortion decision, the benefits of minimal strength training, and a Wall Street update.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Threats to Seize Greenland Raise European Alarm

[00:21-01:12]

• European leaders voice concern over recent U.S. threats to seize Greenland, citing a risk to NATO’s very existence.
• Rob Schmitz reports:
  • European heads of state reaffirmed Greenland's status as Danish territory and part of NATO, underscoring that only Denmark and Greenland can decide on Greenland’s affairs.
  • Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen warns a US takeover "would amount to the end of NATO."
  • Greenland's prime minister, in contrast, urges calm and signals a desire to build ties with the US, noting "the mineral rich territory is nothing like Venezuela."

Notable Quote

"A US Takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of NATO."
— Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen (reported by Rob Schmitz) [00:47]

2. Defense Secretary vs. Senator Mark Kelly: Accusations and Repercussions

[01:12-02:07]

• Senator Mark Kelly faces administrative action after allegedly posting a video urging US service members to not follow illegal orders.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accuses Kelly of sedition; initiates process to demote him and reduce retirement pay.
• Kelly calls out what he perceives as hypocrisy, pointing out similar comments by Hegseth in 2016.

Notable Quote

"Isn't this the height of hypocrisy? Pete Hegseth says something in 2016 specifically about Donald Trump. I say something generically about you must follow the law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice. His case, it seems to be fine. My case, the president wanted me hanged, executed, prosecuted, and now they want to demote me."
— Senator Mark Kelly [01:36-01:58]

3. Pentagon Reviews Women in Combat Roles

[02:07-03:12]

• A six-month Pentagon review will assess the effectiveness of women in Army and Marine ground combat roles, a decade after these roles opened to women.
• Tom Bowman notes:
  • Leaders will examine readiness, training, casualties, and command climate.
  • Defense Secretary Hegseth, previously an opponent, now states women can serve if meeting the same standards.

Notable Quote

"The review is designed to make sure the military is the most lethal. [Defense Secretary] Hegseth will not compromise standards."
— Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson (reported by Tom Bowman) [02:51]

4. Wyoming Supreme Court Overturns Abortion Bans

[03:16-03:50]

• The state’s highest court strikes down both a restrictive abortion law and a ban on abortion pills.
  • Laws were challenged under a state constitutional amendment on adult healthcare decisions.
  • State attorneys argued it shouldn't apply, but lost the case.

Notable Quote

"Plaintiffs argued the laws violated a state constitutional amendment allowing competent adults to make decisions about their own health care."
— NPR Reporter [03:35-03:39]

5. “Minimum Dose” Strength Training Benefits

[03:50-04:41]

• Stuart Phillips (McMaster University exercise scientist) and NPR Health Reporter Will Stone discuss new findings:
  • Even one 20-minute session a week of basic strength training yields significant improvements.
  • Benefits include better cardiovascular health, metabolism, brain function, and longevity.

Notable Quotes

"Cardiovascular health, metabolism, your brain, longevity—resistance training can help all of these."
— Stuart Phillips [03:58]

"Even just once a week, two to three sets with four or five exercises can go a long way... people typically got anywhere from 30% to 50% stronger."
— Will Stone [04:21, 04:35]

6. Wall Street Update

[04:41-04:51]

• Dow Jones up 412 points (over 0.75%) to 49,390.

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• European leaders warn US over Greenland/NATO: [00:36-01:12]
• Mark Kelly denounces Hegseth’s “hypocrisy”: [01:36-01:58]
• Defense Undersecretary Tata's memo on combat readiness: [02:27-02:37]
• Wyoming Supreme Court decision detailed: [03:16-03:50]
• Minimum dose exercise findings explained: [03:58-04:41]

Tone & Style

• Direct, urgent, and impartial news reporting, with quick transitions between stories.
• Use of expert commentary and succinct quotes to capture opinion and context.