NPR News Now — 01-16-2026, 1PM EST

Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on major global and domestic news as of January 16, 2026. The broadcast focuses on US political actions regarding Greenland, healthcare policy shifts, unrest in Iran, continued international involvement in Ukraine, legal developments in a high-profile murder case, and the passing of a key leader in the Pacific Northwest fruit industry.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. US-Greenland Tensions and Tariff Threats

• [00:14–00:33] President Trump considers imposing tariffs on countries that do not support US efforts to assert control over Greenland, citing national security concerns.
  • Quote:

    “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security... So I may do that.”
    —President Trump [00:27]

  • Bipartisan Congressional members met with Danish and Greenlandic officials, affirming Greenland as “an ally, not an asset.”
  • European countries have dispatched troops to Greenland amid rising tensions.

2. US Healthcare Policy and Medicaid

• [00:34–01:59] President Trump announced a new $50 billion rural health program amid criticism for cuts to Medicaid, but did not include any measures to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Obamacare and Marketplace Concerns:
  • New plans may convert current financial aid for Obamacare enrollees into more flexible cash assistance, usable for non-ACA-compliant insurance.
  • Expert Analysis:

    “What it seems like is this idea of turning the financial assistance that’s available for Obamacare enrollees into essentially cash that they might be able to use to buy health insurance that is not compliant with the Affordable Care Act.”
    —Cynthia Cox, KFF [01:27]

  • Experts warn this could raise ACA marketplace premiums and weaken the insurance market.

3. Iran Protests and US Response

• [02:00–02:27]
  • Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmed al Khatami, during a Friday sermon, called for death sentences for all detained protesters.
  • President Trump has warned that further deaths among protestors could prompt US military action.

4. UK-Ukraine Relations and Russia’s Attacks

• [02:27–03:08]
  • UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lamy visited Kyiv, announcing $27 million in aid to help repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
  • Ukrainian officials report relentless attacks by Russia on all the nation’s power stations, leaving hundreds of thousands without heat or electricity during extreme winter conditions.
  • Germany, France, and Italy urge renewed direct talks with Moscow, but the UK opposes negotiation at this stage.

5. Charlie Kirk Case Update

• [03:09–03:33]
  • Tyler Robinson, accused in the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, is back in court as his attorneys seek to remove the current prosecutors over conflict-of-interest concerns.
  • Prosecutors plan to pursue the death penalty.

6. Remembering BJ Thirlby, "Cherry King"

• [03:51–04:36]
  • BJ Thirlby, leader of the Washington State Fruit Commission, passed at 60. He was instrumental in expanding the global market for US Pacific Northwest cherries, generating nearly a billion dollars annually.
  • Memorable Testimonial:

    “It made him an amazing psychological and emotional support for growers who deal with really volatile highs and lows in their work life.”
    —John Devaney, Washington State Tree Fruit Association President [04:15]

7. Market Update

• [04:36–04:53]
  • The Dow Jones is up 2 points to 49,444.
  • S&P up slightly; Nasdaq down slightly to 23,529.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump on Tariffs and Greenland:

  “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security security. So I may do that.” [00:27]

• Cynthia Cox on Obamacare Market Impact:

  “What it seems like is this idea of turning the financial assistance that’s available for Obamacare enrollees into essentially cash…” [01:27]

• John Devaney on BJ Thirlby’s Leadership:

  “It made him an amazing psychological and emotional support for growers who deal with really volatile highs and lows in their work life.” [04:15]

Timestamps: Segment Highlights

• [00:14] — Start of news, Greenland tariffs discussion
• [01:13] — Rural health program & Obamacare policy insight
• [02:00] — Iran protest developments and international responses
• [02:27] — UK announced new aid to Ukraine, Russia’s attacks highlighted
• [03:09] — Charlie Kirk murder case courtroom update
• [03:51] — Remembrance of BJ Thirlby, “Cherry King”
• [04:36] — Wall Street market updates

This five-minute newscast provides crisp, high-level coverage of pressing global affairs, US policy, notable deaths, and market changes, reflecting NPR’s signature straightforward news style.