NPR News Now: 01-19-2026 11AM EST

Host: Kristen Wright (NPR)
Date: January 19, 2026
Episode Theme:
A concise update on the major national and international news stories, highlighting political developments, foreign policy, civil rights commemorations, public health decisions, and notable moments in sports.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. President Trump’s Reaction to Nobel Peace Prize Snub and Greenland Acquisition (00:18–01:12)

• President Trump reached out to Norway’s prime minister, expressing frustration at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Trump said not receiving the prize influenced his approach to acquiring Greenland, suggesting a shift from diplomatic “peace” considerations to U.S.-centered interests.
• Quoted Trump:

  “Because he didn't win the prize, he no longer feels obliged to think only of peace and said he was now considering what is good and proper for the United States.” – Robbie Griffiths (00:38)

• Trump claimed global security depended on U.S. "complete and total control of Greenland."
• The Norwegian government reaffirmed they do not select Nobel Prize recipients.

2. World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Gaza Reconstruction, and U.S. Military Preparedness for Minnesota Protests (01:12–01:59)

• Danish officials will not attend the World Economic Forum session in Switzerland; President Trump is expected to attend.
• Trump invites world leaders to join the Board of Peace for Gaza’s post-war rehabilitation; the UNSC has officially sanctioned this board.
• Key policy detail: Each permanent member must donate at least $1 billion to the Gaza effort.
• The Pentagon is preparing 1,500 active-duty U.S. soldiers for possible deployment to Minnesota after fatal federal shooting sparked protests.

Minneapolis Unrest and the Insurrection Act (01:59–02:40)

• Protests in Minneapolis have subsided due to severe winter weather, though tensions remain.
• Trump previously threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act (1807), allowing military law enforcement involvement, but has since retreated from that stance.
• Troops from Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska are on alert.

3. Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Legacy of Nonviolence (02:40–03:07)

• The country marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Dr. King's son, Martin Luther King III, emphasizes the ongoing importance of nonviolent activism.
  • Quote:

    “So we have to create the climate where people are able to resist but yet not engage in violence. And I think we can be successful over time because of that. It’s sad that we even have to be at this point, but history repeats itself.”
    — Martin Luther King III (02:53)

4. U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (03:07–04:24)

• U.S. set to formally withdraw from WHO after the required one-year notice period.
• An added complication: U.S. has not paid $278 million in outstanding dues, which is required for formal withdrawal.
• Expert Commentary:

  “This is a very public and messy divorce between WHO and the United States.”
  — Lawrence Gostin, Georgetown University (03:55)

• Uncertainty remains over whether the U.S. will participate in WHO meetings and data sharing.
• WHO leadership publicly urges the U.S. to reconsider.

5. Nurses Strike in New York City & Historic Women’s Hockey Attendance (04:24–04:56)

• Nurses strike in NYC enters second week; core demands are safer staffing levels and better workplace protection from violence.
• The Professional Women’s Hockey League sets a new attendance record: 17,228 fans at a game between the New York Sirens and Montreal Victoire in D.C.—the highest in U.S. women’s ice hockey history.
  • The New York Sirens won, 2–1.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Nobel Peace Prize & Greenland:
  “The world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.”
  — Donald Trump, as relayed by Robbie Griffiths (00:38)
• On Nonviolence:
  “So we have to create the climate where people are able to resist but yet not engage in violence.”
  — Martin Luther King III (02:53)
• On WHO Exit:
  “This is a very public and messy divorce between WHO and the United States.”
  — Lawrence Gostin (03:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:18 — Trump’s Nobel snub and Greenland stance
• 01:12 — World Economic Forum, Gaza Board of Peace, U.S. deployments to Minnesota
• 01:59 — Minneapolis protests/Insurrection Act update
• 02:40 — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, nonviolence remarks
• 03:07 — U.S. withdrawal from WHO, financial disputes
• 04:24 — NYC nurses strike and women’s hockey league record

Tone & Language

This episode maintains NPR’s signature factual, concise reporting style, delivering fast-moving news with clarity and measured tone. Direct commentary from prominent figures is preserved, offering listeners both information and context for the day's major stories.