NPR News Now: January 19, 2026 (12PM EST)

Main Theme

This NPR News Now episode covers breaking global news in five minutes, focusing on escalating international tensions regarding Greenland, significant developments at the U.S. Supreme Court, a tragic train accident in Spain, a unique scientific discovery about cattle intelligence, and the death of an iconic Disney filmmaker.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rising Tensions Over Greenland

(00:14–01:39)

• Trump’s Nobel Reaction: President Trump told Norway’s Prime Minister that he no longer feels compelled to pursue peace because he didn’t win the Nobel Peace Prize. Norway’s leader emphasized that the Peace Prize is awarded independently, not by the government.
• Tariffs Imposed: After criticism from eight European countries about his Greenland ambitions, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on goods from those nations.
• European Response: European nations issued a joint statement backing Denmark and Greenland, warning Trump’s rhetoric threatens the transatlantic alliance.
  • Expert Insight: Celia Bella, European Council on Foreign Relations, notes:

    “Europe feels more alone than it’s ever been, but also feels a greater sense...of solidarity and collective determination to push back.” (01:23)

  • Potential EU Actions: Counter-sanctions and activation of “anti-coercion” measures to limit U.S. market access are under consideration.

2. Davos Boycott amid Greenland Dispute

(01:39–01:57)

• Danish officials, involved in the Greenland conflict, have opted out of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

3. Supreme Court Voting Rights Case

(01:57–02:39)

• Potential Impact: The Supreme Court could weaken the Voting Rights Act, risking the largest-ever drop in Black representation in Congress.
• Context:

  “An NPR analysis has found the high court’s decision in this case could affect 15 U.S. house districts in the south that are currently represented by a black Democratic member of Congress.” (02:19)

• Historical Perspective: For much of U.S. history, Black representation remained in single digits; since the Voting Rights Act, it’s grown to 63 districts.

4. Deadly Train Crash in Spain

(02:39–03:15)

• Casualties & Investigation: At least 39 killed in a southern Spain train crash caused by the derailment and collision of train cars.
• Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez:

  “Spanish society, as everyone, is asking what happened?... How is it possible that this happened?” (02:53–03:02)

• Commitment: Sanchez pledges a transparent investigation.

5. First Documented Cow Tool Use

(03:22–04:12)

• Discovery: Austrian scientists observed a cow, Veronica, use sticks and even a broom to scratch unreachable parts of her body.
  • Researcher’s Reflection:

    “This should give us some thought that we may perhaps have underestimated the intelligence of some livestock species.” – Elise Auersberg (03:54)

  • Veronica stands out for being unusually old and kept as a pet.

6. Disney Animator Roger Allers Dies

(04:15–04:53)

• Legacy: Roger Allers, co-director of “The Lion King” and leading figure behind “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Aladdin,” has died at 76.
• Cultural Impact: “The Lion King” remains the highest-grossing traditional animated film and transitioned successfully to Broadway.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Celia Bella, European Council on Foreign Relations:

  “Europe feels more alone than it’s ever been, but also feels a greater sense...of solidarity and collective determination to push back.” (01:23)

• Report on Black Representation:

  “Losing a handful of those districts could fuel the largest ever drop in the number of black representatives in Congress.” – Hansi Lo Wang (02:27)

• Spanish PM on Train Crash:

  “Spanish society, as everyone, is asking what happened?... How is it possible that this happened?” (02:53–03:02)

• On Cow Intelligence:

  “This should give us some thought that we may perhaps have underestimated the intelligence of some livestock species.” – Elise Auersberg (03:54)

Timeline / Timestamps

• 00:14 – International tensions over Greenland; Trump’s response to Nobel Peace Prize snub.
• 00:55 – European response, solidarity, and possible countermeasures.
• 01:39 – Danish officials boycott Davos World Economic Forum.
• 01:57 – Supreme Court voting rights case explained.
• 02:39 – Train crash in Spain; Prime Minister’s response.
• 03:22 – Scientific discovery of cow tool use.
• 04:15 – Death and legacy of Disney’s Roger Allers.

Host: Windsor Johnston, NPR News Washington
Reporters: Eleanor Beardsley, Hansi Lo Wang, Nate Rott

For further details, listen to the full episode from NPR News Now.