NPR News Now: January 20, 2026, 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman | Date: January 20, 2026

The latest top news stories in five minutes, with on-the-ground context and expert interviews.

Episode Overview

This rapid, five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers a snapshot of major world and U.S. events, with a focus on diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and UK, President Trump’s second term anniversary, developments in Syria, Catholic leaders’ critiques of U.S. foreign policy, an FDA drug import announcement, and a geomagnetic storm’s impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historic U.S.-UK Diplomatic Moment (00:24–01:26)

• Speaker of the House Mike Johnson becomes the first sitting U.S. Speaker to address the British Parliament.
• Tensions flare after President Trump criticized the UK on Truth Social over its Chagos Islands sovereignty decision, linking it to Trump's interest in Greenland.
• Johnson emphasizes U.S.-UK friendship despite strains:
  • Johnson states he coordinated with Trump beforehand to "calm the waters."
  • Quote (Mike Johnson, 01:10):

    "I told the president that I felt that my mission here today was to encourage our friends and help to calm the waters, so to speak."

2. Trump’s Second Term: Stability and Cabinet Turnover (01:26–02:27)

• One year into President Trump’s second term is marked by less high-level staff turnover than his first.
• Catherine Dunn Tempes (Brookings Institution) attributes stability to an increased focus on hiring loyalists.
  • Quote (Catherine Dunn Tempes, 02:03):

    "What is the core of the stability? It was the emphasis that they put on loyalty in hiring and that has then subsequently paved the way for less infighting and less drama and a lower rate than in 2017."

• Despite improvements, turnover remains higher than in most administrations.

3. Syrian Ceasefire Collapse and ISIS Detainee Crisis (02:27–03:10)

• A government-Kurdish ceasefire in Syria collapses in under 24 hours.
• Syrian government forces retake Kurdish-held areas, seize ISIS prisons.
• Reports of loss of control of Shadadi prison with thousands of ISIS suspects; videos surface of inmates being marched away.

4. Criticism of U.S. Foreign Policy by Catholic Leaders (03:10–04:09)

• Cardinals and Archbishops (Cupich of Chicago, McElroy of Washington, Tobin of Newark) issue joint criticism.
• Accuse the Trump administration of reducing human dignity and religious liberty to partisan issues—citing policies on Venezuela, Ukraine, and Greenland.

5. FDA’s Response to Drug Shortage for Autism Therapy (04:09–04:48)

• FDA temporarily allows imports of leucovorin, a vitamin B drug, amid shortages.
• Leucovorin is approved for cancer patients but not yet for autism—despite FDA head Dr. Marty Makary’s optimism about its benefits for autistic children.
  • Quote (Dr. Marty Makary, 04:22):

    "We are going to change the label to make it available. Hundreds of thousands of kids, in my opinion, will benefit."

• Announcement led to a run on the drug; imports from Spain and Canada to ease shortages are coordinated with Pfizer.

6. Geomagnetic Storm and Its Effects (04:48–05:04)

• NASA reports a geomagnetic storm caused by a solar flare continues.
• Effects include disruptions to satellite navigation, power systems, and widespread northern lights displays across the U.S.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Johnson (Speaker of the House), 01:10:

  "I told the president that I felt that my mission here today was to encourage our friends and help to calm the waters, so to speak."

• Catherine Dunn Tempes (Brookings Fellow), 02:03:

  "What is the core of the stability? It was the emphasis that they put on loyalty in hiring and that has then subsequently paved the way for less infighting and less drama and a lower rate than in 2017."

• Dr. Marty Makary (FDA Commissioner), 04:22:

  "We are going to change the label to make it available. Hundreds of thousands of kids, in my opinion, will benefit."

Memorable Moments & Segment Timestamps

• (00:24): U.S.-UK diplomatic tension and Speaker Johnson’s parliamentary address.
• (01:26): Report on Trump’s second term staff stability.
• (02:27): Syria ceasefire collapse and the fate of ISIS prisoners.
• (03:10): U.S. Catholic leaders publicly criticize Trump administration foreign policy.
• (04:09): FDA moves to address shortage of promising autism therapy drug.
• (04:48): NASA’s warning about geomagnetic storm and impact across the U.S.

Overall Tone & Language

• Concise, objective, and informative, with occasional direct analysis from subject-matter experts and government officials.
• Maintains a fact-driven reporting style typical of NPR’s newscasts.

This episode delivers rapid, impactful updates on global affairs, U.S. government, public health policy, and science—essential listening for news-seekers wanting a quick, comprehensive briefing.