NPR News Now: January 20, 2026, 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 20, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk roundup of the morning's top national and international headlines, with significant attention on President Trump’s foreign policy actions, the legacy of Project 2025, ongoing conflicts in Nigeria, new research on the lingering effects of MPOX, and the impact of a current geomagnetic storm.

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. President Trump Heads to World Economic Forum; Greenland Takeover Dispute

[00:16–01:07]

• President Trump's Agenda: President Trump is traveling to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. The main topic is his controversial proposal to acquire Greenland.

• European Opposition & Tariff Threats: Trump threatens tariffs on eight European countries unless they support his Greenland ambitions.

  • Tariffs Scheme: 10% starting in February, rising to 25% in June unless a Greenland deal happens.
  • Ongoing uncertainty about legal authority for these tariffs.

• NATO Solidarity: The threatened countries are NATO members and are backing Denmark and Greenland (a Danish territory).

  “Trump posted that he's going to impose 10% tariffs on those countries starting in February. Then he's going to raise it to 25% in June. That is until a Greenland deal happens.” — Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR [00:38]

2. The “Board of Peace”: New Global Mediation Body

[01:07–02:06]

• Trump is inviting world leaders to sign the charter for his “Board of Peace” this week at Davos.

• Purpose: Goes beyond Gaza rehabilitation, positioned as a permanent global peacekeeping and conflict mediation organization; Trump would serve indefinitely as chairman.

• Membership: Requires a $1 billion buy-in for permanent membership.

• International Response: Only Vietnam, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Argentina, and Morocco have publicly joined so far. France's Emmanuel Macron has declined.

• Tariff Intimidation: Trump threatens 200% tariffs on French wines and champagnes to pressure Macron.

  “Trump told reporters, quote, I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he'll join.” — Trump via Daniel Estrin, NPR [01:58]

3. Project 2025: Policy Implementation and President Trump's Influence

[02:06–03:08]

• Anniversary Reflection: On the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration, there’s a look back at Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation policy blueprint.

• Implementation: Despite distancing himself, Trump implemented much of Project 2025 through hires like Russell Vogt and major executive orders affecting immigration and education.

• Expert Analysis: Debate about whether Project 2025 represents standard conservative policy or a new MAGA direction.

  "I would say that Project 2025 was largely standard conservative fare, but with a bit more of a MAGA flavor than previously.” — Tevy Troy, Presidential Historian [02:50]

4. International News:

a. Nigeria: Conflicting Reports on Church Kidnappings

[03:08–03:32]

• Incident: Reports of mass kidnappings at three Nigerian churches are contradicted by Nigerian police.
• US Involvement: Trump ordered U.S. airstrikes on Nigeria on Christmas, citing attacks on Christians by Islamist militants.

b. Market Update:

[03:08–03:12]

• Dow futures down more than 1% in pre-market trading.

5. New MPOX Research: Lingering Health Impacts

[03:32–04:35]

• Study Findings: Nearly 60% of MPOX patients (from a 2022 global outbreak) report symptoms lasting up to 18 months.

  • Most Common: Scarring; 13% have serious ongoing physical issues.
  • Mental Health: Many suffer from depression and trouble socializing.
  • Published in: Annals of Internal Medicine.

  “The most common lingering symptom was scarring, but about 13% had ongoing physical problems, including difficulty urinating or defecating. Many reported lasting psychological issues, too, from depression to difficulty socializing.” — Jonathan Lambert, NPR [04:10]

6. Geomagnetic Storm and Northern Lights

[04:35–04:55]

• Event: NASA reports a geomagnetic storm due to a solar flare.
  • Effects: Possible disruptions to satellites and power systems.
  • Upside: Spectacular northern lights visible across the northern US.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On European Tariffs:

  “Trump posted that he's going to impose 10% tariffs on those countries starting in February. Then he's going to raise it to 25% in June. That is until a Greenland deal happens.” — Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR [00:38]

• On Pressure Tactics for Board of Peace:

  “I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he'll join.” — Trump, reported by Daniel Estrin, NPR [01:58]

• On Project 2025’s Character:

  "I would say that Project 2025 was largely standard conservative fare, but with a bit more of a MAGA flavor than previously.” — Tevy Troy, Presidential Historian [02:50]

• On Long-Term MPOX Effects:

  “Many reported lasting psychological issues, too, from depression to difficulty socializing.” — Jonathan Lambert, NPR [04:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:16 | Trump’s visit to World Economic Forum; Greenland | | 00:38 | Tariff threats on European allies | | 01:07 | Board of Peace charter, Davos announcements | | 02:06 | Trump & Project 2025 overview | | 03:08 | Wall St. update, Nigeria reports | | 03:50 | MPOX study and health impacts | | 04:35 | Geomagnetic storm and aurora news |

This episode provided critical updates on U.S. foreign policy moves, introduced significant global initiatives, and covered developing health and science news, all in an engaging and rapid-fire format true to NPR News Now’s concise style.