NPR News Now – January 20, 2026, 9AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman (with segments by Nick, Eleanor Beardsley, Claudia Grisales, Miguel Macias, and Andrew Limbong)
Theme: Provides a concise update on the latest major news, with reports on international relations, US politics, a tragic Spanish train accident, legal action around protests, a shooting in Indiana, and a cultural update on queer romance in the book market.
Episode Overview
This edition of NPR News Now delivers the top headlines for January 20, 2026, blending sharp international coverage, major US political developments, breaking news, and a cultural insight into trends in queer romance fiction. With each segment providing impactful, fast-moving updates, this five-minute roundup helps listeners stay informed.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. AI Investment Speculation
- Host and Nick briefly discuss current anxieties about a potential bubble in artificial intelligence investment.
- Notable moment: The Host humorously notes the difficulty in predicting bubbles.
- Quote
- Host [00:00]: “There is a lot of fear these days that AI could be a bubble. So, Nick, is it?”
- Nick [00:07]: “I don’t know.”
- Host [00:08]: “Right. It is hard to tell, but there are some clues that economists say might kind of sort of help us predict bubbles.”
- Reference to Planet Money’s deeper coverage on “bubble detection.”
2. President Trump’s Greenland Gambit Escalates US-EU Tensions
- Host Korva Coleman and Reporter Eleanor Beardsley spotlight President Trump’s controversial plan to acquire Greenland, triggering economic threats from the EU.
- Trump to attend the World Economic Forum, with demands over Greenland acquisition.
- Leaked private messages from European leaders expressing skepticism about his logic.
- Threats of tariffs from Trump if EU opposes his move.
- EU Response: European Parliament member Nathalie Loiseau condemns the tactic as a misuse of the Atlantic Alliance.
- Quote
- Nathalie Loiseau [01:11]: “He doesn’t use the Atlantic alliance to make us stronger against adversaries like Russia. He uses the alliance to try to pressure us in order to grab territory in Europe.”
- EU preparing a $100 billion tariff package on US goods if Trump persists.
- Eleanor Beardsley closes from Paris.
3. Congressional Contempt Charges for the Clintons
- Claudia Grisales details impending legal action by House Republicans against Bill and Hillary Clinton over their refusal to comply with a congressional subpoena in the Epstein investigation.
- Oversight Committee moving to hold the Clintons in criminal contempt; a full House vote is scheduled.
- The Clintons argue the subpoena is part of a “GOP-led political vendetta” and cite selective enforcement.
- Quote
- Claudia Grisales [02:04]: “They also noted that the panel has not pursued contempt charges for any other subpoenaed witnesses.”
- [Paraphrased] The Clintons maintain the subpoena is ‘legally invalid’ and politically motivated.
4. Spain in Mourning Following Train Collision
- Miguel Macias updates on Spain’s three days of mourning after a deadly train derailment in Andalusia.
- Death toll reaches 41; dozens injured.
- Investigation ruling out human error and aging infrastructure; focus turns to possible track issues.
- The essential Andalusia-Madrid high-speed rail line remains closed until early February.
- Quote
- Miguel Macias [02:52]: “The commission investigating is looking into possible issues with one of the tracks as some of the common causes were ruled out, such as excessive speed, a human mistake or outdated trains.”
5. Other Headlines
- Wall Street Snapshot: Dow futures down about 1.5% [03:14].
- Legal Update: Trump administration appealing a ruling that blocked ICE agents from arresting lawful observers and protesters in Minnesota.
- Indiana Shooting: Manhunt continues for suspect who shot a state judge and his wife in Lafayette, Indiana; couple is stable.
6. Queer Romance Sees Surge Following HBO Adaptation
- Andrew Limbong covers the “Heated Rivalry” phenomenon:
- The book series by Rachel Reed, adapted by HBO, now enjoying a sharp sales bump.
- Sales context: Second book in “Game Changer” series sold 40,000 copies in 2025, but nearly 23,000 copies sold in one week of January 2026.
- This surge is illustrative of the rapid growth in queer romance fiction sales—a tripling from 2021 to 2025.
- Segment includes a brief, lively exchange between actors voicing characters.
- Quote
- Andrew Limbong [04:31]: “This is indicative of the broader rise in queer romance novels, which have tripled in sales between 2021 and 2025.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Host on AI Bubble Speculation [00:08]:
“It is hard to tell, but there are some clues that economists say might kind of sort of help us predict bubbles.” - Nathalie Loiseau on US Tactics [01:11]:
“He doesn’t use the Atlantic alliance to make us stronger against adversaries like Russia. He uses the alliance to try to pressure us in order to grab territory in Europe.” - Claudia Grisales on Political Motivations [02:17]:
“They also noted that the panel has not pursued contempt charges for any other subpoenaed witnesses.” - Miguel Macias on Train Investigation [02:52]:
“The commission investigating is looking into possible issues with one of the tracks as some of the common causes were ruled out, such as excessive speed, a human mistake or outdated trains.” - Andrew Limbong on Queer Romance Boom [04:31]:
“This is indicative of the broader rise in queer romance novels, which have tripled in sales between 2021 and 2025.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- AI Bubble Speculation / Planet Money Plug: 00:00 – 00:24
- Trump-EU-Greenland Dispute: 00:24 – 01:33
- Contempt Charges against the Clintons: 01:33 – 02:33
- Spanish Train Tragedy: 02:33 – 03:14
- Wall Street / Legal Update / Indiana Shooting: 03:14 – 04:16
- Heated Rivalry / Queer Romance Surge: 04:16 – 05:00
Summary
This fast-paced episode covers a globe-spanning set of stories: US-European tensions over Trump’s Greenland ambitions, congressional moves targeting the Clintons, somber news from Spain’s rail disaster, American legal drama, and a publishing boom sparked by LGBTQ+ media representation. Each segment blends crisp reporting with expert context, providing essential news for the hour.