NPR News Now: 01-21-2026 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 21, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This rapid-fire NPR News Now episode brings listeners the latest updates from around the world, covering President Trump’s provocative statements at Davos regarding Greenland, international legal developments involving Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, a major shakeup in the Justice Department, the resurgence of measles in South Carolina, new data on heart disease, and the passing of fashion icon Valentino. The tone remains factual and concise, providing high-impact news in under five minutes.

Key Discussion Points

1. President Trump’s Greenland Comments at World Economic Forum

[00:15 – 01:31]

• Trump’s Stance: President Trump, during the Davos forum, declared he would not use U.S. military force to take over Greenland, despite continued calls for talks regarding its ownership.

  • Quote [00:35]: “He did not back down on, you know, wanting to own it. He kept calling it a little piece of ice that's sitting there undefended.” — Eleanor Beardsley (NPR)
  • Trump referred to Greenland as “a little piece of ice that’s sitting there undefended,” supposedly dismissing European views that it is protected by NATO.
  • He accused NATO and Denmark of being “ungrateful” and inaccurately claimed the U.S. once gave Greenland back to Denmark.
  • Quote [00:35]: "He has disdain for the allies. He called NATO ungrateful. He called Denmark ungrateful. He twisted history, saying we gave Greenland back to Denmark, but we never owned it..." — Eleanor Beardsley (NPR)

• Tariff Threats: Trump threatened 10% tariffs on eight European nations if demands were not met, prompting EU Parliament to consider $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs.

• Market Impact: Wall Street responded positively after Trump's assurance, with the Dow Jones up 480 points.

2. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and ICC Arrest Warrants

[01:31 – 02:10]

• Netanyahu Absent from Davos: He did not attend due to risk of arrest by Swiss authorities following ICC warrants for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.
  • Quote [01:32]: “The International Criminal Court in the Hague issued arrest warrants against him and the former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, for alleged war crimes they committed in Gaza during Israel's war with Hamas.” — Emily Feng (NPR)
• Political Fallout: Israeli President Isaac Herzog labeled Netanyahu’s exclusion “a reward for terror” and demanded charges be dropped.
• "Board of Peace": Netanyahu said Israel would join Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, initially designed for Gaza but now with a broadened international scope.

3. Eastern Virginia U.S. Attorney’s Resignation

[02:10 – 03:06]

• Lindsay Halligan’s Departure: Halligan, with close ties to Trump and no prior prosecutorial experience, left her position as top federal prosecutor after a legal dispute.
  • Quote [02:25]: “Judge David Novak accused Halligan of, quote, masquerading as the U.S. attorney for weeks after another federal judge disqualified her from the post.” — Cary Johnson (NPR)
  • She unsuccessfully attempted to prosecute Trump critics before being ruled improperly installed.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi called Halligan’s exit a “significant loss,” but confirmed she would continue serving President Trump.
• Aftermath: The search for a new interim U.S. attorney is underway.

4. Measles Outbreak in South Carolina

[03:06 – 03:52]

• New Developments: 88 new measles cases reported since Friday, with a total of at least 646 cases statewide.
• University Impact: Students at Clemson and Anderson have been quarantined; US risks losing "measles-free" status.

5. Heart Disease Trends Post-Covid

[03:52 – 04:39]

• Recurrence vs. Progress: Heart disease remains America’s top killer, but deaths are declining after a Covid-induced spike.
  • Quote [04:08]: “The good news is encouraging to unfortunately, though, the prevalence of risk factors for heart disease and stroke continue to rise.” — Dr. Stacey Rosen (AHA)
  • Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes (especially in young adults) are on the rise, possibly threatening future improvements.
  • Quote [04:17]: “Rosen estimates about 70% of heart disease could be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes, including exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking.” — Allison Aubrey (NPR)

6. Remembering Valentino

[04:39 – 04:55]

• Fashion World Mourns: Valentino, revered Italian designer beloved by celebrities and U.S. First Ladies, lies in state in Rome before his funeral on Friday.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He kept calling it a little piece of ice that's sitting there undefended.”
  — Eleanor Beardsley on Trump’s Greenland remarks [00:35]

• “Judge David Novak accused Halligan of, quote, masquerading as the U.S. attorney for weeks after another federal judge disqualified her from the post.”
  — Cary Johnson [02:25]

• “The good news is encouraging to unfortunately, though, the prevalence of risk factors for heart disease and stroke continue to rise.”
  — Dr. Stacey Rosen [04:08]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Greenland & NATO tensions: [00:15 – 01:31]
• Netanyahu, ICC, and World Economic Forum: [01:31 – 02:10]
• Resignation of VA US Attorney: [02:10 – 03:06]
• South Carolina measles outbreak: [03:06 – 03:52]
• Heart disease trends: [03:52 – 04:39]
• Valentino memorialized: [04:39 – 04:55]

This episode packs a global political update, legal drama, public health alerts, and a solemn cultural note into a concise but comprehensive package.