NPR News Now — January 21, 2026, 4PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm
Summary by Segment, with Key Quotes & Timestamps

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update covers significant news, including President Trump’s World Economic Forum speech and Greenland remarks, developments in the Uvalde school shooting trial, ongoing U.S.–Russia diplomacy over Ukraine, a congressional move against the Clintons, a major Snapchat settlement, and the latest Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees.

1. Trump at the World Economic Forum: Greenland Claims & Policy Announcements

[00:20–01:25]

• President Trump insists on U.S. purchase of Greenland:
  At Davos, Trump reiterated his claim that the U.S. had purchased Greenland from Denmark, tying it to American defense of Europe in WWII.

  • “Trump framed the U.S. as entitled to Greenland after helping defend Europe in World War II.” — Daniel Kurtzleben [00:32]

• Notable Trump Quote:

  • “So we want a piece of ice for world protection and they won't give it. We've never asked for anything else and we could have kept that piece of land and we didn't. So they have a choice. You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember.” — Donald Trump [00:36]

• Additional points from Trump’s speech:

  • Asserted no military force would be used to “take Greenland,” but “the US Military would be unstoppable in trying.” [01:00]
  • Repeated unsubstantiated claim of the 2020 election being rigged.
  • Ultimately discussed economic policies: boosting homeownership, capping credit card interest rates.

• NATO and Tariffs:

  • Afterward, Trump met with NATO Secretary General Marga Ruda and indicated a framework for a future Greenland-related deal, postponing threatened tariffs scheduled for February 1. [01:25]

2. Uvalde School Shooting Trial Update

[01:25–02:19]

• Jury deliberations underway:
  Adrian Gonzalez, a former school police officer, is on trial for endangering children during the 2022 Robb Elementary massacre (19 children, 2 teachers killed).

• Testimony focus:

  • Whether Gonzalez had the opportunity to enter the building and intervene.
  • “Testimony against Gonzalez focused on his position at the time of the shooting and whether he had the opportunity to move into the campus building to stop the shooter.” — Lon Gonzalez [02:02]

3. U.S.–Russia Meetings on Ukraine

[02:19–03:14]

• Envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow:
  White House envoy travels to meet President Putin amid diplomatic efforts to resolve Russia’s war in Ukraine.

• Kremlin’s stance:

  • Interested in recent U.S. and Ukrainian negotiations, with a focus on security guarantees and territorial issues. [02:35]
  • “Russia was eager to learn about recent U.S. negotiations with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy… both seen as critical to advancing any lasting peace deal.” — Charles Maynes [02:35]
  • Occurring after weeks of Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving many without power or heat during freezing temperatures.

4. Congressional Contempt Vote for the Clintons

[03:14–03:48]

• House Oversight Committee votes to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt:
  • Related to their refusal to testify about links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The Clintons argued their subpoenas were invalid.
  • The contempt measure moves to the full House for further action.

5. Snapchat Lawsuit Settlement

[03:48–04:24]

• Snapchat settles major lawsuit:
  • Accused (along with Meta, TikTok, and YouTube) of creating addictive, harmful products impacting young users.
  • “They claim features like Infinite scroll, autoplay videos and recommendation algorithms make apps addictive and lead to depression, eating disorders and other harms.” — Shannon Bond [03:48]
  • Terms undisclosed.
  • No settlements yet with other companies named.

6. Songwriters Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees

[04:24–04:58]

• Announcement of prestigious new members:

  • Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons (Kiss)
  • Kenny Loggins
  • Taylor Swift

• Hall of Fame background:

  • Established in 1969.
  • Songwriter eligible 20 years after their first commercial release.

Notable Quotes

• Trump on Greenland:
  “So we want a piece of ice for world protection and they won't give it. We've never asked for anything else and we could have kept that piece of land and we didn't. So they have a choice. You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember.” — Donald Trump [00:36]

• On App Dangers:
  “They claim features like Infinite scroll, autoplay videos and recommendation algorithms make apps addictive and lead to depression, eating disorders and other harms.” — Shannon Bond [03:48]

Quick Reference Timeline

• 00:20: President Trump at WEF, Greenland remarks and World War II references
• 01:00: Trump on military, election claims, then economic policy
• 01:25: Meeting with NATO, tariff postponement
• 01:29: Uvalde trial update, focus on officer’s actions
• 02:19: U.S. envoy to Moscow, Ukraine diplomatic efforts
• 03:14: House votes on contempt for the Clintons over Epstein subpoenas
• 03:48: Snapchat lawsuit settlement over app addiction claims
• 04:24: Songwriters Hall of Fame 2026 inductees