NPR News Now — January 21, 2026, 6PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise update on key national and international news, with major geopolitical developments, legal news, extreme weather warnings, public health updates, and a cultural highlight.

1. U.S.–Europe Geopolitical Tensions over Greenland

[00:20-01:01]

• President Trump has canceled his threat to impose additional tariffs on Europe after an agreement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
• The agreement includes a future negotiation framework.
• Despite backing off military threats to forcibly take control of the Arctic island, Trump’s rhetoric continues to be confrontational regarding U.S. ambitions for Greenland.
  • Donald 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." (00:37)
• Denmark, a core NATO ally, remains firm on its sovereignty over Greenland, raising concerns about a potential geopolitical standoff.

2. World Economic Forum Controversy

[01:01–01:59]

• California Governor Gavin Newsom's planned speech at the World Economic Forum was canceled following pressure from the Trump administration.
  • Newsom was supposed to speak at the official U.S. pavilion, criticizing Trump's economic management.
  • The Trump administration did not comment on Newsom's claims, but a spokesperson accused Newsom of "frolicking around Switzerland instead of fixing the many problems he created in California." (01:42)
  • Newsom has spent time at the summit criticizing both Trump and European leaders.
  • Guy Marziroti (NPR): "The governor's office says the invitation was canceled under pressure by the White House and State Department." (01:27)

3. Supreme Court Considers Presidential Power Over the Federal Reserve

[01:59–02:53]

• The Supreme Court heard arguments about President Trump’s attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook over alleged false statements on mortgage applications.
• Cook denies wrongdoing.
• Cook’s lawyer, Paul Clement: Emphasizes that the Fed’s independence is protected to avoid political manipulation of monetary policy.
  • Quote: "Congress, political animals one and all knew better than anyone that the short term temptations to lower interest rates and have easy money was a disaster in the long term, but was going to be irresistible." (02:32)
• Trump administration argues the president is within his rights to fire Fed governors.
• The case is seen as a test of the boundaries between presidential power and the independence of the central bank.

4. Severe Winter Weather Alert

[02:53–03:21]

• Meteorologists warn of a polar vortex likely to bring record-breaking subzero temperatures, heavy snow, and ice to the eastern U.S.
• The Midwest and North could see wind chills as low as –30°F.

5. Congress–Clinton Subpoena Dispute

[03:21–03:54]

• House Republicans press to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress amid an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
• The move could lead to criminal prosecution.
  • Oversight Chairman James Comer: The Clintons "responded to the subpoena with defiance."
  • The Clintons argue the subpoena is invalid.

6. South Carolina Measles Outbreak

[03:54–04:35]

• 646 confirmed measles cases in South Carolina; over 530 people quarantined, including university students.
• Most affected are unvaccinated children and teens.
• State epidemiologist Linda Bell quote: "The current trajectory where we are seeing double digit cases that are newly identified each day is very concerning." (04:14)
• Officials urge the public to get vaccinated to stop the outbreak.

7. Cultural Highlight: Love Letters Exhibit in London

[04:35–04:57]

• The UK's National Archives will display love letters spanning five centuries starting Saturday through April.
• The collection features royalty, soldiers, songwriters, and spies from British history.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Donald Trump (00:37): “So we want a piece of ice for world protection and they won't give it … you can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember.”
• Linda Bell (04:14): "The current trajectory where we are seeing double digit cases that are newly identified each day is very concerning."
• Guy Marziroti (01:27): "The governor's office says the invitation was canceled under pressure by the White House and State Department."
• Scott Horsley quoting Paul Clement (02:32): "Congress, political animals one and all knew better than anyone that the short term temptations to lower interest rates and have easy money was a disaster in the long term, but was going to be irresistible."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump/Greenland/NATO: 00:20–01:01
• Newsom at Davos Cancelation: 01:01–01:59
• Supreme Court and Federal Reserve firing case: 01:59–02:53
• Polar vortex weather warning: 02:53–03:21
• Clinton/Epstein/House GOP: 03:21–03:54
• Measles outbreak in South Carolina: 03:54–04:35
• Love Letters exhibit: 04:35–04:57

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Factual, urgent, and succinct, keeping with NPR's neutral reporting style.
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Anyone needing a fast, thorough news round-up of the day’s most pressing stories.