NPR News Now: January 22, 2026 – 10AM EST

Main Theme: This five-minute news update, hosted by Korva Coleman, highlights President Trump’s international initiatives at the World Economic Forum, the growing political attention on Greenland, key economic data, domestic immigration controversies, the historic 98th Academy Award nominations, and weather alerts for the Southern U.S.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump at Davos & The Board of Peace

• Overview: President Trump unveils the inaugural members of his Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
  • Originally intended to oversee Gaza post-ceasefire, the Board now expands to involve Permanent Member Countries supporting a broader peace vision under Trump’s indefinite control.
  • Trump aims for cooperation with the United Nations to address global conflicts.
• Notable Quote:
  • Donald Trump, [00:40]:

    “The first steps toward a brighter day for the Middle East and a much safer future for the world are unfolding right before your very eyes. Together, we are in a position to have an incredible chance... to end decades of suffering, stop generations of hatred and bloodshed and forge a beautiful, everlasting and glorious peace.”

• Additional Details:
  • Over a dozen countries have agreed to join this Board.
  • European leaders are concurrently discussing Trump’s demand for the takeover of Greenland, with Trump stating no intent for military force.

2. Global Responses and Uncertainty over Greenland

• Ukraine and Greenland:
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Trump and raised concerns about Europe’s next moves regarding Greenland.
• Analyst Insight:
  • News Analyst, [01:29]:

    “Everyone turns attention to Greenland, and it’s clear most leaders simply are not sure what to do about it. And it seems like everyone is just waiting for America to cool down on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if will not? What then?”

3. Diplomatic Moves Around Ukraine and Russia

• Upcoming Meetings:
  • Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. officials will meet in the United Arab Emirates over the next two days to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoys head to Moscow for discussions with President Putin. [01:53]

4. Economic Highlights

• US Economic Growth:
  • The economy grew at an annual rate of 4.4% in the third quarter (July–September), up from a previous estimate of 4.3%, thanks to stronger exports and investment (Scott Horsley, [02:25]).
  • Consumer spending was revised downward.
  • Procter & Gamble missed sales targets as shoppers cut back on essentials like Tide detergent and Charmin toilet paper.
  • Unemployment benefit applications remained steady; about 2.3 million people are receiving some assistance.
• Stock Market Update:
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened about 220 points up; at the time of reporting, it’s up approximately 200 points. [03:06]

5. Domestic: Vice President Vance’s Minnesota Visit & Immigration Controversy

• VP Vance’s Agenda:
  • Expected to participate in a community roundtable about law and order in Minnesota.
  • Thousands of federal agents are in Minnesota for immigration-related operations.
• Controversial ICE Memo:
  • A surfaced memo from ICE's acting director permits agents to enter homes without a federal judge’s warrant.
  • Activists call this a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution. [03:06]

6. Entertainment: Historic Oscar Nominations Announced

• Record-Breaking Nominations:
  • “Sinners” leads the 98th Academy Awards with 16 nominations, surpassing all previous records (Netta Uluby, [03:55]).
  • “One Battle after another” secures 13 nominations.
  • Other major contenders: “Frankenstein” and “Sentimental Value” (each with 9), plus “Begonia,” “F1,” “Marty Supreme,” “The Secret Agent Train,” “Dreams,” and “Hamnet.”
  • “Hamnet” earns a nomination for director Chloe Zhao, making her the second woman to receive multiple Best Director nods.
  • Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 15.

7. Weather Alert: Major Winter Storm Approaching

• National Weather Service Alert:
  • A major winter storm will bring heavy snow and ice from the Southern Rockies into the Southeast U.S. starting tomorrow. [04:40]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump on Middle East Peace:

  “I don’t even call it a chance. I think it’s going to happen to end decades of suffering, stop generations of hatred and bloodshed and forge a beautiful, everlasting and glorious peace.” – Donald Trump [00:40]

• Analyst on Greenland:

  “Everyone is just waiting for America to cool down on this topic, hoping it will pass away. But what if will not? What then?” – News Analyst [01:29]

• Oscars Record:

  “With 16 nominations, Sinners broke record set previously by movies such as Titanic, All About Eve and La La Land...” – Netta Uluby [03:55]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:13] Presidential initiatives in Davos
• [00:40] Trump’s quote on Middle East peace
• [01:05] Expansion of Board of Peace and Greenland issue
• [01:29] Analyst assessment on Greenland standoff
• [01:53] Ukraine/Russia peace talks scheduled
• [02:25] US economy and stock market update
• [03:06] VP Vance’s Minnesota visit; ICE memo controversy
• [03:55] Historic Academy Award nominations
• [04:40] Southern U.S. weather alert

Summary:
This NPR News Now update delivers a fast-paced overview of major global and domestic events: diplomatic maneuvering by President Trump, European unease over Greenland, war talks concerning Ukraine, encouraging economic data, fierce immigration debates, historic Oscar milestones, and an impending winter storm for the Southeast.