NPR News Now – January 22, 2026, 1AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Length: ~5 minutes
Theme: The latest headlines from the U.S. and around the world, including politics, court rulings, market movement, and environmental policy.

Overview

This episode covers major global and U.S. news stories updated as of January 22, 2026. Major topics include President Trump's statements on Greenland and Arctic security at the World Economic Forum, judicial actions regarding immigration enforcement in Minnesota, a legal battle between the DOJ and The Washington Post, developments from the Uvalde, Texas school shooting case, Congressional proceedings involving the Clintons and the Epstein probe, and a policy pause in Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Trump at Davos: Backing Off Greenland & Tariff Threats

• [00:17–00:55] President Trump publicly backtracks on previously threatened U.S. military action to seize Greenland at the World Economic Forum.

  • He emphasizes a non-violent approach regarding Greenland and states alignment with NATO on Arctic security.
  • Trump also retreats from his threat to impose tariffs on several European nations.
  • Market reactions: All major U.S. stock indices rose sharply, with the Dow up 588 points; Asian markets followed suit.

  "We probably won't get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be frankly unstoppable. But I won't do that. Okay?...I don't want to use force. I won't use force."
  — Donald Trump ([00:31])

2. Immigration Enforcement: Minnesota Court Ruling Paused

• [01:25–02:08] The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals pauses an earlier ruling that would have reduced aggressive federal immigration tactics in Minnesota.

  • Original order restricted use of tear gas and detention of peaceful protesters.
  • The pause occurs amid heightened federal agent presence (2,500+ agents in the Twin Cities).
  • With demonstrations planned, National Guard troops are on alert, increasing community tension.

  "This ruling lifting restrictions on aggressive tactics leaves many on edge as large scale demonstrations are planned in the coming days."
  — Serra Ventri, NPR Minneapolis ([01:54])

3. DOJ vs. The Washington Post: Seized Materials Controversy

• [02:08–03:13] A federal judge halts DOJ review of materials seized from a Post reporter’s home, pending further hearings.

  • The Post claims government access jeopardizes confidentiality and editorial process.
  • Focuses on reporting related to the Trump administration and national security leaks.
  • A court hearing is set for February 6.

  "The government has an almost unlimited window into the newsroom's editorial processes, thanks to its access to the paper, Slack emails, and content management system."
  — David Folkenflick, NPR ([02:42])

4. Uvalde School Shooting: First Acquittal

• [03:13–03:47] A jury acquits Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzalez on charges of failing to stop the 2022 shooting.
  • 19 children and 2 teachers died in the tragic event.
  • Former district police chief Pete Arredondo faces a similar trial later this year.

5. Congress Considers Contempt Against Bill & Hillary Clinton

• [03:47–04:10] House Oversight Committee advances contempt resolutions against Bill and Hillary Clinton over their involvement in the Epstein investigation.
  • Sets up a potential House vote on the citations.

6. Colorado Halts Wolf Reintroduction Program

• [04:10–04:55] Colorado suspends its wolf population restoration efforts due to federal intervention.

  • The Trump administration insists wolves be imported from U.S. states, not Canada.
  • Ranchers support the pause to improve management plans, but biologists warn of genetic risks if reintroduction is delayed.

  "I think it's a good thing both for two legged folks and four legged critters to just have a breath here and see if we can't get this to be more successful."
  — Ginny Harrington, Carbondale rancher ([04:36])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Donald Trump on Greenland, military force, and tariffs:

  "I don't want to use force. I won't use force." ([00:49])

• On federal agents in Minnesota:

  "There are more than 2,500 in the area, more than four times the size of the Minneapolis police force."
  — Serra Ventri ([01:43])

• Washington Post's reporter on confidential sources:

  "She relies heavily on confidential sources ... Now she says she has none."
  — David Folkenflick ([02:29])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:17] Trump addresses the World Economic Forum
• [01:25] Appeals court lifts curbs on federal immigration tactics in Minnesota
• [02:08] Federal judge halts DOJ review of seized Washington Post materials
• [03:13] Uvalde school shooting: Officer acquitted
• [03:47] Congress advances contempt for Clintons
• [04:10] Colorado wolf program paused

Summary

This concise, five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers the latest headlines: President Trump relieves global tension at Davos, a court battle reignites ICE power in Minnesota, First Amendment concerns rise in the fight over seized press materials, the Uvalde tragedy yields its first court verdict, Congressional oversight intensifies surrounding the Epstein investigation, and Colorado’s ecological policy bows to federal pressure—raising questions about wildlife genetics and rancher relations.

All told in NPR’s signature cool, impartial tone, the episode offers a quick but deep dive into the day's biggest stories for listeners on the go.