NPR News Now: January 22, 2026, 4AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder, NPR
Episode Theme:
This five-minute NPR News update covers pressing global and national stories—from President Trump's shifting policy at the World Economic Forum to judicial decisions, Supreme Court arguments, developments in Syria, a growing measles outbreak, significant weather alerts, and financial market responses.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. President Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos

[00:16 - 01:00]

• Main Story: President Trump, speaking in Davos, Switzerland, backs away from threats to use military force to seize control of Greenland.
• Quotes & Highlights:
  • Donald Trump ([00:28]):

    “We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excess strength and force where we would be frankly unstoppable. But I won’t do that. Okay. Now everyone’s saying, oh, good. That’s probably the biggest statement I made because people thought I would use force. I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

• Additional Points:
  • Trump reaches a future Arctic security agreement with NATO.
  • He rescinds previous threats to impose tariffs on multiple European nations ([00:53-00:55]).

2. Uvalde School Shooting Trial Acquittal

[01:00 - 01:23]

• Main Story: The first trial after the Uvalde, Texas school shooting ends in acquittal.
• Details:
  • Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzalez found not guilty of failing to stop the shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers ([01:07]).
  • Former district police chief Pete Arredondo will face similar charges later this year.

3. Supreme Court Arguments: Presidential Power Over Firing Fed Governors

[01:23 - 02:17]

• Main Story: The Supreme Court considers if a president can fire a Federal Reserve governor at will.
• Reporting: Scott Horsley, NPR
• Context: President Trump’s campaign to push the central bank for lower interest rates.
• Legal Arguments:
  • Trump administration claims the president can fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook over alleged false statements ([01:35]).
  • Cook’s lawyer, Paul Clement, argues limits were purposely designed to shield the Fed from short-term political manipulation.
  • Scott Horsley Commentary ([01:56]):

    “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.”

• Looking Ahead: Fed policymakers, including Cook, are expected to keep rates steady in their upcoming meeting.

4. U.S. Transfer of ISIS Fighters from Syria to Iraq

[02:17 - 03:13]

• Main Story: The U.S. military moves ISIS prisoners due to instability in northeastern Syria.
• Reporting: Quill Lawrence, NPR
• Details:
  • Fighting between U.S.-backed Kurdish Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) and Syria’s central government.
  • The administration now supports Damascus, urging SDF integration with promises of citizenship and rights ([02:28]).
  • Up to 7,000 ISIS fighters could be transferred; 150 have already been moved to Iraq.
  • Purpose: Prevent escape amid regional fighting.

5. Measles Outbreak in South Carolina

[03:13 - 04:14]

• Main Story: South Carolina experiences a rapidly growing measles outbreak.
• Reporting: Maria Godoy, NPR
• Statistics:
  • 646 cases confirmed; over 530 people quarantined ([03:33]).
  • 80+ quarantined students at Clemson and Anderson Universities.
  • Majority of cases among unvaccinated children and teens.
  • 10 hospitalizations reported.
• Expert Comment:
  • Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist ([03:53]):

    “The current trajectory, where we are seeing a double dig cases that are newly identified each day is very concerning.”

• Health Recommendation: Officials urge immediate vaccination; current vaccine uptake is deemed insufficient.

6. Major Winter Storm Warning

[04:14 - 04:32]

• Main Story: Over 100 million Americans face winter weather alerts.
• Details:
  • A significant storm is forecasted, likely bringing icy conditions from New Mexico to the Carolinas and heavy snow in New England.
  • Travel difficulties expected as the storm begins tomorrow and continues through the weekend.

7. Global Market Reaction to Trump’s Announcements

[04:36 - 04:52]

• Main Story: European financial markets rise in response to Trump’s withdrawal of tariff threats and pledge not to use force in Greenland.
• Broader Context: European markets follow advances in Asia, with positive momentum attributed to reduced diplomatic tensions.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Donald Trump ([00:28]):

  “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

• Scott Horsley ([01:56]) (on political pressure and the Fed):

  “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.”

• Linda Bell ([03:53]):

  “The current trajectory…double dig cases…each day is very concerning.”

Timeline Overview

| Timestamp | Segment Summary | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 00:16 | Trump backs off Greenland threats at Davos | | 01:00 | Uvalde officer acquitted; chief to be tried later | | 01:23 | Supreme Court hears Fed firing case | | 02:17 | U.S. transfers ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq | | 03:13 | Measles outbreak grows in South Carolina | | 04:14 | 100 million+ under winter weather alerts | | 04:36 | European markets rebound on easing U.S. tensions |

This concise but comprehensive NPR update covers rapid developments with cross-cutting implications, blending global diplomacy, U.S. justice, health emergencies, and economic trends with expert voices and direct quotes from key players.