NPR News Now: Top News Stories – January 22, 2026, 5AM EST

Episode Overview

This rapid-fire NPR News Now episode provides updates on major national and international stories, including President Trump’s statements about Greenland, legal developments in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting, a measles outbreak in South Carolina, changes at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and a major winter storm warning. In under five minutes, listeners hear expert reporting and official commentary on each headline issue.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump at Davos: Greenland & European Relations

[00:18–01:26]

• Context: President Trump announces at the World Economic Forum in Davos he won't use military force to take Greenland and suspends additional tariffs on eight European countries.
• Reactions:
  • Europe’s Relief and Ongoing Concerns: Despite Trump's announcements, European leaders express that tensions remain.
    • Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lok Rasmussen is relieved that force is off the table but points out Trump’s "expansionist ambitions remain intact."
    • Former NATO general Olivier de Bavan Shove, on French TV, underscores Trump’s disregard for Europe:

      "He basically said, you are all in gre. We Americans do everything, and without us, you are nothing." ([00:57] - Olivier de Bavan Shove)

  • Future Deal Announced: Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte say they've established a "framework of a future deal on Greenland"—details pending, but it reportedly does not involve U.S. ownership of the island.

2. Robb Elementary School Shooting: Officer Acquitted

[01:26–02:19]

• Trial Outcome: Adrian Gonzalez, former Uvalde police officer, acquitted on 29 child endangerment counts concerning his response to the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting.
• Statements:
  • Defense Attorney Nico LaHood comments:

    "This is a long day coming for Adrian and his family, but we're humbled by the verdict. But we also know there's families on the other side that are dealing with this new normal that they've had for three years, and they're still in pain. And so this was a disappointment for them." ([01:55] - Nico LaHood)

• Significance: This was the first attempt to hold law enforcement criminally responsible for delayed response during the tragedy (19 students and 2 teachers killed).

3. South Carolina Measles Outbreak

[02:19–02:57]

• Scope: More than 530 quarantined, up to 33 in isolation—cases at multiple schools and two universities.
  • Anderson University: 50 in quarantine
  • Clemson University: 34 in quarantine
• Official Insight:
  • State Epidemiologist Linda Bell notes ongoing challenges with vaccine hesitancy:

    "We're not necessarily actively seeing people who are pushing back. Is another way to look at that as they're perhaps not accepting our guidance and accepting our recommendations." ([02:44] - Linda Bell)

• Actions: Health officials expand vaccine access and anticipate the outbreak could last weeks or months.

4. EEOC to Vote on Harassment Guidance Repeal

[03:34–04:21]

• Action Expected: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) expected to vote on rescinding its 2024 harassment guidance, particularly sections addressing gender identity and harassment.
• Internal Dissent:
  • Andrea Lucas, the EEOC Chair, opposes the guidance, especially regarding pronouns and bathroom access. Despite this, the guidance covers many protected categories.
• Legal Expert Commentary:
  • Employment lawyer Craig Lean reflects:

    "95% of it is clear we should. Be able to have guidance on that 95%." ([04:09] - Craig Lean)

  • "It shouldn't be a mystery how to comply with the law." ([04:15] - Craig Lean)

5. Major Winter Storm Warning

[04:21–04:56]

• Scope: A vast winter storm threatens states from New Mexico to the Eastern Seaboard.
• National Weather Service Warning:
  • Approx. 100 million people under weather watch, warning, or advisory.
  • Uncertain storm track and snow/ice totals; some locations may see over a foot of snow.
  • Storm to begin tomorrow night, continue through the weekend.
• Advice: Forecasters urge the public to prepare for potentially severe impacts.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Olivier de Bavan Shove on Trump’s Message to Europe ([00:57]):
  "He basically said, you are all in gre. We Americans do everything, and without us, you are nothing."
• Nico LaHood on Uvalde Verdict ([01:55]):
  "We also know that there's families on the other side that are dealing with this new normal...this was a disappointment for them."
• Linda Bell on Vaccine Hesitancy ([02:44]):
  "We're not necessarily actively seeing people who are pushing back...they're perhaps not accepting our guidance and accepting our recommendations."
• Craig Lean on EEOC Guidance ([04:09]):
  "95% of it is clear we should. Be able to have guidance on that 95%."
• Craig Lean on Legal Clarity ([04:15]): "It shouldn't be a mystery how to comply with the law."

Important Timestamps

• 00:18–01:26: Europe reacts to Trump’s Greenland and tariffs statements.
• 01:26–02:19: Uvalde police officer acquitted in the school shooting case.
• 02:19–02:57: Measles outbreak update in South Carolina.
• 03:34–04:21: EEOC to vote on rescinding 2024 harassment guidance.
• 04:21–04:56: National Weather Service issues widespread winter storm alert.

This summary captures all major news topics and statements from the episode, delivering a thorough yet concise recap in NPR’s direct and concise newsroom style.