NPR News Now – January 22, 2026, 8AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers the latest national and international headlines in a concise five-minute roundup. Major themes include evolving U.S.-E.U. relations after Trump’s Greenland remarks, an ICE memo sparking Fourth Amendment debate, potential changes in U.S. measles elimination status, an impending winter storm across the eastern and southern U.S., and upcoming congressional testimony from former special counsel Jack Smith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.-E.U. Relations & Trump’s Greenland Comments

[00:18–01:07]

• Backdrop:
  President Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, claims he would not use military force to take over Greenland and mentions an unspecified "deal about the island."
• Reactions from Denmark & Greenland:
  Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserts that "security, investment and economy can be discussed politically, but not sovereignty."
• NATO’s Role Questioned:
  Talks were led not by the Danes or Greenlanders, but by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
  A Greenlandic MP posts:

  "NATO in no way has a mandate to negotiate without Greenland."

• Correspondent Insight (Terry Schultz, 00:42):
  Emphasizes the unusual diplomatic process and the strong statements from both Denmark and Greenland pushing back against U.S. claims and NATO’s involvement.

2. ICE Memo & Fourth Amendment Controversy

[01:07–02:08]

• ICE Policy Shift:
  A leaked memo suggests ICE agents may enter private property with just an administrative warrant—not a judicial one.
• Legal Challenge:
  University of St. Thomas law professor Julie Jonas stresses this contravenes the U.S. Constitution:

  "We require in this country for a unbiased magistrate to make a determination of probable cause. They're the ones who are supposed to be calling the balls." (Julie Jonas, 01:42)

• Recent Enforcement Actions:
  In recent Minneapolis and St. Paul raids, ICE agents entered two homes without judicial warrants. Notably, neither man arrested was undocumented; one is a U.S. citizen, both now released.
• Implication:
  Raises concerns about overreach and the potential for wrongful detentions.

3. U.S. Measles Elimination Status at Risk

[02:08–03:08]

• CDC Perspective:
  Dr. Ralph Abraham, CDC deputy director, downplays significance:

  "Would, quote, not really [be significant]. Just the cost of doing business with our... somewhat worse global in international travel." (CDC Deputy Director via Maria Godoy, 02:36)

• Public Health Experts Disagree:
  They argue losing the status—held since 2000—would be a major setback, signaling failure of public health infrastructure to prevent a once-eliminated disease.

4. Major Winter Storm Warning

[03:10–04:22]

• Storm Overview:
  The National Weather Service predicts "significant or even crippling" snow and ice across the Eastern and Southern U.S. starting tomorrow.
• Official Advice:
  • Avoid driving if possible.
  • If travel is absolutely necessary:
    • Stock your vehicle with a first aid kit, charger, flashlight, water, nonperishable food, blankets, scarves, and gloves.
    • Top off your gas tank to run the engine and heater if stuck.
  • Quote from Jacqueline Diaz:

    "The best thing to do during a winter storm is to obviously stay off the roads. But if you have to drive... always good to keep a first aid kit, phone charger, flashlight, water and some food in the car." (Jacqueline Diaz, 03:38)

5. Jack Smith to Testify Before House Committee

[04:22–04:56]

• Event:
  Former special counsel Jack Smith will testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee. Republican members plan to question him on investigations into Donald Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and efforts to subvert the 2020 election.
• Partisan Tensions:
  Republican lawmakers label Smith a "partisan actor," while Smith maintains:

  "Donald Trump is responsible for his own actions." (Paraphrased, Korva Coleman, 04:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ICE and the Constitution:

  "We require in this country for a unbiased magistrate to make a determination of probable cause. They're the ones who are supposed to be calling the balls."
  — Julie Jonas, University of St. Thomas Law Professor [01:42]

• On Greenland and NATO Diplomacy:

  "NATO in no way has a mandate to negotiate without Greenland."
  — Greenlandic Member of Parliament, relayed by Terry Schultz [00:42]

• CDC on Measles Status:

  "...just the cost of doing business with our... somewhat worse global in international travel."
  — CDC Deputy Director Dr. Ralph Abraham, via Maria Godoy [02:36]

• Winter Storm Preparedness:

  "The best thing to do during a winter storm is to obviously stay off the roads. But if you have to drive... keep a first aid kit, phone charger, flashlight, water and some food in the car."
  — Jacqueline Diaz [03:38]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• EU Summit & Greenland discussions: 00:18–01:07
• ICE warrant policy controversy: 01:07–02:08
• Measles elimination status debate: 02:08–03:08
• Winter storm warning & advice: 03:10–04:22
• Jack Smith testimony preview: 04:22–04:56

This episode delivers a brisk and informative news update, balancing global diplomacy, constitutional questions in immigration enforcement, public health vigilance, severe weather alerts, and unfolding political investigations in Washington, D.C.