NPR News Now — January 23, 2026, 1AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Focus: Top global and domestic headlines including U.S. foreign policy, extreme winter weather, a dramatic decrease in homicide rates, civil rights protests, political developments in Japan, and an innovative HIV vaccine trial.

1. U.S. Foreign Affairs: Trump and Ukraine Diplomacy

[00:16 – 01:08]

• Trump at World Economic Forum:
  President Trump concluded his visit to Davos, Switzerland, focusing on efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.

  • He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and described the meeting as "good".
    • Quote: “The meeting was good with President Zelensky. We'll see how it turns out. A lot of people being killed,” – President Trump ([00:36])
  • Trump noted that both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are interested in making a deal, but major unresolved "territorial issues" remain.
  • While Trump met with Zelensky, his envoys were simultaneously in Moscow meeting with Putin.

• House Vote on War Powers in Venezuela:
  The Republican-led House blocked a resolution intended to limit President Trump’s war powers relating to Venezuela.

  • The resolution failed due to a tie vote (215-215).
  • Opposition: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mass stated military operations in Venezuela are already over.
    • Quote: “There are no troops in Venezuela. We are not at war.” – Brian Mass ([01:17])
  • Democratic Critique: Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern accused Republicans of shirking their constitutional duties.
    • Quote: “The best we can get from the current majority here is that there's never a good time for Congress to assert its war powers.” – Jim McGovern ([01:27])
  • Only two Republicans joined Democrats in the attempt to curb presidential authority.

2. Extreme Winter Weather Preparedness

[01:56 – 02:13]

• States of Emergency:
  Multiple U.S. states from New Mexico and Texas up to New England are bracing for a major winter storm.
  • Large amounts of snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet expected.
  • Warnings issued urging preparation for potential power outages and dangerously cold temperatures.

3. Historic Drop in U.S. Homicide Rate

[02:13 – 03:12]

• New Study Findings:
  U.S. homicide rate on track to reach its lowest level in 125 years — the biggest one-year drop ever, per the Council on Criminal Justice.
  • Compared to 2019:
    • 25% fewer homicides
    • 13% fewer shootings
    • Nearly 30% drop in carjackings
  • All crime categories now below pre-pandemic levels except for drug crimes, which saw a slight increase but remain historically low.
  • Quote: “The national homicide rate is on track to reach its lowest level in 125 years and the steepest single year drop on record.” – Windsor Johnston ([02:29])
  • FBI has not released full national data; local trends suggest 2020’s crime spike was temporary.

4. Civil Rights Protest Arrests in Minnesota

[03:12 – 03:38]

• Protest at Minnesota Church:
  Three arrested during Sunday’s protest at a St. Paul church.
  • Protesters, including a civil rights attorney, demanded the pastor’s resignation, citing his alleged leadership role at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

5. Political Developments in Japan

[03:38 – 04:06]

• Snap Election Called:
  Recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takechi dissolved parliament, setting an election for February 8th.
  • Takechi, Japan’s first woman leader, was elected just three months ago.

6. New HIV Vaccine Trial in South Africa

[04:06 – 04:53]

• Delayed but Launched:
  A major, innovative HIV vaccine trial has started in South Africa, though it was initially planned for multiple African countries.
  • Goal: Test vaccines designed to prompt the immune system to create "broadly neutralizing antibodies" effective against up to 90% of global HIV strains.
  • Quote: “In many cases, up to 90% of global viruses could be stopped by one antibody.” – Penny Moore ([04:20])
  • The original $45 million USAID grant was canceled due to Trump administration cuts to foreign aid.
  • The trial moved ahead in South Africa with scaled-back funding.

Notable Quotes Recap

• “We'll see how it turns out. A lot of people being killed.”
  — President Trump ([00:36])
• “There are no troops in Venezuela. We are not at war.”
  — Rep. Brian Mass ([01:17])
• “The best we can get from the current majority here is that there's never a good time for Congress to assert its war powers.”
  — Rep. Jim McGovern ([01:27])
• “The national homicide rate is on track to reach its lowest level in 125 years and the steepest single year drop on record.”
  — Windsor Johnston ([02:29])
• “In many cases, up to 90% of global viruses could be stopped by one antibody.”
  — Penny Moore ([04:20])

Key Segments/Timestamps

• Trump in Davos & Ukraine War Talks: [00:16 – 01:08]
• Venezuela War Powers Resolution: [01:08 – 01:56]
• Winter Storm Prep: [01:56 – 02:13]
• Homicide Rate Decline: [02:13 – 03:12]
• Minnesota Church Protest Arrests: [03:12 – 03:38]
• Snap Election in Japan: [03:38 – 04:06]
• HIV Vaccine Trial Launch: [04:06 – 04:53]

This NPR News Now episode swiftly covers headline current events with succinct updates and key statements, making it essential listening for an at-a-glance understanding of late January 2026 news.