NPR News Now – 2AM EST, January 23, 2026 Episode Summary

Overview

This episode delivers the essential news highlights in under five minutes, focusing on a major winter storm affecting millions in the U.S., updates on President Trump’s international dealings and domestic projects, a significant change in TikTok ownership, testimony on the January 6th investigation, progress in containing MPOX in Africa, and updates from Asian financial markets.

Major US Winter Storm Threatens Millions

[00:15 – 01:15]

• Overview:
  Over tens of millions of Americans are preparing for what could be one of the largest winter storms in recent years. The Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley are particularly at risk, with forecasts predicting not only snow but also dangerous ice accumulation.

• Hazards & Preparedness:

  • Anusha Mather, NPR:
    “Snow can be dangerous, especially on the road. But this storm is also expected to bring freezing rain, which creates a glaze of ice on surfaces. It weighs tree branches and power lines down, potentially causing power outages as they snap or fall.” [00:39]
  • Simone Lewis, National Weather Service:
    “You know, if you haven’t started your preparations for this storm, you should definitely be starting to do so now.” [00:58]

President Trump Wraps Davos, NATO & Greenland Tensions

[01:15 – 01:44]

• Davos Trip Summary:
  • President Trump concludes his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos amid ongoing tensions, including disputes related to Greenland.
  • While some kind of deal with NATO was reached, “details… are few.” Trump stated the new structure is “still being worked on.” [01:15]
• Return to Washington:
  • Trump announced via social media his return from Switzerland.

TikTok Ownership Changes to Avoid US Ban

[01:44 – 02:25]

• Major Deal Closes:
  • Bobby Allen, NPR:
    "A new entity led by Trump ally Larry Ellison's tech company Oracle, will now control TikTok, an app used by more than half of Americans." [01:44]
  • The deal was in response to federal law mandating Chinese divestment for national security.
• Deal Structure:
  • 80% of TikTok will now be controlled by Oracle, SilverLake, and MGX (an Emirati group).
  • ByteDance of China retains a 20% ownership stake and will license the app’s algorithm from Beijing.
• Open Questions:
  • “The big question now is how, if at all, the content and the algorithm are reshaped under the new management.” [02:18]

Trump White House Ballroom Project Update

[02:25 – 03:15]

• Project Review:
  • Trump’s proposed White House ballroom faced another hearing before the Commission of Fine Arts, newly composed with Trump appointees.
  • Shalom Baranes, Architect:
    "Ballroom architect Shalom Baranes presented design drawings to the commission, but said many details are still being filled in." [02:36]
• Commission Concerns:
  • Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Chairman:
    “I know the president wants to get on with this, and we... need to let him do his job. He’s got a lot of things on his mind, and so how, how much more will you be able to provide us the next time?” [02:55]
  • Baranes agreed to provide 3D renderings and possibly a physical model at the next meeting. [03:07]

January 6th Investigation: Jack Smith Testifies

[03:15 – 03:56]

• Capitol Hill Testimony:
  • Former special prosecutor Jack Smith testified publicly for the first time before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigation into President Trump's actions concerning the 2020 election and the January 6th Capitol attack.
  • Trump publicly called for Smith’s prosecution, but Smith responded firmly: “Smith says he will not be intimidated.” [03:40]

Africa Lifts MPOX (Monkeypox) Health Emergency

[03:56 – 04:38]

• MPOX Situation Update:
  • The Africa CDC has lifted its public health emergency for MPOX after a significant reduction in cases, dropping by 90% in the last six weeks to 140 cases last week.
  • Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC Director General:
    • “...lifting the status of public health. Emergence of coronavirus doesn't mean that MPOX is eliminated. It means we are considering MPOX as a disease we need to control.” [04:26]
  • Authorities caution that vigilance is still required as the disease continues to circulate.

Asia Markets Rally

[04:46 – 04:56]

• Market Highlights:
  • Financial markets in Asia saw gains, with Japan’s Nikkei up more than 1.7%. [04:46]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Simone Lewis on Storm Prep:
  “If you haven’t started your preparations for this storm, you should definitely be starting to do so now.” [00:58]
• Bobby Allen on TikTok’s Future:
  “The big question now is how, if at all, the content and the algorithm are reshaped under the new management.” [02:18]
• Rodney Mims Cook Jr. on White House Ballroom:
  “I know the president wants to get on with this, and we... need to let him do his job... How much more will you be able to provide us the next time?” [02:55]
• Jean Kaseya on MPOX:
  “Lifting the status of public health... doesn’t mean that MPOX is eliminated. It means we are considering MPOX as a disease we need to control.” [04:26]

Note: Episode duration covers the five-minute newscast, with all breaking news and thematic stories presented in succinct segments by NPR correspondents.