NPR News: 01-20-2026 4PM EST

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NPR News Now 4 min 5 speakers 7 chapters transcribed 2 months ago

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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.

What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

Lakshmi Singh 0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh.

What recent actions has the Justice Department taken regarding Minnesota officials?

Lakshmi Singh 0:04

The Justice Department has issued grand jury subpoenas to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, expanding the agency's probe, alleging that Minnesota officials conspired to impede law enforcement amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. NPR has not yet confirmed reports that other state and local leaders have also been issued subpoenas. Fry accused the federal government of weaponizing its power to intimidate local leaders. President Trump argues the country's doing well on his watch, often highlighting his administration's crackdown on illegal immigration.

What are President Trump's recent claims about the economy and immigration?

Lakshmi Singh 0:44

Trump just wrapped up a lengthy White House press briefing where he checked off a list of accomplishments in his first year back in office. Many of the reporter's questions focus on Trump's upcoming trip to Davos for the World Economic Forum, where he will encounter European leaders firmly opposed to his plan to acquire Greenland. He was asked what he would do if the consequence of his plan was the breakup of NATO. Trump kept it optimistic.

Donald Trump 1:09

I think that we will work something out when NATO is going to be very happy and where we're going to be very happy.

What are the implications of Trump's trade war with Europe?

Donald Trump 1:16

But we need it for security purposes. We need it for national security and even world security. It's very important. How about it?

Lakshmi Singh 1:24

French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a G7 emergency meeting. Trump says he will not attend, suggesting that Macron's time in office in his country was limited. U.S. stocks tumbled today as President Trump reignited his trade war with Europe.

What is the current situation regarding the ceasefire in Syria?

Lakshmi Singh 1:40

NPR's Maria Aspin reports the Dow was down 852 points at last check, or 1.7 percent, with the S&P and Nasdaq falling 8%. each falling more than 2%.

Jimmy Chen 1:52

Wall Street had largely shrugged off President Trump's dramatic and ongoing trade war in recent months. The Dow is up about 10% since his second inauguration one year ago.

What new guidelines has the American Academy of Pediatrics released for children's digital media use?

Jimmy Chen 2:03

But now, Trump has threatened to impose more tariffs on goods from eight NATO countries in Europe. unless those countries bow to his demand that the U.S. take over Greenland. The move could prompt retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and is rattling investors around the world.

How can digital media be made safer for children according to experts?

Jimmy Chen 2:21

Stocks fell, the dollar weakened, and treasury yields rose. All are signs of what's known as the sell America trade, when investors worry about the underlying strength of the United States and and it's standing around the world. Maria Aspin, NPR News, New York.

Lakshmi Singh 2:39

At one point, the Dow was down more than 900 points this afternoon, but the Dow has settled down 870 points or 1.7% at the close. The S&P was down 143 points or more than 2%, and the Nasdaq has fallen 2.3%. You're listening to NPR News. Syrian government and Kurdish Syrian forces have agreed to a four-day ceasefire after days of fighting that have led to prison breaks by ISIS suspects. Here's NPR's Jaina Raft.

Jane Araf 3:11

Kurdish-led forces controlling northeastern Syria pulled back on Tuesday from guarding the country's biggest ISIS detention camp, saying they had to defend themselves from approaching Syrian government forces to stem a security vacuum that has seen ISIS detainees escaping. The two sides, under U.S. pressure, have now agreed to a four-day ceasefire. That agreement will include transferring control of prisons and camps. to Syria's predominantly Arab official forces.

Lakshmi Singh 3:40

NPR's Jane Araf reporting. The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new policy statement about making digital media safer for children and teens. Here's NPR's Ritu Chatterjee.

Ritu Chatterjee 3:50

A key factor driving the negative impacts on kids is how digital platforms are designed. Pediatrician Dr. Tiffany Munzer is at the University of Michigan and an author of the new statement.

4:02

A lot of digital media now is designed because of the underlying business model that wants to keep us all on for longer, and kids are susceptible to that.

Ritu Chatterjee 4:12

She says digital media should be private by default for kids, and there are other ways to make it safer.

4:18

not using targeted advertising, you know, where possible, and providing options to turn off algorithm feeds or content that might be making kids stressed or scared or that might be promoting self-harm behaviors.