NPR News Now: 01-17-2026 10PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: January 18, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major national and international news stories at the hour. Key focuses include escalating diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Denmark over Greenland, ongoing domestic legal and political disputes, healthcare coverage concerns, and notable cultural developments in arts and energy.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. U.S.–Denmark Tensions over Greenland

[00:16–01:10]

• President Trump's Tariff Threats: President Trump is threatening new tariffs (an initial 10%, rising to 25% in June) on eight European countries as leverage in his campaign to acquire Greenland from Denmark.
• Congressional Diplomacy: A bipartisan U.S. delegation (including Senators Lisa Murkowski and Chris Coons) visited Copenhagen to calm relations.
• Bipartisan Voices for Partnership:
  • Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski called for "open and continuing talks."
  • Democratic Senator Chris Coons highlighted openness for U.S. investments in Greenland, as long as they are respectful and in partnership:

    "It was made very clear to us, as it has been repeatedly over the years, that if the United States seeks to invest in partnership respectfully with the people of Greenland...that that would be welcome."
    — Chris Coons [00:53]

• Denmark's Response: Greenland is "not for sale," but Denmark will allow expanded U.S. military presence.
• U.S. Justification: President Trump continues to argue U.S. control over Greenland is "for its national security."

2. Justice Department Probes in Minnesota

[01:10–02:13]

• Investigation Launched: The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walsh and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry for allegedly impeding ICE agents via social media.
• Political Tension: Walsh labels the probe "an authoritarian tactic."

  "Weaponizing the Justice Department against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic."
  — Tim Walsh [Paraphrased, 01:10]

• Protests in Minneapolis: Two protests unfold—a smaller anti-immigration march organized by a pardoned January 6th rioter, and a larger counter-protest.
• Judicial Ruling: A judge ruled ICE agents cannot detain or tear gas peaceful protesters who are not interfering, even if they are observing ICE actions.

3. Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment Update

[02:13–02:54]

• Open Enrollment Closes: Despite higher average premiums (double compared to last year) and no enhanced subsidies, 22.8 million Americans have picked or auto-renewed healthcare plans—a 3% drop from last year.
• Key Insight: Cynthia Cox of KFF notes:

  "Some people are having this lingering hope that there might be a deal in Congress, but if nothing comes along, then they might not be able to continue to afford their coverage and might drop it."
  — Cynthia Cox [02:35]

• Bipartisan Negotiations Stalled: Senate talks for restoring subsidies are slow, but Senator Lisa Murkowski remains cautiously optimistic:

  "I don't think it is too late to salvage something."
  — Lisa Murkowski [02:50]

4. House Contempt Threat over Epstein Files

[02:58–03:39]

• Congressional Action: Representatives Thomas Massie (Republican) and Ro Khanna (Democrat) vow to bring contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi for failing to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates public release of government-held Jeffrey Epstein records.

5. Arts & Culture: Kennedy Center Cancellations

[03:39–04:17]

• Martha Graham Dance Company: The legendary troupe cancels its gig at the embattled Kennedy Center, joining others withdrawing since the venue adopted President Trump’s name.
  • Official Statement: The dance company expressed regret and a wish to return, but offered no specific reason.
  • Venue Reaction: No comment from management; Kennedy Center head Richard Grinnell has previously criticized performers who withdrew for politicized reasons.

6. Offshore Wind Farm Laws & Rulings

[04:17–04:55]

• Virginia Wind Farm: A federal judge allows Dominion Energy’s nearly-complete offshore project off Virginia Beach to continue, despite the Trump administration citing "national security" to halt it.
  • Ruling marks the third legal victory for wind projects this week after similar cases in New England and New York.
  • Context: The Virginia Beach wind farm is poised to become the largest commercial installation of its kind in the U.S.

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• "It was made very clear to us...that if the United States seeks to invest in partnership respectfully with the people of Greenland...that that would be welcome."
  — Senator Chris Coons [00:53]

• "Weaponizing the Justice Department against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic."
  — Gov. Tim Walsh [Paraphrased, 01:10]

• "Some people are having this lingering hope that there might be a deal in Congress, but if nothing comes along, then they might not be able to continue to afford their coverage and might drop it."
  — Cynthia Cox [02:35]

• "I don't think it is too late to salvage something."
  — Senator Lisa Murkowski [02:50]

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:16–01:10 — U.S.–Denmark/Greenland, Tariffs, and Congressional visit
• 01:10–02:13 — Minnesota ICE probe, protests, and legal ruling
• 02:13–02:54 — Healthcare.gov enrollment stats and political deadlock
• 02:58–03:39 — Epstein files Congress-DOJ standoff
• 03:39–04:17 — Martha Graham Dance Company cancels Kennedy Center appearance
• 04:17–04:55 — Virginia offshore wind farm legal update

This episode succinctly covers significant developments shaping U.S. foreign policy, domestic governance, social movements, and sectors like health and energy, with clear attributions to key political figures and expert voices throughout.