NPR News Now: January 17, 2026 (12AM EST)

Main Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of top news stories in the U.S. and around the world, covering politics, health, climate, and international affairs as of January 17, 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Investigation in Minnesota Over Immigration Enforcement

• Segment Start: [00:16]
• The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal law enforcement during immigration raids.
• Mayor Frey describes the DOJ probe as "an obvious attempt at intimidation."
• Local trust in law enforcement is reportedly declining as federal crackdowns intensify.
• Insight from Advocacy Groups:
  • Immigrant advocates report widespread fear about reporting crimes, extending beyond undocumented communities.
• Notable Quote:
  • “These kinds of enforcement efforts make people scared to call the police. They're scared to talk to law enforcement. And we are hearing from local police leaders around the country that they are seeing decreases in reporting of crime.” — Unnamed Local Police Leader [01:17]
• Further Context:
  • The Department of Homeland Security defends its actions as lawful and necessary.

2. White House Push for Control Over Greenland

• Segment Start: [01:39]
• President Trump reiterates his ambition for U.S. control over Greenland, citing national security.
• He crowds speculation by mentioning potential tariffs on countries that don’t support the U.S. position.
• Notable Quote:
  • “May put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that.” — President Donald Trump [01:56]

3. Measles Outbreak Expands in South Carolina

• Segment Start: [02:02]
• Over 100 new cases reported Friday, bringing total cases above 550 since October.
• The epicenter, Spartanburg County, has a vaccination rate below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
• Public Health Concern:
  • A high rate of non-medical exemptions is cited as a driver, mirroring a national trend of rising exemptions.
• Notable Details:
  • Exposure sites include schools, churches, restaurants, and healthcare settings.
• Expert Insight:
  • Vaccine hesitancy and policy exemptions are directly contributing to outbreak risks.

4. Financial Markets Update

• Segment Start: [02:58] and [04:44]
  • Dow Jones: Down 83 points
  • Nasdaq: Down 14 points
  • S&P 500: Down 4 points

5. Western U.S. Snowpack at Historic Lows

• Segment Start: [03:24]
• December temperatures were roughly 10°F above average across much of the Western U.S.—the warmest on record for nine states.
• As a result, more precipitation fell as rain rather than snow, leading to the lowest snowpack in 25 years in early January.
  • Specific deficits: Pacific Northwest, Colorado, Utah, Arizona.
• Climate Change Context:
  • Gradually warming winters are endangering future water supplies, as snowmelt is critical to regional drinking water.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Snowpack provides much of the West's drinking water as it slowly melts throughout the spring. Climate change research shows that snowpack is at risk as winters keep getting warmer.” — Lauren Sommer, NPR [03:48]

6. Uganda Presidential Election

• Segment Start: [04:00]
• Provisional results show President Yoweri Museveni with more than 70% of the vote from half the polling stations.
  • Museveni, age 81, seeks to extend his rule into a fifth decade.
• Protests erupt in Kampala, with activists lighting bonfires.

7. Social Media Ban for Minors in Australia

• Segment Start: [04:30]
• Major platforms remove about 4.7 million accounts linked to children, as Australia’s ban for under-16s comes into force.
• Companies face heavy fines for non-compliance; law enacted December.
  • Platforms included: Facebook, YouTube, X.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Immigration Enforcement & Public Trust:
  • “These kinds of enforcement efforts make people scared to call the police…” — Unnamed Local Police Leader [01:17]
• Trump on U.S.-Greenland Policy:
  • “May put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that.” — President Donald Trump [01:56]
• Climate Impact on Water Security:
  • “Climate change research shows that snowpack is at risk as winters keep getting warmer.” — Lauren Sommer, NPR [03:48]

Timestamps: Quick Reference

• DOJ Investigation & Local Trust: [00:16]—[01:39]
• President Trump on Greenland: [01:39]—[02:02]
• Measles Outbreak in SC: [02:02]—[02:58]
• Stock Market Update: [02:58], [04:44]
• Western Snowpack & Climate: [03:24]—[04:00]
• Uganda Election: [04:00]—[04:30]
• Australia Social Media Ban: [04:30]—[04:44]

This concise news summary delivers a rapid yet comprehensive overview of the day's most urgent stories, providing both context and direct commentary from key voices.