NPR News Now — 01-17-2026, 2PM EST

Host: Nora Ram, NPR
Date: January 17, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This episode covers critical global and domestic headlines for January 17, 2026. Key stories include President Trump’s announcement of new tariffs tied to US interest in purchasing Greenland, protests in Denmark, federal investigations into Minnesota leaders regarding immigration enforcement, legal updates on wind energy projects, a search and rescue in Indonesia, the opening of the Australian Open tennis tournament, and NASA’s new moon rocket rollout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Tariffs and the Greenland Controversy

• President Trump announced heightened tariffs on European allies, starting Feb 1st (10%), increasing to 25% on June 1st.

• The tariffs serve as leverage in the administration's effort to purchase Greenland from Denmark.

• Danish public reaction: Significant protests in Copenhagen, with bipartisan Congressional visits meant to save diplomatic ties.

  “President Trump announced on social media today he's imposing higher tariffs on European allies until a deal is reached to allow the US to buy Greenland from Denmark.” — Nora Ram (00:17)

  “Here at the rally, there are signs criticizing President Trump... Signs say ‘Yankee go home’, ‘this land is not for sale’, and ‘Americans I know there is good in you. Come back to sanity.’” — Barbara Sprunt, from Copenhagen (00:57)

• Timestamps:

  • Announcement & context: 00:17–00:46
  • On-the-ground report: 00:46–01:22

2. Federal Probe into MN Leaders & Immigration Protests

• Justice Department investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walls and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry for comments about immigration crackdowns.

• Federal judge restricts immigration agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters and bans certain crowd-control tactics.

• Protests erupted following the fatal shooting of Renee Macklin, leading to daily demonstrations.

  "The judge ordered federal agents not to retaliate against people, quote, 'engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity.'" — Jasmine Garst, Minneapolis (01:48)

• 2,500 ICE agents now deployed in Minneapolis.

• Timestamps:

  • Update & legal development: 01:22–01:48
  • Details on protests & federal actions: 01:48–02:25

3. Wind Farm Legal Victory in Virginia

• Federal judge allows offshore wind farm construction to resume off Virginia Beach, overturning a Trump administration halt that cited vague national security risks.

• Judge finds administration failed to specify the alleged threats or collaborate with developer Dominion.

• Follows similar court wins for Empire Wind (NY) and Revolution Wind (New England).

  "Judge Jamar Walker said the administration failed to outline how construction on the Virginia project would threaten national security, or why the government has not tried to work with Dominion to resolve concerns.” — Katherine Haffner (02:41)

• Timestamps: 02:25–03:09

4. Search and Rescue in Indonesia

• A regional passenger plane with 11 people lost contact while flying between Java and Sulawesi over mountainous terrain; search operations are underway.

• Timestamps: 03:09–03:27

5. Australian Open Tennis Tournament Begins

• 39 Americans in competition, with Madison Keyes as defending women’s champ.

• Notable matchups: Frances Tiafoe vs. Jason Kubler; Venus Williams (45) receives wildcard, facing Olga Danilovic (24).

• Williams is highlighted as a two-time runner-up at the event.

  “45 year old Venus Williams plays 24 year old Olga Danilovic of Serbia. Williams, who was twice runner up to her sister Serena at the Australian Open, received a wildcard entry…” — Lindsay Arkley, Melbourne (03:56)

• Timestamps: 03:40–04:24

6. NASA’s Artemis Moon Rocket Rolls to Launch Pad

• The new moon rocket slowly moves from assembly building to launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, expected to take until nightfall.

• The mission aims to send four astronauts around the moon in February, marking the first such journey since Apollo’s end in 1972.

  “NASA's giant new moon rocket is on its slow journey... to blast off to the moon with four astronauts on board as early as February....for the first time since the Apollo lunar landing program ended in 1972.” — Nora Ram (04:24)

• Timestamps: 04:24–04:55

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Americans I know there is good in you. Come back to sanity.” — Protest sign quoted by Barbara Sprunt, Copenhagen (01:09)
• “45 year old Venus Williams plays 24 year old Olga Danilovic of Serbia. Williams...received a wildcard entry…” — Lindsay Arkley, Melbourne (03:56)
• “Judge Jamar Walker said the administration failed to outline how construction... would threaten national security.” — Katherine Haffner, WHRO (02:46)

Segment Timestamps At-a-Glance

• US-Greenland Tariffs & Protests: 00:17–01:22
• MN Immigration Probe & Protests: 01:22–02:25
• Virginia Wind Farm Court Ruling: 02:25–03:09
• Indonesia Plane Search: 03:09–03:27
• Australian Open Preview: 03:40–04:24
• NASA Moon Rocket Rollout: 04:24–04:55

This summary provides a comprehensive guide to each key story from NPR News Now's 2PM newscast on January 17, 2026.