NPR News Now – January 17, 2026, 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman | Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This hourly newscast delivers concise updates on major national and international headlines. Stories in this episode include a Justice Department investigation into Minnesota officials, a court ruling on protester rights, President Trump's statements on Greenland, a measles outbreak in the Carolinas, FAA warnings to airlines, large-scale protests in Cuba, new research on ant disease control, and Australia’s crackdown on underage social media use.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Justice Department Investigation in Minneapolis

• [00:11–01:12]
  • DOJ is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry.
  • Source: An anonymous government official not authorized to discuss the matter.
  • Kat Lansdorf (Reporter):
    • Both officials, Democrats, responded on X (formerly Twitter).
    • Jacob Fry:

      “This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis local law enforcement and residents.”
      (00:37)

    • Tim Walz:
      Did not address the probe directly but commented,

      “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.”
      (00:46)

    • Both criticized selective investigation, referencing the uninvestigated killing of Renee Good by a federal ICE agent.
    • The shooting of Renee Good has fueled opposition to federal agents operating in the city.

2. Court Ruling: Protection of Demonstrators' Rights

• [01:12–01:29]
  • U.S. District Court Judge ruled ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis cannot use tear gas or detain peaceful demonstrators.
  • Ruling stems from a lawsuit by six Minnesota activists.
  • Agents have been working in Minneapolis since early December.

3. President Trump’s Continued Push for U.S. Control Over Greenland

• [01:29–01:56]
  • President Trump reiterates the need for the U.S. to control Greenland, citing national security.
  • Greenland is a self-governing Danish territory.
  • Trump threatens economic sanctions as leverage:
    • President Trump (Clip):

      “I 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.”
      (01:52)

4. Measles Outbreak Expands in the Carolinas

• [01:56–02:52]
  • South Carolina reports over 240 new measles cases this week; now totals more than 550 since October 2025.
  • Outbreak concentrated among unvaccinated children.
  • North Carolina launches a measles dashboard; up to 8 linked cases near the border.
  • Luis Alfredo Garcia (Reporter):
    • Some districts learning of outbreak only after absentee students are traced.
    • Cross-state transmission is documented.

5. FAA Cautions Airlines in Central and South America

• [02:52–03:10]
  • FAA issues warnings to U.S. airlines flying over Eastern Pacific near Central America & parts of South America.
  • Warnings follow nearly four months of U.S. military activity targeting boats in the region.
  • Cautions due to potential military operations and interference with satellite navigation.

6. Protests in Cuba Over U.S. Action Against Maduro

• [03:10–03:52]
  • Tens of thousands protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
  • Cuban demonstrators denounce the deaths of 32 Cubans amid the U.S. detainment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
  • Calls for Maduro’s release and accusations of U.S. threats to peace and sovereignty.
  • Cuban Foreign Ministry labels protest as a defense of national peace.

7. Research: How Ant Colonies Prevent Disease

• [03:52–04:37]
  • Ants use a process called “destructive disinfection” to prevent epidemics.
  • Sick pupae emit a “kill me” smell; workers open the cocoon, apply a deadly disinfectant.
  • Dr. Sylvia Kramer (Institute of Science and Technology, Austria):

    “Interestingly, this also occurs at the time where the pupa is not infectious, but it will become if it is not treated.”
    (04:17)

    • Strategy is considered evolutionary, prioritizing colony survival.
  • Arundhatha Nair (Reporter):
    • Highlights self-sacrifice and genetic continuity within colonies.

8. Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s

• [04:37–04:53]
  • Around 4.7 million children in Australia lost access to social media accounts.
  • Platforms like Facebook and YouTube enforce new law prohibiting users under 16.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jacob Fry (Minneapolis Mayor):

  “This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis local law enforcement and residents.” (00:37)

• Tim Walz (Minnesota Governor):

  “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.” (00:46)

• President Trump:

  “I 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.” (01:52)

• Dr. Sylvia Kramer (Ant disease prevention):

  “Interestingly, this also occurs at the time where the pupa is not infectious, but it will become if it is not treated.” (04:17)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• DOJ Minneapolis Investigation: 00:11–01:12
• Court Restricts ICE/CBP Protest Measures: 01:12–01:29
• Trump on Greenland: 01:29–01:56
• Measles Outbreak in Carolinas: 01:56–02:52
• FAA Flight Warnings: 02:52–03:10
• Cuban Protests Over Maduro: 03:10–03:52
• Ant Epidemic Defense Research: 03:52–04:37
• Australia Social Media Youth Ban: 04:37–04:53

This episode covers a fast-changing news landscape with direct reporting, succinct analysis, and brief but impactful quotes, maintaining NPR’s signature impartial and informative tone.