NPR News Now – 6PM EST, January 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode, hosted by Jeanine Herbst, delivers a succinct five-minute update on key national and international stories. The episode’s main themes are US foreign policy tensions (with a focus on President Trump’s latest move on Greenland and European tariffs), domestic political strife over immigration enforcement, escalating unrest in Iran, sports highlights from the Australian Open, and developments in US renewable energy projects.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Pressure on Denmark Over Greenland

[00:15 – 01:09]

• President Trump threatens a 10% tariff on eight European countries in his campaign to pressure Denmark to sell Greenland. If Denmark refuses, Trump warns tariffs will rise to 25% in June.
• A bipartisan US delegation visited Copenhagen to calm tensions.
  • Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) advocates for respectful partnership and investment with Greenland, especially in critical minerals:
    • Quote: “It was made very clear to us... that if the United States seeks to invest in partnership respectfully with the people of Greenland in accessing possibly newly available critical minerals or rare earths, that that would be welcome.” – Lisa Murkowski [00:52]
  • Denmark, while refusing to sell, will allow an expanded US military presence.
  • Trump frames US “control” over Greenland as vital for national security.

2. Immigration Protests and DOJ Investigation in Minnesota

[01:09 – 02:21]

• Clashing protests in Minneapolis: One anti-immigration and one counter-protest, against a backdrop of a new DOJ investigation into Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz for alleged interference with ICE raids.
  • Kat Lonsdorf (NPR): The investigation focuses on whether public statements by the officials interfered with federal enforcement.
  • Governor Tim Walz’s response:
    • Quote: “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.” – Tim Walz (statement on X, cited by Kat Lonsdorf) [01:38]
  • A federal judge has issued an injunction restricting retaliation against peaceful protesters.
  • Reports of ICE using aggressive crowd control tactics: flashbangs, tear gas, pepper balls.

3. Protests and Crackdown in Iran

[02:21 – 03:14]

• Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accuses the US and Israel of instigating deadly protests.
  • According to Khamenei, thousands have been killed (first time this scale is mentioned openly by Iran’s leadership, though previous government counts were in the hundreds).
  • US-based Iranian human rights organizations estimate over 3,000 protesters dead, mostly blamed on economic turmoil from US sanctions.
  • Khamenei vows not to let “domestic or international criminals go unpunished.”
  • President Trump previously threatened Iran over protester deaths, but claims the “killings have stopped” this week.

4. Australian Open Tennis Begins

[03:14 – 04:12]

• Coverage by Lindsay Arkley in Melbourne as the first Grand Slam of 2026 opens.
  • 39 Americans are competing (21 men’s, 18 women’s).
  • Notables:
    • Madison Keys: defending women’s champion.
    • Frances Tiafoe (29th seed) faces Jason Kubler of Australia.
    • Venus Williams (age 45, wildcard) plays Olga Danilović (age 24).
  • Venus Williams: “twice runner up to her sister Serena at the Australian Open.”

5. Offshore Wind Farm Victory in Virginia

[04:12 – 04:57]

• A federal judge allows Dominion Energy’s Virginia offshore wind farm to continue, overturning a Trump administration order to halt work due to purported national security risks.
• Judge finds the administration did not sufficiently prove the threat.
• The project, already 70% finished, will become the US’s largest commercial offshore wind farm.
• Similar legal wins for wind projects in New England and New York in the same week.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), U.S. Senator, on Greenland negotiations:

  “It was made very clear to us... that if the United States seeks to invest in partnership respectfully with the people of Greenland in accessing possibly newly available critical minerals or rare earths, that that would be welcome.” [00:52]

• Governor Tim Walz (MN), in response to DOJ probe:

  “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.” [01:38]

• Jane Aref (NPR), summarizing Iranian leadership:

  “Khamenei said while Iran does not want war, it will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished.” [02:49]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• US-Greenland/EU Tariffs: 00:15–01:09
• Minnesota DOJ Immigration Probe & Protests: 01:09–02:21
• Iran Protest Death Toll and US Response: 02:21–03:14
• Australian Open Highlights: 03:14–04:12
• Virginia Offshore Wind Farm Legal Win: 04:12–04:57

Tone and Language

The reporting is factual, concise, and urgent, reflecting the time-pressed summary format of NPR News Now. Quotes from officials and direct reporting are delivered in a calm, credible, and measured manner.