NPR News Now – 8PM EST, January 17, 2026

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Summary Prepared: January 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This brisk five-minute NPR News Now update covers a remarkable set of headlines. Key topics include President Trump’s controversial geopolitical maneuvers regarding Greenland, intensified immigration actions and protests in Minneapolis, a fast-expanding measles outbreak, Virginia’s historic swearing-in of its first female governor, new federal arts appointments, and the latest Wall Street numbers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Tariffs and Greenland Standoff

• Details:
  • President Trump has announced new 10% tariffs on Denmark and seven other European countries (including France, Germany, and the UK) after Denmark refused to sell Greenland to the U.S.
  • Trump threatens to raise tariffs to 25% by June 1, 2026, if Denmark maintains its refusal.
  • Trump hasn't ruled out the use of military force regarding Greenland.
  • Denmark is willing to consider an expanded U.S. military presence in Greenland, but insists "Greenland is not for sale."
• Notable Moment:
  • "Trump says if Denmark doesn't sell Greenland to the U.S. the tariffs will go up to 25% on June 1." – Mara Liasson [00:31]

2. Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown and Political Investigations

• Details:
  • Around 2,500 ICE agents are now operating in Minneapolis amid a renewed federal crackdown.
  • Protests erupted between right-wing anti-immigration activists and counter-protesters.
  • The DOJ is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly conspiring to impede federal immigration enforcement.
  • Governor Walz responded by criticizing DOJ tactics and drawing attention to the lack of investigation into a federal agent’s shooting of Renee Goode.
• Memorable Quote:
  • "Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous authoritari tactic." – Statement from Governor Tim Walz [01:53]
  • "The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Goode is the federal agent who shot her." – Governor Tim Walz [01:58]

3. Measles Outbreak Spreading in the U.S.

• Details:
  • Washington state and North Carolina report new measles cases linked to the outbreak originating in South Carolina.
  • In Snohomish County, WA, three unvaccinated children were infected by visiting relatives from South Carolina.
  • North Carolina’s six new cases are also tied to the outbreak, now the largest in the U.S. with 558 confirmed cases.
  • Health officials warn the situation will likely get worse; one measles case can infect up to 18 unvaccinated people.
• Notable Quote:
  • "A single person with measles can infect up to 18 other unvaccinated people on average." – Maria Godoy [02:56]

4. Virginia’s First Female Governor Sworn In

• Details:
  • Abigail Spanberger, former congresswoman, is inaugurated as Virginia’s 75th governor and its first woman to hold the office.
  • Spanberger emphasized gratitude toward generations who fought for women’s rights.
  • She campaigned on addressing rising costs, job growth, and healthcare access.
• Memorable Moment:
  • "I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who work generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today." – Governor Abigail Spanberger [03:31–03:45]

5. New Appointments to U.S. Commission of Fine Arts

• Details:
  • President Trump nominates Marianne Carter (NEA chair), Roger Kimball (conservative art critic), Matthew Taylor (NEH), and architect James McCreary.
  • McCreary previously led design on the White House Ballroom and served in Trump’s first term.
  • The commissioners’ first major meeting to review renovation plans is set for January 22 and open to the public.

6. Market Update

• Details:
  • Dow lost 0.3% and Nasdaq dropped two-thirds of a percent this week.
• Quote:
  • "On Wall Street this week, stocks lost ground for the week. The Dow was down 3. 10 of a percent, that NASDAQ down 2/ thirds of a percent." – NPR Host [04:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:15] – President Trump’s Greenland tariffs and potential military action
• [01:10] – ICE presence & counter-protests in Minneapolis; DOJ investigation into local officials
• [02:10] – Rising measles outbreak in Washington, North Carolina, and South Carolina
• [03:10] – Abigail Spanberger becomes Virginia’s first female governor
• [04:12] – Appointments to U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
• [04:48] – Weekly Wall Street summary

Notable Quotes

• "Trump says if Denmark doesn't sell Greenland to the U.S. the tariffs will go up to 25% on June 1." – Mara Liasson [00:31]
• "Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous authoritari tactic." – Governor Tim Walz [01:53]
• "The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Goode is the federal agent who shot her." – Governor Tim Walz [01:58]
• "A single person with measles can infect up to 18 other unvaccinated people on average." – Maria Godoy [02:56]
• "I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who work generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today." – Governor Abigail Spanberger [03:31–03:45]

Overall Tone

The coverage is brisk, serious, and matter-of-fact, with sources and officials’ voices lending urgency to issues from global diplomacy to local health and politics. Key moments of gratitude and warning stand out amid the urgent reporting.