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.
