NPR News Now: 01-18-2026 11AM EST

Host: Nora Raum
Release Date: January 18, 2026
Theme: The latest news developments in U.S. domestic affairs, global diplomacy, technology, and sports.

Main Episode Overview

This five-minute newscast covers several pressing stories: the possible deployment of U.S. troops to Minnesota under the Insurrection Act, mounting international diplomatic maneuvers concerning Greenland, anxiety over appointments to Trump’s Gaza Executive Board, a tragic Indonesian plane crash, shifting American attitudes toward generative AI in entertainment, and a historic moment at the Australian Open.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Potential Deployment of U.S. Troops to Minnesota

• [00:13]
  Troops from Alaska’s 11th Airborne Division are on standby to deploy to Minnesota after President Trump’s threats to invoke the Insurrection Act due to ongoing protests and clashes between federal agents and civilians.
• [00:37]
  NPR’s Luke Garrett explains up to 1,500 soldiers have “prepare to deploy” orders. The Insurrection Act, rarely used, authorizes domestic military deployment.
  • Quote:
    Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell: “The Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the commander in chief if called upon.” [00:57]
  • Minnesota context:
    • Protests erupted after a surge of ICE raids; ICE agents have shot two people this month (one fatal).
    • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urges residents to remain peaceful and avoid escalation, not giving “Trump an excuse to deploy the troops.”
  • Reporter: Luke Garrett, NPR News

2. Denmark and NATO Allies Respond to U.S. Threats Over Greenland

• [01:23]
  Denmark’s Foreign Minister Larslich Rasmussen is rallying NATO support in response to President Trump’s threats to “acquire Greenland” and impose tariffs.
• [01:42]
  Terry Schultz (NPR):
  • Rasmussen calls the issue “a question of world order,” not just a Denmark-U.S. dispute.
    • Quote:
      Larslich Rasmussen: “This is a question of world order and the future of Denmark and the seven NATO allies that participated in last week’s mission to Greenland.” [01:50]
  • The seven NATO allies assert that recent deployments to Greenland were for transatlantic interests, dismissing Trump’s claim of a “very dangerous game.”
  • The group underscored continued “dialogue with Washington.”
  • Statement from European Allies:
    • Full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. [02:24]
  • Reporter: Terry Schultz, NPR News

3. Israeli Concerns Over Trump’s Gaza Executive Board

• [02:24]
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes cabinet discussions on U.S. appointments to the new “Gaza Executive Board” for the peace process.
• [02:47]
  The BBC’s John Donnison:
  • Trump will chair the board and names are forthcoming; Israel is troubled by some lower-level appointments, claiming they conflict with Israeli policy and that Israel was not consulted.
  • Paraphrased concerns:
    • “Israeli officials have already raised concerns about the makeup of some of the board’s lower levels… Israel was not consulted about their composition.” [02:55]
  • Reporter: John Donnison, BBC

4. Indonesian Plane Crash in Sulawesi

• [03:09]
  One body recovered after a plane with at least ten people on board crashed into a mountainous region on Sulawesi Island.
• Rescue efforts are hampered by “rugged terrain, strong winds and heavy fog.” [03:16]

5. Public Attitudes Toward Generative AI in Entertainment

• [03:29]
  Chloe Veltman (NPR):
  • Reports on a new Hub Entertainment Research survey: ~75% of 2,500 U.S. adults say they’re familiar with AI and have used AI tools (a significant jump from last year).
  • Growing excitement for AI in entertainment discovery (recommendation tools).
  • Concerns:
    • Resistance to using AI to “dramatically alter creative content” or replace human performers.
    • Disclosure:
      • Nearly three-quarters want companies to routinely disclose their use of AI-generated content.
      • Nearly one quarter say companies must disclose if AI played a major role.
    • Quote:
      Chloe Veltman: “The survey shows excitement around the use of AI for entertainment discovery… but consumers are not thrilled with the use of AI to dramatically alter creative content or to replace human performers.” [03:59]
  • Reporter: Chloe Veltman, NPR News

6. Australian Open Update: Venus Williams’ Historic Participation

• [04:37]
  Tennis:
  • Oga Danilovic defeated Venus Williams in the first round.
  • Williams, at 45, becomes the oldest player ever in the Australian Open women’s singles draw and is competing for the 22nd time.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell:
  “The Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the commander in chief if called upon.” [00:57]
• Danish Foreign Minister Larsen Rasmussen:
  “This is a question of world order and the future of Denmark and the seven NATO allies…” [01:50]
• Chloe Veltman, on AI and entertainment:
  “Consumers are not thrilled with the use of AI to dramatically alter creative content or to replace human performers.” [03:59]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:13 — U.S. military on standby for Minnesota/Trump & Insurrection Act
• 01:23 — Denmark secures NATO support after U.S. threats over Greenland
• 02:24 — Israeli cabinet mulls U.S. picks for Gaza peace board
• 03:09 — Indonesian plane crash; search and recovery ongoing
• 03:51 — Survey findings on generative AI in entertainment
• 04:37 — Venus Williams sets record at the Australian Open

This NPR News Now episode offers a concise yet rich snapshot of major international and domestic developments, blending political tension, diplomatic maneuvering, technology skepticism, tragedy, and sports history into a brisk overview of the day's events.