NPR News Now — January 18, 2026, 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode, hosted by Dale Willman, covers major developing stories in U.S. and international politics, public health, weather, and sports. The headlines include President Trump's new tariffs in an escalating campaign regarding Greenland, immigration enforcement surges in Minneapolis, open enrollment statistics for healthcare.gov amid rising premiums, a rapidly growing measles outbreak, and notable moments from the NFL playoffs on the eve of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. President Trump Escalates Push for Greenland Acquisition

[00:14–01:04]

• New Tariffs Target European Allies:
  • President Trump announces 10% tariffs on Denmark and seven other European NATO countries supporting Denmark’s refusal to sell Greenland to the U.S.
  • If Denmark continues to refuse, tariffs rise to 25% on June 1.
  • Trump has not ruled out "using military force to take over Greenland."
• Denmark’s Stance:
  • Denmark is open to an expanded U.S. military presence on Greenland but insists "Greenland is not for sale."
• Notable Quote:
  • Mara Liasson ([00:41]):

    "Trump says if Denmark doesn't sell Greenland to the U.S. the tariffs will go up to 25% on June 1."

• Tone:
  • Urgent, tense international relations with pointed use of economic pressure and unresolved military rhetoric.

2. Immigration Enforcement Surge and Protests in Minneapolis

[01:04–01:43]

• ICE Surge:
  • Over 2,000 ICE agents deployed to Minneapolis for immigration enforcement.
  • Frequent local protests against ICE actions, but a recent protest shifts focus.
• Counter-Protest Details:
  • A far-right anti-immigration activist planned an event.
    • “Maybe a few hundred people” protested, but overall turnout was low.
    • Community messaging discouraged participation: “Don't take the bait.”
• Judicial Oversight:
  • Judge rules ICE agents cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful, non-obstructing protesters.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jasmine Garst ([01:24]):

    "There were maybe a few hundred people out there letting this activist know he was not welcome, but overall, small turnout, partly because... groups were telling each other, do not show up to this. Don't take the bait."

• Tone:
  • Calm, reflective on community de-escalation strategies.

3. Healthcare.gov Enrollment Numbers Amid Rising Costs

[01:43–02:53]

• Open Enrollment Figures:
  • 22.8 million people picked or auto-renewed plans; a 3% drop despite premiums “double on average compared to last year.”
  • Congress has not revived enhanced subsidies, leaving many paying much more.
• Expert Insight:
  • Cynthia Cox (KFF) underscores uncertainty:
    • “Some people are having this lingering hope that there might be a deal in Congress, but if nothing comes along, then they might not be able to continue to afford their coverage and may drop it.” ([02:31])
• Bipartisan Negotiations:
  • Stalled in the Senate, but Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska says:
    • “I don't think it is too late to salvage something.” ([02:46])
• Notable Quote:
  • Cynthia Cox ([02:31]):

    "Some people are having this lingering hope that there might be a deal in Congress, but if nothing comes along, then they might not be able to continue to afford their coverage and may drop it."

• Tone:
  • Concerned, addressing both practical and political uncertainty.

4. Weather: Winter Storms and Snow in the Southeast

[02:53–03:27]

• Forecast Highlights:
  • Snow expected in parts of Florida and Georgia, expanding across the Midwest and East Coast.
  • Sub-freezing wind chills and below-average temperatures will persist into early next week.
• Tone:
  • Informative, with a focus on preparation.

5. Health: Measles Outbreak Expanding Nationally

[03:27–04:15]

• New Cases Linked to South Carolina Outbreak:
  • Three children in Snohomish County, Washington, affected after exposure from out-of-state visitors.
  • Six cases in North Carolina connected to South Carolina outbreak (now at 558 cases).
• Medical Warning:
  • “A single person with measles can infect up to 18 other unvaccinated people on average.”
• Urgency & Risk:
  • Doctors expect the outbreak to worsen before control is regained.
  • Anyone unvaccinated considered at-risk across affected regions.
• Notable Quote:
  • Maria Godoy ([03:42]):

    "A single person with measles can infect up to 18 other unvaccinated people on average. Experts warn that anyone not vaccinated is at risk."

• Tone:
  • Serious, cautionary call to public health action.

6. MLK Day and NFL Divisional Playoffs

[04:15–04:54]

• Honoring MLK Jr.:
  • “Choose Love” phrase appears in NFL end zones and on player helmets for divisional games around Dr. King’s holiday.
  • Originated with Buffalo Bills’ response to 2022 mass shooting.
• NFL Results:
  • Seattle Seahawks: Advance to NFC Championship after defeating San Francisco 41–6.
  • Denver Broncos: Overtime win over Buffalo Bills, 33–30, moving them to the AFC Championship.
• Tone:
  • Reflective and celebratory, connecting civil rights legacy with major sports culture.

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Regarding Trump’s Tariffs & Greenland:
  • “Trump says if Denmark doesn't sell Greenland to the U.S., the tariffs will go up to 25% on June 1.”
    — Mara Liasson [00:41]
• Minneapolis Counter-Protest:
  • "There were maybe a few hundred people out there letting this activist know he was not welcome... Don't take the bait."
    — Jasmine Garst [01:24]
• Healthcare Uncertainty:
  • “Some people are having this lingering hope that there might be a deal in Congress, but if nothing comes along, then they might not be able to continue to afford their coverage and may drop it.”
    — Cynthia Cox [02:31]
• Senate Negotiations:
  • "I don't think it is too late to salvage something."
    — Senator Lisa Murkowski [02:46]
• Measles Outbreak Caution:
  • “A single person with measles can infect up to 18 other unvaccinated people on average.”
    — Maria Godoy [03:42]

Additional Notes

• Overall Tone:
  • Balanced and succinct; the episode delivers critical news with concise urgency and context.
• Best for Listeners Who:
  • Need rapid, factual updates on politics, health, and sports with expert insights and direct quotes.