NPR News Now: 01-18-2026 4AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Date: January 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This fast-paced five-minute NPR News Now episode provides concise updates on major national and international headlines. Topics include the mobilization of Minnesota's National Guard in the wake of a controversial shooting, escalating U.S.-Denmark-Greenland relations, the redeployment of Syrian government forces, NFL playoff results, Venezuela's uncertain future post-Maduro, an Indonesian plane disappearance, and a tribute to Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.

Key News Segments and Highlights

1. Minnesota Mobilizes National Guard After ICE Shooting

[00:16]–[01:12]

• Main Points:

  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the state's National Guard to support local law enforcement following the fatal shooting of Renee Macklin Good by an ICE officer.
  • Troops, currently staged but not deployed on streets, are "ready to respond across the city."
  • They are distinguished by "bright yellow reflective vests over their uniforms," to differentiate Guard members from federal agents—a measure responding to confusion seen in other states.
  • The situation differs from other states, where "National Guard troops have been federalized by President Trump and deployed to cities."

• Notable Quote:

  • "If troops are deployed, they will be wearing bright yellow reflective vests over their uniforms to, quote, help distinguish them from other agencies in similar uniforms." — Kat Lonsdor (01:00)

2. U.S. Escalation Over Greenland and Diplomacy in Denmark

[01:12]–[01:54]

• Main Points:

  • President Trump announced a plan to impose a 10% tax on European nations opposing U.S. efforts to "take control of Greenland," a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
  • A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation visited Denmark aiming to lower diplomatic tensions.
  • European officials emphasized their "calm" approach, expressing readiness to work with the U.S. while voicing concerns about the ongoing rhetoric.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "They repeatedly said that they stand ready to work alongside the U.S." — Barbara Sprunt (01:49)

3. Syrian Government Forces Advance After Kurdish Withdrawal

[01:54]–[02:56]

• Main Points:

  • Syrian government troops have entered towns east of Aleppo after Kurdish-led SDF fighters withdrew.
  • The SDF’s withdrawal from west of the Euphrates follows weeks of conflict and was announced by commander Mazloom Abdi.
  • Syrian media asserts government control is being restored over areas previously seized amid regime instability; negotiations between SDF and the Syrian government remain stalled.

• Notable Quote:

  • "The escalation comes as talks to bring SDF controlled areas under government authority remain stalled." — Jawad Rizkalla (02:47)

4. NFL Playoff Updates

[02:56]–[03:34]

• Main Points:
  • The Denver Broncos won an overtime thriller against the Buffalo Bills, 33–30; Broncos QB Bo Nix broke his ankle during the game.
  • The Seattle Seahawks dominated the San Francisco 49ers, with a decisive 41–6 victory.

5. Venezuela’s Future Uncertain after Maduro’s Extraction

[03:34]–[04:18]

• Main Points:

  • Two weeks after President Maduro's extraction from Caracas, Venezuelans remain cautious, with some optimism now fading.
  • Opposition leader Maria Corinna Machado visited Washington, but skepticism remains about substantial change in Venezuela’s power structure.
  • South Florida's large Venezuelan expat community recently honored Machado, though she has yet to visit.

• Notable Quote:

  • "As a Venezuelan, I really deeply admire Maria Corina Machado, but her visit to the White House, it was really disappointing." — Susana Tade (03:59)
  • "Trump will probably lose interest in Venezuela before any substantial changes are made in the country or its political structure." — Susana Tade (04:05)

6. Plane Disappears Over Indonesia

[04:18]–[04:34]

• Main Points:
  • Search ongoing for a passenger plane that vanished between Java and Sulawesi; 11 people were onboard.
  • Mountain hikers reported debris and small fires; rescue efforts complicated by steep terrain.

7. Tribute to Bob Weir, Grateful Dead Guitarist

[04:34]–[04:55]

• Main Points:
  • Thousands gathered at San Francisco Civic Center to honor the late Bob Weir, with appearances from musicians including Joan Baez.
  • Weir died last week at age 78, prompting an outpouring of gratitude and love from fans and fellow artists.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “If troops are deployed, they will be wearing bright yellow reflective vests... help distinguish them from other agencies.” — Kat Lonsdor, on distinguishing the National Guard (01:00)
• “They repeatedly said that they stand ready to work alongside the U.S.” — Barbara Sprunt, capturing European diplomatic tone (01:49)
• “As a Venezuelan, I really deeply admire Maria Corina Machado, but her visit to the White House, it was really disappointing.” — Susana Tade (03:59)
• “Trump will probably lose interest in Venezuela before any substantial changes are made.” — Susana Tade (04:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | MN National Guard after ICE shooting | 00:16–01:12 | | U.S.–Greenland–Denmark Tensions | 01:12–01:54 | | Syrian Gov’t Forces Move East of Aleppo | 01:54–02:56 | | NFL Playoff Results | 02:56–03:34 | | Venezuela's Post-Maduro Transition | 03:34–04:18 | | Indonesian Plane Disappearance | 04:18–04:34 | | Bob Weir (Grateful Dead) Tribute | 04:34–04:55 |

Tone:
The reporting maintains NPR’s standard, neutral, measured tone, relaying serious news developments with directness and clarity. Brief firsthand perspectives (notably in Venezuela segment) add emotional resonance, while the international context underscores ongoing geopolitical complexity.