NPR News Now – January 18, 2026, 5AM EST

Brief Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise five-minute roundup of top global and national news stories as of January 18, 2026. Key topics include escalating international tensions over President Trump’s proposed Greenland annexation, protests in Denmark and Minnesota, shifting policy in Syria, leadership upheaval at the University of Virginia, and a sweeping winter storm affecting the eastern US.

Main Headlines and Key Segments

1. Trump Threatens New Tariffs Over Greenland Proposal

[00:16]

• President Trump threatens new tariffs against several European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland to the US.
• Tariffs:
  • Initial: 10% on goods from Denmark, France, and others (effective February 1).
  • Could rise to 25% in June if demands aren't met.
• Protests break out in Denmark in direct response to the US proposal.

Notable Quote

“President Trump says he’ll impose new tariffs on several European nations unless they agree to sell Greenland to the US...”
— Windsor Johnston [00:16]

2. Protests Erupt in Denmark Over Greenland Proposal

[00:50] Report by James Kneeler

• Thousands of people march in Aarhus, Denmark to protest Trump's annexation proposal.
• The demonstration features speeches and musical performances by Greenlandic activists and politicians.
• Personal Testimony:
  • Charlotte Vindeldewf, social worker and local politician, expresses her deep connection to Greenland and motivation to join the protest.

Notable Quote

“Thousands of people marched through the streets of downtown Aarhus, Denmark, on Saturday to protest Trump’s proposed annexation of Greenland.”
— James Kneeler [00:50]

3. Immigration Protests and National Guard Standby in Minnesota

[01:13]

• Minnesota National Guard is on alert as protests continue over immigration enforcement.
• Tensions high after a federal agent killed a woman in Minneapolis earlier in the month.

Key Details from Sarah Ventri’s Report

[01:33]

• Demonstration led by Jake Lang, a right-wing activist and January 6 Capitol insurrection participant, who was later pardoned by President Trump.
• Counter-protesters outnumber and chase Lang from the streets.

Notable Moment

“Despite the freezing cold, you should be proud of yourselves. You should go home and look in the mirror and know that if you were alive in the 60s that you’d be on the streets...with Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.”
— Unnamed Protester [01:46]

• Deployment: 2,500 federal agents sent to Minneapolis area per Department of Homeland Security.
• DOJ launches investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry.

4. U.S. Issues Warning Over Syrian Offensive Against Kurdish Forces

[02:20]

• Syrian military plans to expel Kurdish forces from Tabqa military airport, claiming it harbors groups they consider terrorists.
• Turkey echoes these accusations; historical context provided about the alliances during ISIS defeat in Syria.
• The U.S. warns further fighting undermines collective stability and anti-ISIS efforts.

Notable Quote

“The US...says fighting between Kurdish and government forces will harm joint efforts to fight ISIS.”
— Jane Araf [02:30]

5. Leadership Shakeup at University of Virginia

[03:10]

• Multiple board members resign amidst statewide leadership changes.
• Context: University caught in standoff between the Trump administration and Virginia Democrats.
• UVA President resigns, citing pressure campaign; Democratic legislators block some past gubernatorial appointees.
• Newly inaugurated Democratic Governor Abigail Spamberger takes office, appoints a new board majority, and initiates a review of university board appointments.

Notable Quote

“She had signaled she wanted a course change weeks after her election, and she did, appointing a majority of new members the same day she took office.”
— Jad Khalil [03:29]

6. Severe Winter Storm Sweeps Eastern U.S.

[04:16]

• Heavy snow, ice, and cold affect Midwest and East Coast; states impacted include Ohio, Pennsylvania, and parts of the South.
• Travel halted due to whiteout conditions; near-freezing temperatures hit Florida.
• Forecast: Cold expected to persist into early next week with most of the eastern US remaining below average.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• On Danish Protests:
  “The demonstration also included speeches and musical performances by Greenlandic activists and politicians.”
  — James Kneeler [00:50]
• On Minnesota Unrest:
  “A demonstration was organized by right wing activist Jake Lang, who was part of the January 6 Capitol insurrection and later pardoned by President Trump.”
  — Sarah Ventri [01:33]
• On Winter Storm:
  “Forecasters say the cold will linger into early next week, with much of the eastern US staying below average.”
  — Windsor Johnston [04:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump Tariffs & Greenland Proposal: [00:16]
• Denmark Protest Coverage: [00:50]
• Minnesota Immigration Protests: [01:13]
• Protester Speech: [01:46]
• Syria–Kurdish Forces Tension: [02:20]
• UVA Board Resignation: [03:10]
• Winter Storm Conditions: [04:16]

Overall Tone:
Factual, urgent, and direct—the signature style of NPR News Now, delivering essential updates with minimal editorializing but offering insight through reported quotes and witness accounts.