NPR News Now: January 18, 2026 – 9AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Episode Theme: Key global headlines, with updates on US-EU tensions, Middle East developments, economic policy, Portuguese elections, and international incidents.

Main Theme

In this concise five-minute episode, NPR delivers a rapid overview of major global news including escalating US-EU trade tensions over Greenland, Israeli objections to US policy changes in Gaza, President Trump’s economic moves ahead of midterms, an uncertain presidential election in Portugal, and updates on recent international accidents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-EU Tensions Escalate Over Greenland and Trade

[00:13–01:25]

• President Trump’s Threats Spark EU Pushback:
  • EU ambassadors convene in Brussels after Trump threatens NATO countries with tariffs, targeting those aiding Greenlandic security assessments.
  • The EU Parliament considers freezing the pending US-EU trade deal, previously negotiated on “terms favorable to the United States.”
• Trade Deal Details:
  • Would impose a 15% tariff on EU goods entering the US, while allowing US products into the EU market with zero tariffs.
• EU Condemnation:
  • Bernd Lang (Chairman, European Parliament’s International Trade Committee) strongly opposes Trump's use of “trade as an instrument of political coercion.”
    • Quote:
      • “The EU cannot simply move on to business as usual while Trump, quote, is using trade as an instrument of political coercion.” – Bernd Lang [01:11]
• European Unity:
  • The eight EU countries targeted by Trump reaffirm support for Denmark and Greenland, prioritizing Arctic security.

2. Israeli Disagreement with US Gaza Policy

[01:25–02:33]

• US Announces Gaza Executive Board:
  • Trump unveils new leadership to govern Gaza, meant to displace Hamas.
• Israeli Objections:
  • Israel contests two board members: Turkey’s FM and a senior Qatari official, viewing both governments as close to Hamas.
• Regional Dynamics:
  • Prime Minister Netanyahu asks Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intervene, though analysts say Israel’s leverage is limited as both Turkey and Qatar are Trump’s allies.
• Trump’s Social Media Statement:
  • The US claims Turkish and Qatari involvement will help “demilitarize Hamas.”
• Quote:
  • “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he's asking the matter be raised with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.” – Daniel Estrin [02:20]

3. Trump to Announce Affordable Housing Plan at Davos

[02:33–03:10]

• High Cost of Housing as a Midterm Issue:
  • Housing affordability is a significant pain point for US voters ahead of the November midterms.
• Policy Push:
  • At Davos, Trump plans a major announcement on affordable housing, part of a broader effort to boost his economic approval.
• Recent Related Moves:
  • Reference to Trump’s recent healthcare plan announcement.
• Quote:
  • “The high cost of housing is a major concern among voters heading into the November midterms.” – Deepa Shivaram [02:35]

4. Portugal’s Presidential Elections

[03:10–04:22]

• Voters at the Polls:
  • Portugal to choose a new president for the next five years; a runoff is likely for the first time in 40 years.
• Candidate Landscape:
  • Far-right Andre Ventura (Cheger Party) leads but unlikely to secure a first-round victory.
  • Center-left candidate Antonio Jose Seguro gains traction as centrists alarmed by far-right policies galvanize support.
• President’s Powers:
  • Portuguese presidency is mostly ceremonial but can dissolve parliament and veto legislation.
• Quote:
  • “With Ventura and some members of the Right of Centre governing coalition in favor of rolling back constitutional guarantees, this campaign has rung alarm bells even for many centrists.” – Alison Roberts [04:10]

5. International News Briefs

[04:22–04:56]

• Indonesian Plane Crash:
  • Wreckage found of a government-chartered plane with 10 aboard, missing since Saturday over western Austria.
• Avalanches in Austria:
  • Two avalanches kill five skiers; another injured; seven people swept away.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On US-EU Trade Tensions:
  • “President Trump has crossed a new line by threatening to impose tariffs on Denmark and the countries…which have sent military officials to help assess the possibilities for beefing up Greenlandic security.” – Terry Schultz [00:52]
• On Israeli Concerns:
  • “Netanyahu knows there's not much Israel can do about it. Qatar and Turkey are Trump's close allies, and Trump said in a social media post that those countries would help demilitarize Hamas.” – Daniel Estrin [02:26]
• On Portugal’s Election Significance:
  • “Portugal's presidency is a largely ceremonial role, but wields key powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament and veto some legislation.” – Alison Roberts [03:52]

Timeline of Major Segments

• [00:13–01:25] – US-EU trade/Greenland tensions
• [01:25–02:33] – Israel objects to US’s new Gaza leadership board
• [02:33–03:10] – Trump to announce affordable housing plan
• [03:10–04:22] – Portugal’s pivotal presidential election
• [04:22–04:56] – Plane crash in Indonesia and avalanches in Austria

This episode delivers a tightly-packed briefing on significant and evolving stories, reflecting international political rifts, domestic election strategies, and headline-grabbing emergencies.