NPR News Now – 01-18-2026, 9PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: January 19, 2026
Episode Theme:
A succinct update on breaking national and international stories, including military developments in Minnesota, detainee deaths at ICE centers, President Trump’s new international initiative, the revival of Gourmet magazine, and record gemstone news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

National Guard and Military Standby in Minnesota

• Timestamps: 00:17 – 01:15
• Summary:
  • The Pentagon has readied 1,500 active duty soldiers for potential deployment to Minnesota.
  • These troops, based in Alaska and experienced in cold weather operations, are prepared to support local law enforcement if unrest emerges.
  • The move follows Minnesota’s mobilization of its National Guard.
  • Recent days in Minneapolis have been "relatively quiet," and local leaders continue to urge calm.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, quote, the Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the commander in chief if called upon.” — Cat Lonsdorf (00:56)
  • “President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act last week, but the situation on the ground has been relatively quiet the past few days and local leaders have urged calm.” — Cat Lonsdorf (01:06)

Death at ICE Detention Center

• Timestamps: 01:15 – 02:11
• Summary:
  • Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan man, died at the El Paso tent facility, the largest ICE detention camp in the US.
  • Diaz is the third reported death at the facility, with ICE stating it was a presumed suicide.
  • There are conflicting reports about another recent death at the camp, with a detainee suggesting a possible altercation with staff.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “ICE says Victor Manuel Diaz died at the tent facility last Wednesday... staff at the massive detention camp in El Paso found Diaz unconscious and called for emergency medical help.” — Angela Kocherga (01:36)
  • “There are conflicting reports about another death at the camp that ICE says was suicide. A detainee told the Associated Press that man was in an altercation with staff when he died.” — Angela Kocherga (01:53)

Trump’s Gaza Peace Initiative

• Timestamps: 02:11 – 03:12
• Summary:
  • President Trump is inviting global leaders to participate in the newly sanctioned “Board of Peace,” established by the United Nations Security Council to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.
  • NPR obtained the Board’s charter, which notably does not mention Gaza but instead refers to broader international peacebuilding goals—suggesting Trump’s vision for a new alternative to the UN for conflict resolution.
  • Member nations are required to donate at least $1 billion each; Trump would wield significant authority as chair.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “[The charter] calls for, quote, a more nimble and effective international peacebuilding body.” — Daniel Estrin (02:44)
  • “Trump seeks a broad mandate to secure peace in conflict zones, suggesting Trump may wish to use it as a kind of alternative UN to handle other world conflicts.” — Daniel Estrin (02:34)

Gourmet Magazine’s Revival

• Timestamps: 03:12 – 04:11
• Summary:
  • Iconic food publication Gourmet Magazine, shuttered since 2009, is returning as an online-only, worker-owned newsletter.
  • After Conde Nast’s trademark lapsed, journalist Sam Dean and a group of millennials initiated the reboot.
  • Original editor Ruth Reichl has endorsed the independent relaunch.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Most are in their 30s and too young to have written for the original Gourmet. That speaks to the original magazine’s influence.” — Neta Ulaby (03:39)
  • “It will launch on Tuesday as a fully independent operation owned by its workers without the imprimatur of Conde Nast.” — Neta Ulaby (04:02)

World’s Largest Purple Star Sapphire for Sale

• Timestamps: 04:11 – 04:57
• Summary:
  • A rare purple star sapphire weighing 3,563 carats, possibly the world’s largest, is set to be auctioned, with an estimated value of $300–400 million.
  • The stone was discovered in a Sri Lankan gem pit and is noted for its color, clarity, and shimmer.
  • Brief update on Asian financial markets: Nikkei index is down 1.4%.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “A rare purple star sapphire weighing 3,563 carats and claimed to be the world’s biggest of its kind is going up for sale... one of the owners says, which has been polished, was found in a gem pit near the remote Sri Lankan town of Rathnapura, known as the City of Gems.” — Jeanine Herbst (04:16)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “The Department of War is always prepared to execute the orders of the commander in chief if called upon.” — Cat Lonsdorf relaying Pentagon statement (00:56)
• “Trump seeks a broad mandate to secure peace in conflict zones, suggesting Trump may wish to use it as a kind of alternative UN to handle other world conflicts.” — Daniel Estrin (02:34)
• “Most are in their 30s and too young to have written for the original Gourmet. That speaks to the original magazine’s influence.” — Neta Ulaby (03:39)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Military Standby in Minnesota: 00:17 – 01:15
• ICE Detainee Death: 01:15 – 02:11
• Trump’s Board of Peace: 02:11 – 03:12
• Gourmet Magazine Relaunch: 03:12 – 04:11
• Record Sapphire News & Markets: 04:11 – 04:57

This episode provided quick, well-sourced updates on U.S. national security posture, contentious immigration enforcement issues, a new international peace initiative, notable media industry news, and a glimpse into global luxury markets—offering insight-packed news in under five minutes.