NPR News Now – January 19, 2026, 12AM EST

Main Theme & Purpose

This five-minute NPR News Now episode provides a concise update on global and national events, focusing on U.S. domestic unrest in Minnesota, international tensions regarding Greenland, ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine, a deadly train collision in Spain, rare snow in Florida, and key results from the NFL divisional playoffs.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Potential Military Deployment to Minnesota

[00:18–01:21]

• Situation:
  • Pentagon orders 1,500 active duty troops to prepare for possible deployment to Minnesota after weeks of protest in response to the killing of Renee Macklin Goode by federal immigration officials.
  • President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used law allowing the military to conduct domestic law enforcement.
  • Recent heavy snow and freezing conditions have calmed protests.
• Update:
  • Trump appears to be backing away from invoking the Insurrection Act.
  • The Army’s 11th Airborne Division from Alaska remains on alert.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The city has experienced tense protests for several weeks since the killing of Renee Macklin Goode and confrontations with agents… Trump seems to have backed away from invoking the act.”
    — Jasmine Gars ([00:39])

2. International: Tensions Over Greenland

[01:21–02:20]

• Issue:
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expresses worry over President Trump’s tariff threats to European nations unsupportive of his desire to acquire Greenland.
  • Carney, speaking from Qatar ahead of Davos, is non-committal about sending Canadian troops for NATO drills in Greenland; Denmark plans sovereignty exercises there.
  • Trump threatens a 10% tariff on non-supportive European countries.
• Diplomatic Position:
  • Carney reiterates Canadian support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, emphasizing Greenland’s future should be determined by its people and Denmark.
  • Carney agrees to join Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, overseeing Gaza temporarily.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Canada will always support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries wherever their geographic location is... The future of Greenland should be determined by its people and Denmark.”
    — Dan Karpenschak relaying Carney’s position ([01:39])

3. Conflict in Ukraine

[02:20–03:05]

• Update:
  • Two fatalities and dozens injured in the latest wave of Russian attacks hitting six regions, focusing on civilian and energy infrastructure.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of stalling the peace process, calls for increased aid and pressure on Russia.
  • Worsening winter makes energy shortages acute: Apartment buildings in Kyiv lack heat; outages can last up to 24 hours.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Russia is deliberately delaying the peace process and the world should respond with, quote, more aid to Ukraine and more pressure on the aggressor.”
    — Polina Litvinova, quoting Zelensky ([02:28])

4. Deadly Train Accident in Spain

[03:05–03:24]

• Situation:
  • At least 21 people killed, dozens injured after collision of two high-speed trains in southern Spain.
  • No additional details provided as the story was breaking.

5. Rare Snow in Florida and the South

[03:24–04:09]

• Highlights:
  • For the second consecutive year, 2 inches of snow fell in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
  • Arctic air persists; National Weather Service assures the cold snap will abate soon.
  • Freeze warnings in Orlando, with temperatures possibly hitting 25°F.
  • Last year saw close to a foot of snow in northwest Florida.
• Notable Quote:
  • “We're only expecting this level of cold for tonight and then even by tomorrow night, we'll have lows in the upper 30s.”
    — Joe Wegman, meteorologist ([03:44])

6. NFL Divisional Playoff Results

[04:09–04:56]

• Summary:
  • Los Angeles Rams defeat Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime; will face Seattle Seahawks in NFC Championship.
  • Patriots advance in AFC after beating Houston Texans 28-16; will play Denver Broncos.
  • Super Bowl 60 scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, California.
  • NCAA college championship game set for Monday night.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Diminishing Protests in Minnesota:
  “The city has experienced tense protests for several weeks... Trump seems to have backed away from invoking the act.”
  — Jasmine Gars ([00:39])
• On Arctic Weather in Florida:
  “We're only expecting this level of cold for tonight and then even by tomorrow night, we'll have lows in the upper 30s.”
  — Joe Wegman ([03:44])
• On Canadian Position About Greenland:
  “Canada will always support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries wherever their geographic location is… The future of Greenland should be determined by its people and Denmark.”
  — Reported by Dan Karpenschak ([01:39])
• Ukraine’s Plea for Help:
  “The world should respond with, quote, more aid to Ukraine and more pressure on the aggressor.”
  — Quoting President Zelensky ([02:28])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minnesota Protests & Military Alert: [00:18–01:21]
• Greenland Diplomatic Standoff: [01:21–02:20]
• Russian Attacks in Ukraine: [02:20–03:05]
• Train Collision in Spain: [03:05–03:24]
• Florida Snow Event: [03:24–04:09]
• NFL Playoff Results & Schedule: [04:09–04:56]

This NPR News Now episode efficiently captures the tension and complexity of several major world stories, blending urgent political affairs with human interest pieces and sports highlights, all delivered in NPR’s signature concise and neutral reporting style.