NPR News Now — 01-19-2026 4PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: January 19, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

In this concise news update, NPR covers significant national and international events including the U.S. bid to control Greenland and its geopolitical fallout, criticism from American Catholic leaders of U.S. foreign policy, escalating tensions around federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, the relocation of the annual Let Freedom Ring concert, and Dolly Parton's 80th birthday celebration.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Push for Control Over Greenland and Russian Response

[00:16–01:21]

• Summary: President Trump’s continued efforts to annex Greenland from Denmark draw international attention. The Kremlin, while not directly stating approval or legality, acknowledges the historic nature of the move.
• Russian Perspective:
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refrains from judging the action but highlights its historical importance.
  • Russian officials, including President Putin, have been perceived as tacitly supportive, framing U.S. claims as “historically justified,” stirring concern over a potential crisis within the NATO alliance.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “President Trump's actions would be historic and written about for years to come.”
    — Charles Maynes paraphrasing Dmitry Peskov, [00:41]

2. Catholic Leaders Critique U.S. Foreign Policy

[01:21–02:10]

• Summary: Prominent U.S. Catholic cardinals publicly denounce recent Trump administration foreign policy decisions, particularly concerning Venezuela, Ukraine, and Greenland.
• Criticisms:
  • The cardinals’ statement accuses policymakers of reducing peacebuilding to partisan agendas, exacerbating polarization and destructive outcomes.
  • Cardinal Cupich (Chicago) expresses a moral responsibility to speak out against decisions endangering millions:
    • “We cannot stand by while decisions are made that condemn millions to lives trapped permanently at the edge of existence.” [01:49]
• Context: The denouncement aligns with a new Vatican foreign policy agenda, recently put forth by Pope Leo, centered on justice and sustainability among nations.

3. Federal Immigration Crackdown and Tensions in Minnesota

[02:10–02:52]

• Summary: A surge of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis is met with resistance from state leaders, while National Guard units are readied to support local authorities.
• Local vs. Federal Tension:
  • MN Attorney General Keith Ellison criticizes the federal government’s expanded role, arguing it represents unconstitutional escalation rather than a response to credible threats.
  • Quote:
    • “This is all driven by the illegal, unconstitutional escalation of the president... We need to go back to normal levels of a federal presence in our state, not this occupation.” — Keith Ellison, [02:30]
• Background: Governor Tim Walz has poised National Guard troops to support local agencies if needed, while federal officials insist their presence is necessary to restore order.

4. Let Freedom Ring Concert Relocates

[02:52–04:19]

• Summary: The Kennedy Center’s annual MLK celebration, Let Freedom Ring, moves to Howard Theatre due to budgetary constraints.
• Insights:
  • The concert, previously attended by Presidents Bush and Obama, will continue its tradition at a new venue, produced by Georgetown University.
  • Longtime music producer Nolan Williams Jr. expresses contentment with the change, underscoring the concert’s mission to honor past achievements and look forward.
  • Quote:
    • “You celebrate the time that was and the impact that has been, and then you move forward to the next thing.” — Nolan Williams Jr., [03:50–03:57]
  • This year’s headliner: actor and rapper Common. Williams has written a new piece titled “Just Like Selma.”

5. Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday and Philanthropy

[04:19–04:43]

• Summary: Country legend Dolly Parton is celebrated on her 80th birthday, choosing to mark the occasion with a song as a gift to others instead of accepting presents.
• Quote:
  • “When I first started thinking about something special to do for my 80th birthday, I thought, well, Lord, please give me a song or something to make the birthday special and to be a gift from me to other people for my birthday.” — Dolly Parton, [04:29]
• Legacy: Tennessee names January 19th “Dolly Parton Day” in her honor.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Charles Maynes, on Russian reaction:
  • “President Trump’s actions would be historic and written about for years to come.” [00:41]
• Cardinal Cupich, on moral responsibility:
  • “We cannot stand by while decisions are made that condemn millions to lives trapped permanently at the edge of existence.” [01:49]
• Keith Ellison, on federal presence:
  • “We need to go back to normal levels of a federal presence in our state, not this occupation.” [02:46]
• Nolan Williams Jr., on the concert’s move:
  • “You celebrate the time that was and the impact that has been, and then you move forward to the next thing.” [03:50–03:57]
• Dolly Parton, on her birthday gift:
  • “Please give me a song or something to make the birthday special and to be a gift from me to other people for my birthday.” [04:29]

Segment Timestamps for Reference

• Greenland/Trump/Russia: 00:16–01:21
• Catholic Leaders Critique: 01:21–02:10
• Minnesota/Federal Agents: 02:10–02:52
• Let Freedom Ring Concert: 02:52–04:19
• Dolly Parton Birthday: 04:19–04:43

This episode delivers a brisk, informative round-up reflecting NPR’s commitment to featuring both international developments and stories of cultural and local significance, balancing politics, religion, social issues, and celebration.