NPR News Now: January 2, 2026 – 5PM EST

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now update covers major global and national stories in a concise five-minute segment. Today's headlines include U.S. statements on Iran protests, an alleged ISIS-inspired attack foiled in North Carolina, a new chief of staff named in Ukraine amid ongoing war negotiations, a historic mayoral swearing-in in St. Paul, Minnesota, and expanded U.S. immigration restrictions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Threatens Intervention in Iran Protest Crackdown

[00:01–00:52]

• President Trump’s Statement:
  President Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, pledging U.S. intervention should Iranian authorities use lethal force against protesters.

  • On social media, Trump stated:

    "If Iran kills peaceful protesters... the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
    (reported by Franco Ordonez at 00:31)

• Escalation & Context:

  • The President’s comments mark a notable escalation in rhetoric towards Iran.
  • Deadly clashes between Iranian police and protesters have been ongoing for the past week.
  • Iran responded that any U.S. intervention would cross a "red line," promising retaliation.

2. Alleged ISIS-Inspired Attack Foiled in North Carolina

[00:53–01:45]

• Case Details:

  • Authorities in North Carolina arrested Christian Sturtevant, 18, who allegedly planned to attack a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in Mint Hill on New Year’s Eve.
  • Sturtevant believed he was coordinating with ISIS members, who were, in fact, undercover law enforcement officers.

• Evidence & Arrest:

  • The FBI discovered knives, a hammer, and a document with detailed attack plans during a court-authorized search of Sturtevant's home.
  • He had pledged allegiance to ISIS and was taken into custody before any attack was carried out.

3. Ukraine Appoints New Chief of Staff Amid Peace Negotiations

[01:46–02:49]

• Leadership Transition:

  • President Zelenskyy has asked Kyrylo Budanov to become Ukraine’s new chief of staff.
  • The position was vacant after the prior chief, Andrey Yermak, resigned due to a corruption scandal.

• About Kyrylo Budanov:

  • 39 years old, career soldier with U.S. CIA training, and former head of Ukraine’s military intelligence since 2020.
  • Credited with modernizing Ukrainian military intelligence and orchestrating sabotage in Russian-occupied territories.
  • Has survived multiple Russian assassination attempts.
  • Seen as a potential presidential challenger in coming elections.

• Contextual Note:

  • The resignation of Yermak, previously the chief negotiator in peace talks, created a leadership gap during critical peace negotiations with Russia.

4. Historic Mayoral Swearing-In in St. Paul, Minnesota

[02:50–03:50]

• Kali Hur’s Inauguration:

  • Kali Hur becomes St. Paul’s first female mayor and the first Hmong American to lead the city.
  • Born in a bamboo hut in Laos, Hur's family came to the U.S. as refugees after fighting alongside Americans in the "secret war" era.

• Community Significance:

  • Minnesota has America’s second-largest Hmong population.
  • Hur’s inauguration falls exactly 50 years after the first Hmong refugee family reportedly arrived in Minnesota.

• Historic Quote:

  • Hur reflects on her victory:

    "It's so much bigger than me, and it's so much more powerful than me. And so, like, I just, I just get to feel so honored that I get to be a part of that."
    (Kali Hur, 03:42)

• All-Female Leadership:

  • St. Paul now has all female elected officials—a first in city history.

5. DHS Pauses Immigration Applications from 20 Additional Countries

[04:00–end]

• Policy Update:
  • The Department of Homeland Security is suspending immigration applications from 20 additional countries, primarily in Africa (including Nigeria, Senegal, and Zimbabwe).
  • All pending applications for green cards, visas, citizenship, or asylum from these countries are affected.
  • Officials plan to review pending cases dating back to 2021 in light of newly expanded travel restrictions.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump (reported by Franco Ordonez):

  "The United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
  [00:31]

• Kali Hur, Mayor of St. Paul:

  "It's so much bigger than me, and it's so much more powerful than me. And so, like, I just, I just get to feel so honored that I get to be a part of that."
  [03:42]

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• 00:01–00:52: President Trump’s “locked and loaded” warning to Iran.
• 00:53–01:45: Details of the foiled alleged ISIS-inspired attack in North Carolina.
• 01:46–02:49: Ukraine’s new chief of staff—profile and implications for war negotiations.
• 02:50–03:50: Kali Hur’s historic swearing-in as St. Paul mayor and emotional remarks.
• 04:00–end: Expansion of U.S. immigration restrictions to 20 new countries.

End of NPR News Now summary for January 2, 2026 – 5PM EST.