NPR News Now – 01-14-2026 10PM EST [January 15, 2026]

Episode Overview

This brief, information-packed newscast from NPR News Now covers major global and national headlines from politics and international relations to aviation safety, immigration policy, economic indicators, and even an offbeat animal encounter in Florida. The episode maintains NPR’s concise and professional tone, offering the top stories Americans need to know as of January 14th, 2026.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Iran Protest Executions & U.S. Response

Timestamps: [00:18]–[00:47]

• President Trump states he’s been told by “very important sources” that executions of protesters in Iran have stopped, despite Tehran’s promises of fast trials and further executions.
• He offers little concrete evidence for this development but expresses hope that the anticipated executions “won’t take place.”
• The segment notes uncertainty about the accuracy of these claims and references Trump’s vague promise to Iranians that “help is on the way.”

Notable Quote:

“We have been informed by very important sources on the other side, and they've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place. There were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place, and we're going to find out.”
– President Trump ([00:33])

2. U.S. Push to Take Over Greenland & Danish-NATO Response

Timestamps: [00:47]–[02:05]

• The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen continues efforts to change the Trump administration’s stance on taking control of Greenland.
• In response, Denmark launches Operation Arctic Endurance, increasing military presence on the island with help from NATO allies (including Sweden, Germany, and France) to demonstrate it can handle Greenland’s security without U.S. intervention.
• The initial phase is a reconnaissance mission, with future NATO expansion under consideration.

Notable Actions:

• “There will be an increased military military presence in and around Greenland… including from other NATO allies.” ([01:40])

3. U.S.-Venezuela Relations

Timestamps: [02:05]–[02:34]

• President Trump announces a call with Venezuela’s interim president Delsey Rodriguez, reporting “tremendous progress” on stabilizing Venezuela.
• Discussion topics included oil, minerals, trade, and national security.
• Trump expresses optimism about the future partnership:

  “…the partnership between the two countries will be a spectacular one for all.” ([02:22])

4. Aviation Safety Investigation: UPS Cargo Plane Crash

Timestamps: [02:34]–[03:10]

• The NTSB reveals: a crucial engine mount part that failed on a UPS MD-11 cargo plane last year had failed four times prior, despite a 2011 Boeing warning.
• The component’s failure caused the plane’s engine to detach during a runway incident in Louisville.
• The investigation is ongoing, focusing on structural reliability of parts designed before Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas.

Quote:

“…it appears that investigators are focused on the failure key parts of the engine mount.”
– Joel Rose, NPR ([03:00])

5. Immigration Policy Change

Timestamps: [03:10]–[03:52]

• The State Department will suspend immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries likely to require public assistance, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia.
• The policy takes effect January 21st, with official justification to “bring an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system.”

6. Home Sales & Mortgage Market Update

Timestamps: [03:52]–[04:32]

• December 2025 saw a marked increase in home sales—the strongest in nearly three years—due partly to Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
• Future outlook: Sales are expected to grow if rates fall further, but average mortgage rates remain high (6.2%), causing many homeowners to hold onto older, lower-rate mortgages.
• Atmosphere remains challenging for buyers, despite recent improvements.

Quote:

“If you wanted to buy a home in 2025, it was a rough year. Prices were at record highs while sales were at record lows. But things did get better in December.”
– Stephen Basaha, NPR ([03:53])

7. Offbeat News: Emu Capture in Florida

Timestamps: [04:32]–[04:57]

• A Florida sheriff’s deputy successfully captured a runaway emu, using a makeshift lasso and leg cuffs to secure “the big bird’s sharp talons.”
• The emu returned home, unharmed. NPR notes emus’ unusual size and native Australian heritage, providing a lighthearted close to the bulletin.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Iran executions:
  “There were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won’t take place, and we’re going to find out.”
  – President Trump ([00:40])

• Denmark’s Arctic show of force:
  “There will be an increased… presence in and around Greenland, of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from other NATO allies…”
  – Lars Løkke Rasmussen via Terry Schultz ([01:40])

• Real estate struggles:
  “If you wanted to buy a home in 2025, it was a rough year. Prices were at record highs while sales were at record lows.”
  – Stephen Basaha, NPR ([03:53])

• Florida’s avian apprehension:
  “The deputy cornered the emu, secured it with a makeshift lasso and cuffed its legs together to disarm the big bird’s sharp talons.”
  – Ryland Barton ([04:34])

Summary Table: Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Start | End | |-----------------------------------|---------|---------| | Iran Executions | 00:18 | 00:47 | | U.S.–Greenland Tensions | 00:47 | 02:05 | | U.S.–Venezuela Relations | 02:05 | 02:34 | | UPS Cargo Plane Incident | 02:34 | 03:10 | | Immigration Policy Update | 03:10 | 03:52 | | Home Sales Market News | 03:52 | 04:32 | | Emu Captured in Florida | 04:32 | 04:57 |

Overall:
This episode rapidly conveys critical developments in U.S. foreign affairs, immigration, economics, and a dash of human-interest news, reflecting NPR’s signature style: concise, direct, and informative.