NPR News Now – 3AM EST, January 15, 2026

Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise roundup of pressing global and domestic events, including anti-government protests in Iran, U.S.-Denmark tensions over Greenland, the reversal of mental health funding cuts, shootings linked to immigration enforcement, the bankruptcy of Saks Fifth Avenue, and Uganda’s tightly contested presidential election.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Violent Anti-Government Protests in Iran [00:20]

• Escalation and Unverified Reports:
  The Iranian government has responded with violence to ongoing protests.

  • More than 2,500 protester deaths reported by a U.S.-based rights group, though not independently verified.

• International Perspective:
  Formerly imprisoned journalist Jason Rezaian emphasizes the U.S. should support the Iranian people, not the regime.

  • Notable Quote (Jason Rezaian, 00:44):

    "Engagement with the Iranian regime right now, especially around the nuclear program, would be a mistake. I think our focus should be centered on the people of Iran and their aspirations."

• U.S. Official Response:
  President Trump restates support for Iranian protesters and pledges U.S. aid.

2. U.S.-Denmark Tensions over Greenland [01:10]

• Diplomatic Rift:
  Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen highlights deep disagreements with the U.S. after President Trump’s comments about acquiring Greenland—even using force.
  • Notable Quote (Lars Løkke Rasmussen, 01:47):

    "The big difference is whether that must lead to a situation where US Acquire Greenland, and that is absolutely not necessary."

• Arctic Security Cooperation:
  Denmark is willing to allow increased U.S. presence in Greenland (historically U.S. had 17 military sites, now just one).
  • Ongoing high-level discussions planned.

3. Reversal of Cuts to Mental Health and Addiction Programs [02:15]

• Policy U-Turn:
  Trump administration will restore more than $2 billion in grant funding for over 2,000 programs nationwide after bipartisan criticism.
• Community Impact:
  Hannah Wesolowski (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and service providers reacted with confusion and alarm during the crisis but remain hopeful after the reversal.
  • Notable Insight (Brian Mann, 03:03):

    "The decision to terminate the funding was reversed after the Trump administration faced bipartisan pushback."

4. Shooting Linked to Immigration Enforcement, Minneapolis [03:14]

• Incident Details:
  A federal Homeland Security officer shot a person, reportedly after they were attacked with a shovel during an arrest.
  • Follows earlier incident where an ICE agent fatally shot someone, sparking protests.

5. Saks Fifth Avenue Files for Bankruptcy [03:35]

• Industry Downturn:
  Saks Global faces bankruptcy after acquiring Neiman Marcus in 2024, amid falling luxury sales and heavy debt.
  • Other luxury chains like Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay have also declared bankruptcy.
• Future Outlook:
  Saks Global plans to restructure, aiming to re-emerge later in 2026.
  • Notable Context (Alina Selyuk, 03:56):

    "Department stores in general are facing a huge slump and luxury chains especially so as big brand [manufacturers] rival them by selling directly to shoppers."

6. Uganda Presidential Election [04:36]

• Political Context:
  81-year-old President Museveni seeks to extend his decades-long rule.
  • Reports of high voter turnout and long lines, despite a violent campaign and government-imposed internet shutdown.
    • Notable Scene (Giles Snyder, 04:36):

      "Crowds have gathered and long lines have formed at polling stations despite a violent campaign and a days long Internet shutdown."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jason Rezaian on U.S. Iran Policy (00:44):

  "Engagement with the Iranian regime right now, especially around the nuclear program, would be a mistake. I think our focus should be centered on the people of Iran and their aspirations."

• Lars Løkke Rasmussen rejecting Greenland sale, (01:47):

  "The big difference is whether that must lead to a situation where [the] US acquire Greenland, and that is absolutely not necessary."

• Brian Mann on mental health funding reversal, (03:03):

  "The decision to terminate the funding was reversed after... bipartisan pushback."

• Alina Selyuk on the retail crash, (03:56):

  "Department stores in general are facing a huge slump and luxury chains especially so as big brand [manufacturers] rival them by selling directly to shoppers."

• Giles Snyder on Ugandan elections, (04:36):

  “Crowds have gathered and long lines have formed at polling stations despite a violent campaign and a days long Internet shutdown.”

Important Timestamps

• [00:20] Iran protests & Rezaian’s comments
• [01:10] U.S.-Denmark/Greenland tensions
• [02:15] Mental health grant cut reversal
• [03:14] Minneapolis immigration enforcement shooting
• [03:35] Saks Fifth Avenue bankruptcy
• [04:36] Uganda election

Tone & Language:
Direct, urgent, and factual—standard for NPR’s news briefs, maintaining clarity and impartiality while referencing primary sources and direct quotes.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:
This brief news update provides key developments on global unrest, international alliances, domestic policy reversals, economic turmoil in retail, and tense elections, rounded out with authoritative commentary and relevant on-the-ground reactions.