NPR News Now – 01-15-2026 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: January 15, 2026
Episode Theme:
A brisk roundup of the morning's top news stories, covering domestic tensions over immigration enforcement, international developments in Iran and Gaza, healthcare signups, a Senate vote on Venezuela war powers, and new dinosaur research.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Escalating Tensions Over ICE Actions in Minnesota

(00:15–01:31)

• President Trump's Threat:
  President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota in response to ongoing attacks on ICE agents, following recent incidents involving immigration enforcement.

• Shooting Incident:
  A federal agent shot and injured a Venezuelan immigrant in Minneapolis, reportedly fearing for his own safety. This followed a fatal shooting last week where an ICE agent killed Reneé Macklin Goode.

• Community Response – Student Protests:
  Protests led by high school students in St. Paul expanded the anti-immigration movement. Students carried signs with messages like "skipping our lessons to teach you one" and "we will not learn your hate," concluding at the Minnesota State Capitol.

  • Student Perspective:

    "We're fed up. We're tired. ICE is coming to our schools and it's like nowhere is safe now. And honestly, that makes me really sad."
    — Shisintli Quiros, student, (01:08)

• Escalation of Enforcement:
  The killing of Goode during a Minneapolis high school dismissal, during which chemical irritants were released on bystanders, led to a surge in deployed ICE officers.

2. UN Security Council Emergency Meeting on Iran

(01:31–02:07)

• Ongoing Deadly Protests:
  Over 2,000 reported deaths in Iran as claimed by US-based rights groups.

• Iran's Response:
  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi dismissed these figures:

  "I certainly, you know, deny the numbers and figures. They have said it is an exaggeration. It is a misinformation campaign only to find excuses to do another aggression against Iran."
  — Abbas Aragchi, (01:49)

• US Threats:
  President Trump threatened military action against Iran amid the unrest.

3. ACA Enrollment Drops for the First Time in Five Years

(02:07–03:12)

• Data Update:
  ACA plan signups are down 3% (totaling 22.8 million) compared to last year.
• Context:
  After the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, average insurance premiums have doubled, leading to expectations of a coverage drop-off.
• Analyst Caution:
  Not all enrollees have paid for their plans, and some may cancel when billed.
• Quote:

  "The 22.8 million number is about 3% lower than last year, not a dramatic drop. It's the first time enrollment has dropped in five years."
  — Selena Simmons Duffin, (02:57)

4. Senate Blocks War Powers Resolution on Venezuela

(03:12–03:44)

• Vote Outcome:
  Senate deadlock broken by Vice President Vance; two Republicans crossed party lines, upholding President Trump's military latitude in Venezuela.

5. Gaza Ceasefire Developments

(03:44–04:08)

• U.S. Efforts:
  U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced the beginning of phase two, focusing on demilitarization and governance. The US is inviting participation in an international board to administer Gaza, with President Trump selecting members.

6. Dinosaur Age Estimation Under Scrutiny

(04:08–04:52)

• Current Understanding:
  Dinosaur ages are traditionally estimated by counting growth rings in their bones.
• New Study:
  Research using crocodiles (dinosaur relatives) suggests ring counting may overestimate age, as more rings formed in a year than expected.
• Expert Views:
  Some scientists urge caution before discarding the growth ring method.
• Quote:

  "To really confirm the ring counting approach, one would need to study live dinosaurs. The next best thing are their living relatives, including crocodiles."
  — Ari Daniel, (04:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Shisintli Quiros, on ICE presence in schools:

  "We're fed up. We're tired. ICE is coming to our schools and it's like nowhere is safe now. And honestly, that makes me really sad." (01:08)

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, on death tolls:

  "It is a misinformation campaign only to find excuses to do another aggression against Iran." (01:49)

• Ari Daniel, on dinosaur bone studies:

  "To really confirm the ring counting approach, one would need to study live dinosaurs." (04:08)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Minnesota Immigration Tensions & Student Protests: 00:15–01:31
• Iran Death Toll Dispute & UN Meeting: 01:31–02:07
• ACA Signups Decline: 02:07–03:12
• Senate War Powers Vote on Venezuela: 03:12–03:44
• Gaza Ceasefire Phase Two: 03:44–04:08
• Dinosaur Age Research: 04:08–04:52

This concise yet comprehensive news roundup provides the latest updates on critical national and international issues, delivering direct voices and expert insights in NPR's signature style.