NPR News Now – January 15, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: January 15, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise updates on major national and international stories. Key issues include President Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act amidst immigration protests, changes in FBI leadership, offshore wind energy developments in New York, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s democratic vision for Iran, the effects of decreased US HIV aid in Uganda, and an honor for Muhammad Ali in his hometown.

Key Discussion Points

1. Trump Threatens to Invoke the Insurrection Act

[00:16–01:19]

• President Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops if state officials don't quell what he calls "professional agitators and insurrectionists."

• The law is rarely used; last enacted during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which led to tragic incidents including US Marines mistakenly opening fire on a home.

• Context: Recent protests erupted after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis.

• Protest Dynamics: Community members are increasing demonstrations against surging immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities—blowing whistles, yelling, filming ICE officers.

• Law Enforcement Response: ICE is using tear gas, pepper balls, and flashbangs to disperse crowds.

  “The president said he would institute the act if state officials don’t, quote, stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the patriots of ICE.”
  — Meg Anderson, [00:32]

2. New FBI Deputy Director Appointed

[01:19–02:10]

• Christopher Rea named as new Deputy Director, replacing Dan Bongino.

• Rea is a career FBI agent, unlike Bongino, who is returning to conservative podcasting.

• Rea started as a special agent in Texas, held national security positions, and was most recently Assistant Director of the New York Field Office.

• Rea joins Andrew Bailey, former Missouri Attorney General, as fellow co-deputy director.

  “He replaces Dan Bongino, who had a brief but tumultuous tenure at the bureau before leaving to return to hosting his conservative podcast. Unlike Bongino, Rea is a career FBI agent...”
  — Ryan Lucas, [01:34]

3. Offshore Wind Project in New York Moves Forward

[02:10–03:08]

• The Empire Project, New York City's first offshore wind energy source, is allowed to proceed after a court ruling—despite federal efforts to halt it over security concerns.

• The project is expected to deliver enough power for 500,000 homes by next year.

• Governor Kathy Hochul expresses frustration at legal roadblocks:

  “I’m sick and tired of having to go to court time and time and time again to stop these decisions. They’re designed to do nothing other than hurt workers, hurts our state, hurt our economy and hurt our energy future.”
  — Gov. Kathy Hochul, [02:46]

• A separate wind project, Sunrise, is still on hold pending litigation.

4. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi Outlines Vision for Iran

[03:08–03:34]

• Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi shared a vision for a democratic Iran via social media.
• Key points: ending Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, addressing drug trafficking, and recognizing Israel.
• His speech was in English, leading experts to suggest it was aimed more at US leadership than at the Iranian public.

5. Reduction in Orphans from HIV/AIDS in Uganda Threatened by Aid Cuts

[03:34–04:33]

• Research finds US-funded HIV medication dramatically reduced orphanhood in southern Uganda—from 21% in the early 1990s to 6% in 2022.

• Concern: Cuts to US foreign aid by the Trump administration threaten continued progress.

• Dr. David Serata, McCary University researcher, emphasizes the scale of impact:

  “I’m about 70 years now in public health. I’ve never seen the program intervention that has had this huge impact.”
  — David Serata, [04:10]

6. Muhammad Ali Commemorative Stamp Unveiled

[04:33–04:56]

• Postal officials revealed a commemorative stamp honoring Muhammad Ali in Louisville, Kentucky. Sportscaster Bob Costas hosted; Ali’s widow Lonnie addressed the event.
• Highlights Ali’s legacy in poetry, sports, and philanthropy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Meg Anderson on Insurrection Act Threat:
  “The president said he would institute the act if state officials don’t, quote, stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the patriots of ICE.” [00:32]

• Gov. Kathy Hochul on Offshore Wind Legal Battles:
  “I’m sick and tired of having to go to court time and time and time again to stop these decisions. They're designed to do nothing other than hurt workers, hurts our state, hurt our economy and hurt our energy future.” [02:46]

• Dr. David Serata on HIV Aid Impact:
  “I’m about 70 years now in public health. I’ve never seen the program intervention that has had this huge impact.” [04:10]

Important Timestamps

• Threat to invoke Insurrection Act: [00:16–01:19]
• FBI leadership change: [01:19–02:10]
• Empire Wind Project ruling: [02:10–03:08]
• Reza Pahlavi’s Iran proposal: [03:08–03:34]
• Uganda HIV aid results and concern: [03:49–04:33]
• Muhammad Ali stamp event: [04:33–04:56]

Tone: The episode maintains NPR’s straightforward, factual, and tightly packed delivery, providing a succinct yet thorough overview of the day’s top stories.