NPR News Now: January 16, 2026, 2PM EST

Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: NPR
Date: January 16, 2026
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers the latest headlines from the US and around the globe, covering President Trump’s domestic and foreign policy actions, a key climate science funding fight, ongoing protests in Iran, a major trade shift between Canada and China, and unique weather in Florida. With tight, fast-paced reporting, listeners get a concise yet insightful briefing on the day’s most important events.

Key Topics & Insights

1. President Trump & Domestic Response to Protests (00:25–01:18)

• Insurrection Act Debated: President Trump appears to be distancing himself from invoking the rarely used Insurrection Act to send military forces into Minnesota, despite mass protests over federal immigration crackdowns.
  • Quote [00:36] — President Trump (paraphrased by expert):
    “If I needed it, I’d use it. I don’t think there’s any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, I’d use it. It’s very powerful.”
• Events in Minnesota: Recent federal actions included an ICE agent shooting and killing a 37-year-old mother of three, now under investigation, and a separate shooting and wounding of a Venezuelan immigrant.
• Political Context: These crackdowns have provoked protests and increased federal attention to the Twin Cities area.

2. Senate Block on Climate Research Funding; NCAR Targeted (01:18–02:18)

• Senate Republicans Block Amendment: Democrats failed to secure funding for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a Colorado climate science hub.
• Trump Administration’s Stance: Plans are in place to dismantle NCAR, described by the White House as a major source of “climate alarmism.”
• Political Retaliation Accusation:
  • Quote [02:01] — Colorado Senator Michael Bennet:
    “Effort at political retribution threatens the health and safety of communities all across the country.”
• Impact: NCAR’s research is critical to disaster preparedness for events like wildfires, and the threat to its funding is seen as political payback against states that did not vote for Trump.

3. Iran: Exiled Crown Prince Appeals to Trump, Highlights Protest (02:18–03:22)

• Reza Pahlavi’s Appeal: The exiled son of the late Shah expresses confidence in Trump’s support for Iranian protesters and claims the US president will help Iranians topple the regime.
  • Quote [02:46] — Reza Pahlavi:
    “This does not require putting boots on the ground. The Iranian people boots are already on the ground. They are the ones marching, sacrificing, and fighting for their freedom every single day.”
• Protest Context: Protests continue in Iran amid a harsh crackdown and an internet blackout, with Pahlavi claiming covert loyalty from parts of Iran’s military and promoting his 100-day transition plan.
• Skepticism Noted: It’s unclear how much actual support Pahlavi has inside Iran.

4. Canada-China Trade Deal: A Realignment with Global Implications (03:22–04:28)

• Breakthrough During Carney’s Visit: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secures a preliminary trade deal with China, easing tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood while allowing a significant number of Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at reduced tariffs.
• Geopolitical Dynamics:
  • Carney positions China as a “more predictable partner than the US,” signaling a strategic shift as President Trump halts trade talks with Canada.
  • Carney also addresses Greenland’s sovereignty and Trump’s related threats during discussions with President Xi Jinping.
• Implications: Canada is seeking alternative economic and diplomatic pathways as relationships with the US become less certain.

5. Unseasonable Cold Snap in Florida (04:28–05:04)

• Record-Low Temperatures: Parts of Florida experience their coldest weather in years, prompting the opening of warming shelters and closures of outdoors attractions like Walt Disney World’s water parks.
• Agricultural Impact: Farmers in Plant City take special precautions to protect strawberry crops from freezing temperatures.
• Market Update:
  • “The Dow is up 57 points at 49,499.” [04:59]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump on Insurrection Act:
  “If I needed it, I’d use it. I don’t think there’s any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, I’d use it. It’s very powerful.” (Interviewee / Expert, 00:36)
• Senator Bennet’s Warning:
  “Effort at political retribution threatens the health and safety of communities all across the country.” (Interviewee / Expert, 02:01)
• Pahlavi on Iranian Protesters:
  “The Iranian people boots are already on the ground. They are the ones marching, sacrificing, and fighting for their freedom every single day.” (Reza Pahlavi, 02:46)
• Carney on Canada-China Relations:
  Paraphrased: “China is a more predictable partner than the US… Canada has other trade options.” (NPR Correspondent, 03:45–04:28)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:25 – Trump’s response to Insurrection Act debate and Minnesota protests
• 01:31 – Colorado climate lab funding controversy; NCAR spotlighted
• 02:18 – Iran protests; exiled crown prince’s messaging to Trump
• 03:22 – Canada and China trade deal and global strategy shift
• 04:28 – Florida cold snap, agriculture response, Disney closures, stock update

Tone & Delivery

The episode maintains NPR’s characteristic clarity, with measured, factual reporting peppered by authoritative quotes from politicians, analysts, and correspondents. The language is concise, impartial, and aimed at delivering context as well as news.

For listeners seeking a snapshot of US policy, global politics, climate science, and headline weather, this episode packs essential updates and perspectives into five brisk, information-rich minutes.