NPR News Now – January 16, 2026, 9PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Theme: Top U.S. and global news stories, including DOJ investigations, tensions in Minneapolis, U.S.-Venezuela relations, Iran protests, Supreme Court actions, the Washington National Opera’s venue change, and shark survival challenges due to ocean acidification.

Main Theme & Purpose

A brisk, five-minute rundown of the day's most pressing headlines, focused on political tensions in Minnesota, diplomatic developments with Venezuela, the aftermath of Iranian protests, Supreme Court deliberations on Roundup, an opera company’s dramatic move, and new environmental research about sharks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DOJ Investigation into Minnesota Leaders (00:13)

• Context: The Department of Justice opens a criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
• Reason: Allegations from the Trump administration claim these Democratic leaders impede federal law enforcement.
• Local Response: Mayor Jacob Frey responds:
  • Quote: “An obvious attempt to intimidate him for standing up for Minneapolis.” (Jacoby Frey, 00:27)
• Situation in Minneapolis: Arrival of hundreds more federal agents, escalating tensions.

2. Trump’s Threat of Insurrection Act (00:42)

• Explanation: The Insurrection Act, over 200 years old, permits federal deployment of military for law enforcement.
• Current stance: President Trump steps back from invoking it:
  • Quote: “But 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.” (Donald Trump, 01:09)
• Law Enforcement Presence: At least 2,500 federal agents now in Minneapolis — about four times the number of local police.
• Upcoming Tensions: Plans for a far-right, anti-immigration rally heighten local alertness.

3. CIA Director Visits Venezuela (01:39)

• First of its kind: CIA Director John Ratcliffe becomes the first senior U.S. official to visit Venezuela since President Maduro’s ouster.
• Meetings: Two-hour talk with interim President Delsey Rodriguez in Caracas.
• US Position: Ratcliffe promises U.S. support for Venezuela’s battered economy but demands end to drug trafficker refuge:
  • Summary: U.S. will cooperate with interim leadership, even with close Maduro ties.
• Broader context: Visit coincides with President Trump hosting Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corinna Machado in the U.S.

4. Iran: Protests and Repression (02:40)

• Aftermath: Iran returns to uneasy calm after violent crackdowns on anti-government protests.
• Escalation: Senior cleric calls for the death penalty for demonstrators.
• US Stance: Trump expresses gratitude to Iranian leaders for not executing more protesters, a shift from earlier military threats.
• Death Toll: U.S. based human rights agency reports over 3,000 protesters killed.
• Market Brief: Stocks edge lower; marginal drops in S&P 500 and NASDAQ.

5. Supreme Court to Hear Bayer Roundup Appeal (03:12)

• Legal Battle: Supreme Court will consider Bayer’s attempt to block state lawsuits over claims Roundup causes cancer.
• Main Issue: Whether EPA’s approval without a cancer warning should pre-empt state court claims.
• EPA Position: Roundup’s main ingredient deemed unlikely to cause cancer with proper use.

6. Washington National Opera Leaves Kennedy Center (03:36)

• Event: The WNO relocates remaining season productions after President Trump assumes control of the Kennedy Center and affixes his name.
• Upcoming Shows:
  • “Crucible” and “Trumanisha” to run at GWU Lisner Auditorium in March.
  • “West Side Story” (May) still seeks a venue.
• Aftermath: Over 500 donors contribute after WNO’s departure announcement.
• Complications: The move follows falling ticket sales and artist cancellations:
  • Quote: “Sagging sales and artist cancellations have followed President Trump's takeover in February.” (Olivia Hampton, 04:22)

7. Shark Teeth Threatened by Ocean Acidification (04:36)

• Science Report: German researchers warn sharks’ teeth could weaken and break more easily as oceans become more acidic from fossil fuel burning.
• Implication: Future generations of sharks could struggle to survive in changing marine conditions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jacob Frey on DOJ investigation:
  “An obvious attempt to intimidate him for standing up for Minneapolis.” (00:27)

• Donald Trump on Insurrection Act:
  “But 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.” (01:09)

• Olivia Hampton on WNO's move:
  “Sagging sales and artist cancellations have followed President Trump's takeover in February.” (04:22)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Minnesota DOJ Investigation & Insurrection Act: 00:13–01:39
• U.S. Spy Chief in Venezuela: 01:39–02:40
• Iran Protests and Wall Street Update: 02:40–03:12
• Supreme Court Roundup Lawsuit: 03:12–03:36
• Washington National Opera Leaves Kennedy Center: 03:36–04:36
• Shark Teeth & Ocean Chemistry: 04:36–04:57

This five-minute news cycle delivers rapid but nuanced coverage of U.S. political events, international diplomacy, legal wrangling, shifting cultural spaces, and environmental risks—presented with NPR’s signature concise and authoritative style.