NPR News: 01-15-2026 3AM EST

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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

Giles Snyder 0:00
Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder.

What are the recent developments in the anti-government protests in Iran?

Giles Snyder 0:04
Anti-government protests in Iran over the past couple of weeks have been met with violence from the government. Although the number of dead has not been independently verified, according to a U.S.-based rights group, more than 2,500 people have been killed. Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian was imprisoned by the Iranian government and later released. He says the U.S. should focus on the Iranian people.
Jason Rezaian 0:26
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.

How is the U.S. government responding to the situation in Iran?

Jason Rezaian 0:39
A stable Iran with an open economy and an open society that has the same borders that we know right now would be in the region's interest and would be in the United States of America's interest.
Giles Snyder 0:52
President Trump has repeatedly pledged his support for the protesters and has promised to come to their aid. Denmark's foreign minister says there are fundamental differences with the U.S. over Greenland. His remarks come after meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance.

What are the implications of Denmark's foreign minister's comments on U.S.-Greenland relations?

Giles Snyder 1:09
Here's NPR's Jackie Northam.
Lars Locke Rasmussen 1:10
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Locke Rasmussen says the meeting at the White House followed what he called a number of remarkable comments by President Trump on wanting to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, even if by force. Rasmussen agrees that Arctic security is important, but not at any price.
Unknown 1:29
And of course we have to respond to this. The big difference is whether that must lead to a situation where the U.S. acquires Greenland, and that is absolutely not necessary.
Lars Locke Rasmussen 1:39
Rasmussen says Denmark is open to an increased U.S. presence in Greenland.

What changes are being made to mental health funding in the U.S.?

Lars Locke Rasmussen 1:44
He says during the Cold War, the U.S. had 17 military installations there. Now it has one. A high-level working group is due to meet again in a few weeks to continue talks. Jackie Northam, NPR News.
Giles Snyder 1:57
A Trump administration official has confirmed to NPR that sweeping cuts to mental health and addiction programs worth more than $2 billion are being reversed. Following a political backlash from Republicans and Democrats, the Department of Health and Human Services will deliver the grant money to more than 2,000 programs nationwide. NPR's Brian Mann reports.
Hannah Wesolowski 2:19
An administration official with direct knowledge of the decision who asked NPR not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly said all the grants are being restored. Hannah Wesolowski with the National Alliance on Mental Illness said care providers faced chaos and confusion.
Unknown 2:36
After a day of panic across the country, nonprofits and people with mental health conditions are deeply alarmed, but hopeful that this money is being restored.
Hannah Wesolowski 2:48
The decision to terminate the funding was reversed after the Trump administration faced bipartisan pushback. Brian Mann, NPR News, Washington.
Giles Snyder 2:56
And this is NPR News.

What factors contributed to the bankruptcy of Saks Fifth Avenue?

Giles Snyder 3:00
There has been another shooting linked to the surge in immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. The Homeland Security Department says a federal officer shot a person in the leg after being attacked with a shovel during an arrest. The shooting came a week after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good, sparking a wave of protests. The parent company of luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue has filed for bankruptcy protection. Saks Global faced declining sales and mounting debt. especially after its purchase of rival Neiman Marcus in 2024. It also owns the chain Bergdorf Dorpen and Pierzolina Selyuk reports.
Alina Selyuk 3:38
The merger of Saks Fifth Avenue with Neiman Marcus was meant to shake up the world of luxury department stores. The deal, orchestrated by investor Richard Baker, was worth $2.7 billion. But now, barely a year later, Saks Global is tearing at the seams. It adds to the list of fairly recent bankruptcies by iconic luxury chains, including Lord & Taylor and Hudson's Bay in Canada. which Richard Baker also owned. Department stores in general are facing a huge slump, and luxury chains especially so, as big brands rival them by selling directly to shoppers.

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