NPR News Now – January 12, 2026, 10PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Format: Hourly news update (5 minutes)
Date: January 13, 2026

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now provides a brisk, informative summary of the top news headlines as of the evening of January 12, 2026. Stories cover the escalating protests in Iran, immigration enforcement controversies in Minnesota and Oregon, a major donation to The Trevor Project after federal support cuts, U.S.-Cuba relations post-Venezuela incursion, Apple’s new partnership with Google for AI technology, and a quirky local story about loose monkeys in St. Louis complicated by AI-generated images.

Key News Segments

Escalating Protests and Crackdown in Iran

[00:14–01:04]

• U.S. Urges Americans To Leave Iran:
  The U.S. government strongly recommends citizens depart Iran due to ongoing mass street protests and a violent crackdown.
• Crackdown Details:
  Security forces have killed several hundred people (per human rights groups).
• Commentary on Regime’s Strategy:
  NPR’s Greg Myhre explains the regime’s historical reliance on force:

  “The traditional playbook is to unleash the Revolutionary Guards to crush the protest. That worked previously, it may work again, but it doesn't address the fundamental grievances on living standards. And that will keep eroding any support the regime might have left.” — Greg Myhre [00:36]

  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (age 86, in power 37 years) is described as skilled at holding power but unable to meet citizens’ daily needs.

Minnesota Sues Trump Administration Over Immigration Enforcement

[01:04–01:40]

• Incident Prompting the Lawsuit:
  Minnesota officials sue after an ICE agent fatally shot a 37-year-old woman during a traffic stop.
• Officials Decry Federal Overreach:
  Mayor Jacob Fry contends:

  “What we are seeing right now is not normal immigration enforcement. We are not asking ICE not to do ICE things. We are asking this federal government to stop the unconstitutional conduct that is invading our streets each and every day.” — Mayor Jacob Fry [01:23]

• Other States Join:
  Illinois and Chicago also launch lawsuits against the crackdown.

Oregon Border Incident Charges

[01:40–02:46]

• Aftermath of Portland Shooting:
  Two people injured while fleeing a U.S. Border Patrol stop now face federal criminal charges.
  • Driver Luis Nino Moncada: Charged with aggravated assault on a federal officer and depredation of federal property for allegedly using his truck as a weapon.
  • Passenger Yolanis Zambrano Contreras: Target of immigration operation, charged with illegal entry.
• Alleged Gang Ties:
  Both are alleged by DHS to be connected to a Venezuelan gang.
• Evidentiary Gap:
  FBI hasn’t found video footage of the incident.
• Reporting by Conrad Wilson:

  "Court records show she was the target of the immigration operation. ... The Department of Homeland Security says the two are connected to a Venezuelan gang. Court documents show the FBI has not found video of the incident." — Conrad Wilson [02:06]

Trevor Project Receives Major Donation

[02:46–03:52]

• Gift Details:
  $45 million from billionaire MacKenzie Scott at the end of 2025.
• Context:
  Comes after federal support for LGBTQ youth crisis callers (specifically to the 988 hotline) was halted by the Trump administration.
• Significance:
  The Trevor Project, noted for its LGBTQ hotline, will use the funds to maintain services.

U.S.–Cuba Tension Following Venezuela Incursion

[03:52–04:15]

• Diplomatic Stalemate:
  Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel affirms no negotiations with the U.S. following U.S. military actions in Venezuela.
  • President Trump suggests Cuba “should make a deal before it’s late,” though the nature of any deal remains unspecified.
• Cuban Position:

  "Diaz Canel says relations must be based on international law, not hostility or threats." — Ryland Barton [04:15]

Apple Partners with Google for AI

[04:15–04:34]

• Major Tech News:
  Apple to employ Google’s Gemini AI tech for Siri and other products.
• Motivation:
  Apple faces criticism for being "slow to hop on the AI bandwagon".

  "In a joint statement, the companies say Google's technology provides, quote, the most capable foundation for Apple's underlying AI models." — John Ruich [03:52]

• Industry Context:
  Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta have surged ahead in AI investment. Details of the multi-year Apple-Google deal were not disclosed.

Local Oddity: Monkey Hunt in St. Louis

[04:34–04:56]

• Unusual Situation:
  Vervet monkeys spotted near a park; social media floods with (mostly fake) AI-generated images complicating attempts to determine the scope.
• Uncertainty Lingers:

  "It's unclear who owns the monkeys, how they got loose or exactly how many there are." — Ryland Barton [04:34]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Iran’s Regime:
  "That worked previously, it may work again, but it doesn't address the fundamental grievances on living standards." — Greg Myhre [00:36]

• On Immigration Enforcement:
  "We are asking this federal government to stop the unconstitutional conduct that is invading our streets each and every day." — Mayor Jacob Fry [01:23]

• On Tech Industry Competition:
  "Critics have blasted Apple for being slow to develop and adopt AI... leaving Apple in the dust." — John Ruich [03:52]

Timestamps Summary

• Iran Protests & Crackdown: [00:14–01:04]
• Minnesota Immigration Lawsuit: [01:04–01:40]
• Portland, OR Shooting & Charges: [01:40–02:46]
• The Trevor Project Donation: [02:46–03:52]
• Cuba–U.S. & Venezuela Tensions: [03:52–04:15]
• Apple–Google AI Collaboration: [04:15–04:34]
• St. Louis Monkeys & AI Images: [04:34–04:56]

Tone & Delivery

The tone remains concise, urgent, and factual, characteristic of NPR’s hourly broadcast style. Direct quotes from newsmakers maintain the immediacy and gravity of unfolding events, while the reporting voice avoids speculation or editorialization.