NPR News Now: January 12, 2026, 12AM EST

Host: Dale Willman, NPR News

Episode Overview

This concise five-minute news update covers major global and national developments. Key stories include rising tensions and potential diplomacy between the US and Iran, legal pressure on the Federal Reserve, US oil interests in Venezuela, extreme weather in Europe, diplomatic threats regarding Cuba, a brawl at a Boston hockey game, NFL playoff updates, and Winter Olympics news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-Iran Relations: Escalating Protests and Prospective Talks

• Tension in Iran: Protests have intensified, with reported hundreds of deaths and widespread internet blackouts.

• US Response: President Trump indicated that Iranian leaders initiated contact to negotiate and that a meeting is being arranged, though no specifics were offered.

• Military Options: Trump stated that the US "might still take action on Iran" before any meeting occurs, with the military exploring various options.

• Tech & Diplomacy: Trump floated the idea of reaching out to Elon Musk to help restore internet in Iran as a response to blackouts.

  “The president also didn't specify what kind of action he would take on Iran, but says the military is looking into options and he's getting hourly reports on the protests… [he] says he's considering calling Elon Musk to assist in providing Internet connectivity in Iran.”
  — Deepa Shivaram, 00:29

2. Federal Reserve Under Legal and Political Pressure

• Justice Department Subpoenas: Fed Chair Jerome Powell confirms the DOJ has served subpoenas and hinted at a possible criminal indictment, linked to his testimony over building renovations.

• Larger Issue – Independence: Powell insisted the real issue is Trump’s attempts to influence central bank interest rate decisions.

• Independence at Risk: Powell asserts this is a fight over evidence-based versus politically-driven monetary policy.

  “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president.”
  — Jerome Powell, 01:30

  “This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.”
  — Jerome Powell, 01:37

3. US Oil Companies and Venezuela: Reluctant Investment

• Trump’s Claims: President Trump stated that US oil firms are ready to invest $100 billion+ to revitalize Venezuela’s oil sector.

• Industry Pushback: Oil executives, most notably the Exxon CEO, rejected this optimism, describing Venezuela as "uninvestable" due to infrastructure deterioration and prior nationalization.

• Geopolitical Energy Context: The story underscores Venezuela’s potential as the holder of the largest crude oil reserves but highlights practical and political barriers to American reinvestment.

  “The CEO of Exxon told the president that at this time, Venezuela is, quote, uninvestable.”
  — Mara Liasson, 02:25

4. Extreme Winter Weather in Europe

• Finland: Record cold at -34°F stranded thousands of tourists; de-icing delays ground air travel, with the cold expected to persist.
• Germany and Europe: Heavy snow, high winds, and icy roads caused widespread travel delays and disruptions.

5. US Pressure on Cuba Linked to Venezuelan Oil

• Oil Tensions: US seizures of oil tankers have left Cuba, a longtime recipient of Venezuelan oil, short on supply.
• Trump’s Ultimatum: In a social media post, Trump threatened that Cuba should "make a deal before it's too late," without elaboration.

6. Boston Hockey Game Incident

• Stadium Brawl: A fight broke out in the stands during the Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers match at TD Arena. The event drew significant attention and police intervention.

• Eyewitness Account: Spectator Kerry Blythe described the scene of evacuations, heavy police presence, and evidence being bagged.

  “We noticed that the section kind of emptied out, which was weird because the game was fully packed. And then when we looked ahead, there were a lot of Boston police officers, the detectives, they started bagging up some evidence.”
  — Kerry Blythe, 03:49

• Aftermath: A man who fell from a balcony was hospitalized; another was arrested.

7. NFL Playoffs Update

• San Francisco 49ers Victory: Brock Purdy led the 49ers to a 23–19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card game, setting up a divisional matchup with Seattle.
• Notable Stats: Purdy threw for 262 yards, two interceptions; star tight end George Kittle injured early.

8. Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Preview

• Milan Cortina Olympics: Andrea Bocelli will headline the February 6th opening ceremony, joining Mariah Carey. Anticipation builds for a 60,000-strong live audience at Milan’s San Siro, with millions more expected to watch globally.

Notable Quotes

• “A meeting is being set up with Iranian leaders as protests in the country have escalated and the US weighs intervening.”
  — Dale Willman, 00:17

• “The CEO of Exxon told the president that at this time, Venezuela is, quote, uninvestable.”
  — Mara Liasson, 02:25

• “We noticed that the section kind of emptied out... There were a lot of Boston police officers, the detectives, they started bagging up some evidence.”
  — Kerry Blythe, 03:49

Key Time Stamps

• 00:17 — US-Iran relations and protest update
• 01:12 — Federal Reserve subpoenas and Powell’s statement
• 02:13 — US oil industry’s stance on Venezuela investment
• 02:48 — Extreme cold and travel chaos in Europe
• 03:25 — US threatens Cuba over loss of Venezuelan oil
• 03:49 — Boston hockey game brawl account
• 04:07 — NFL Playoffs: 49ers vs. Eagles result
• 04:30 — Winter Olympics ceremony headliners announced

This NPR News update delivers a rapid, fact-based briefing on major political, economic, and cultural developments, with direct quotes from newsmakers and eyewitnesses to add context and impact.