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

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Theme: A rapid update on top national and international news stories

Main Theme

This episode delivers succinct, high-impact updates on pressing political, international, and entertainment developments. Key topics include a criminal probe into the Federal Reserve, new regulations on lawmakers visiting ICE facilities, diplomatic tension and protests in Iran, a major studio lawsuit, diplomatic efforts in the Americas, and awards at the Golden Globes.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. DOJ Criminal Probe of the Federal Reserve

[00:14–01:00]

• Summary:
  The Justice Department has opened a criminal inquiry focused on the Federal Reserve, specifically concerning the renovation of its headquarters and Chairman Powell's Senate testimony.

• Key Details:

  • Federal Reserve received grand jury subpoenas related to the headquarters renovation project and Powell's testimony.
  • Fed Chair Jerome Powell denounces the investigation as a "pretext," alleging it is part of a broader push from the administration to force faster interest rate reductions.
  • There is noted pushback from senators expected to vote on Trump’s nominee to succeed Powell in May.

• Notable Quote:

  • Scott Horsley (01:00):

    "Powell says the threat of criminal charges is part of the administration's broader pressure campaign designed to force the Fed to move more quickly in lowering interest rates."

2. New Restrictions on Lawmakers Visiting ICE Facilities

[01:00–01:51]

• Summary:
  The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, now requires members of Congress to request ICE facility visits at least one week in advance.

• Key Details:

  • Noem’s memo claims unannounced visits disrupt ICE officers and envoke "circus like publicity stunts."
  • The policy became public following a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, which triggered nationwide protests.
  • Democratic lawmakers have already been denied access; specifically, three were blocked from an ICE center in Minneapolis on Saturday.

• Notable Quote:

  • Elena Moore (01:21):

    "Secretary Kristi Noem argued that unannounced visits take ICE officers away from their normal duties. And she argued that visiting lawmakers are creating, quote, 'circus like publicity stunts.'"

3. US-Iran Relations Amid Protests and Negotiation Rumors

[01:51–02:48]

• Summary:
  President Trump claims Iran wants negotiations, mediated via Oman, amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran.

• Key Details:

  • Trump says a US-Iranian meeting is being set up, but military options are on the table if US assets are threatened.
  • Iran has cut off internet nationwide for four days to stifle protests, which began December 28.
  • Rights groups say hundreds of protesters—and some security personnel—have died.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragachi repeats claims that “foreign elements” provoke the unrest.
  • Government-organized rallies in support of the regime are planned.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Abel Tarawi (02:16):

    "Trump said if Iran attacks US Assets in the Mideast, they will be met with a very powerful force."

  • Abel Tarawi (02:32):

    "Rights groups estimate that hundreds of protesters have been killed in the demonstrations that began Dec. 28."

4. Media and Political Developments: Studio Lawsuit & International Diplomacy

[02:48–04:04]

• Media Lawsuit:

  • Paramount Skydance sues Warner Bros. Discovery for information after its higher buyout offer is rejected in favor of Netflix’s.
  • Paramount (CBS’s parent) plans to nominate Warner Bros. board members to push through the deal.

• Diplomacy & Foreign Relations:

  • In the context of Trump’s claims over Venezuela and ambitions toward Greenland, Mexican President Claudia Schoenbaum reports a positive conversation with Trump about "security with respect to our sovereignties."
  • Canada seeks to mend relations with China and reduce reliance on the US, with PM Mark Carney planning the first visit to China in over eight years.

5. Golden Globes Awards: New Podcast Category & TV Highlights

[04:04–04:50]

• Summary:
  The Golden Globes featured notable wins across TV and, for the first time, podcasts.

• Key Details:

  • Adolescents won for Best Limited Series and swept acting categories.
  • Medical drama The Pit earned Best Dramatic Series and Dramatic Actor (Noah Wiley).
  • Comedy The Studio netted Best Comedy Series and Best Comic Actor (Seth Rogen).
  • Jean Smart (Hacks) and Ray Seehorn (Pluribus) took home top actress awards.
  • Amy Poehler wins the inaugural podcast award for Good Hang.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Bob Mondello (04:06):

    "Adolescents, about a young boy charged with a terrible crime, was the most awarded television program at this year's Golden Globes."

  • Bob Mondello (04:35):

    "Amy Poehler, who has hosted the Globes in years past, won won the first award in the Globe's new podcast category for Good Hang."

Memorable Moments & Quotes by Timestamp

• 01:00 Scott Horsley:

  “Powell says the threat of criminal charges is part of the administration's broader pressure campaign designed to force the Fed to move more quickly in lowering interest rates.”

• 01:21 Elena Moore:

  “…visiting lawmakers are creating, quote, 'circus like publicity stunts.'”

• 02:16 Abel Tarawi:

  “Trump said if Iran attacks US Assets in the Mideast, they will be met with a very powerful force.”

• 04:06 Bob Mondello:

  “Adolescents, about a young boy charged with a terrible crime, was the most awarded television program at this year's Golden Globes.”

• 04:35 Bob Mondello:

  “Amy Poehler...won the first award in the Globe's new podcast category for Good Hang.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Federal Reserve probe: 00:14–01:00
• ICE facility restriction changes: 01:00–01:51
• Iran protests and diplomatic efforts: 01:51–02:48
• Paramount/Warner Bros. lawsuit & diplomatic updates: 02:48–04:04
• Golden Globes TV/Podcast results: 04:04–04:50

Overall Tone:
Clear, succinct, urgent—conveying headline news with concise explanations and relevant context.

End of summary.