NPR News Now: 01-12-2026 2AM EST

Date: January 12, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes
Host: Dale Willman
Podcast: NPR News Now

Overview

This episode delivers the latest global and national news headlines, with a focus on escalating tensions and protests in Iran, updates on the U.S. National Portrait Gallery's depiction of former President Trump, an arson incident at a historic Jackson synagogue, the Justice Department’s move against the Federal Reserve, announcements from the U.S. Olympic figure skating team, and box office results. The reporting maintains the neutral, factual tone characteristic of NPR.

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. Iran Protests and U.S. Relations

[00:16–01:12]

• Escalation of Protests:
  Recent protests in Iran began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, driven by economic stress (rising prices, currency collapse), and have spread nationwide.
• Rising Toll:
  "The death toll has climbed sharply with hundreds of protesters now believed to be dead. Thousands detained in the clashes between these demonstrators and forces." (Villain Marx, 00:52)
• Shift in Demands:
  Focus has moved from economic concerns to broader anti-government rhetoric.
• U.S. Reaction:
  President Trump says Iran is proposing negotiations following his threats of military action, yet he warns action may precede talks.

2. National Portrait Gallery Omits Trump Impeachments

[01:12–02:10]

• Gallery Update:
  A newly installed portrait of Trump omits mention of his two impeachments or other tenure controversies.

• Smithsonian Response:
  A spokesperson says the exhibition is being updated, with new labels and wall text to come.

• Context:
  Trump’s executive order in 2025 targeted “divisive race-centered ideology.” An internal review of the Smithsonian's practices was also mandated.

  “It does not say that Trump was impeach twice or share other details about his time in office.”
  (Joe Hernandez, 01:29)

3. Arson at Historic Jackson Synagogue

[02:10–03:12]

• Incident Reported:
  An arson attack damaged the Beth Israel Synagogue’s library; a suspect is in custody.
• Investigation:
  Both local authorities and the FBI are assessing if this constitutes a hate crime amidst rising U.S. antisemitic acts.
• Community Response:

  “We live in the 21st century and there's no room for anti Semitism or hate crimes against anyone.”
  (Eitan Weiss, Israeli Consul General, 02:53)

• Congregation Stance:
  Zach Schimper, president of Beth Israel Congregation, vows resilience and rebuilding; no injuries reported.

4. Federal Reserve Facing DOJ Subpoenas

[03:12–03:49]

• Federal Reserve Chair Comments:
  Jerome Powell discloses DOJ subpoenas and possible criminal charges related to his congressional testimony on Fed building renovations.
• Powell's Warning:
  He suggests the actions threaten the Fed’s independence, particularly regarding monetary policy.

5. U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team Announced

[03:49–04:26]

• Women's Singles Roster:

  • Amber Glenn (reigning national champion, three-time world title winner)
  • Isabeau Levito (bronze medalist)
  • Alyssa Liu (came out of retirement, 2025 world champion)

• Historical Hopes:
  The team aspires to capture the first U.S. gold in women’s singles since 2002 (Sarah Hughes).

• Athlete Mindset:

  “I think as long as we all stick to what we do best, then we will break that drought.”
  (Amber Glenn, 04:12)

• Olympic Events:
  Competition in singles, pairs, and ice dance begins February 6.

6. Box Office Numbers

[04:26–04:55]

• Top Performers:
  • "Fire and Ash" leads box office for the fourth straight week ($21.3M), now at $888M worldwide.
  • "Primate" ($11.3M), "The Housemaid" ($11.2M), and "Disney Zootopia" ($10.1M; $1.65B lifetime) follow.

Notable Quotes

• On Iran’s crisis:
  “These protests activists reporting that the death toll has climbed sharply with hundreds of protesters now believed to be dead.”
  – Villain Marx, 00:52

• On the synagogue fire:
  “They did not see any competent heat sources other than human involvement at that time. They determined that this fire was arson.”
  – Charles Felton, Jackson Fire Department, 02:33

  “We live in the 21st century and there's no room for anti Semitism or hate crimes against anyone.”
  – Eitan Weiss, 02:53

• On U.S. figure skating hopes:
  “I think as long as we all stick to what we do best, then we will break that drought.”
  – Amber Glenn, 04:12

• On Fed independence:
  “Powell called the threat of criminal charges an effort to undermine the Fed's independence when it comes to setting interest rates.”
  – Dale Willman, 03:30

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Iran Protests & U.S. Response: 00:16 – 01:12
• Trump Portrait Update: 01:12 – 02:10
• Jackson Synagogue Arson: 02:10 – 03:12
• Fed DOJ Subpoena News: 03:12 – 03:49
• U.S. Olympic Skating News: 03:49 – 04:26
• Box Office Top Ten: 04:26 – 04:55

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise coverage of critical events with clarity and sober analysis, offering listeners a snapshot of early 2026’s headline stories.