NPR News Now – January 12, 2026, 3AM EST

Host: Dale Willman (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of major developments in U.S. politics, global affairs, human rights, and arts & culture as of early January 12, 2026.

Main Stories and Key Insights

1. Justice Department Challenges Federal Reserve Independence

Timestamps: 00:19–01:03

• Background: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces subpoenas and a threat of criminal indictment from the Justice Department.
• Powell’s Statement: In a video message, Powell frames this legal challenge as an attempt by former President Trump to undermine the Fed’s independence and assert political control over interest rate policy.
  • Quote (Jerome Powell, 00:39):
    “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... 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.”
• Context: The Fed, traditionally independent, has come under repeated attack from Trump for not cutting rates more aggressively.

2. U.S. Oil Companies Reluctant on Venezuela Investments

Timestamps: 01:03–01:53

• Key Details:
  • President Trump claims U.S. oil companies are ready to commit $100 billion to revitalize Venezuela’s oil sector.
  • In a White House meeting, oil executives—most notably the CEO of Exxon—cautioned that Venezuela is currently “un-investable” due to collapsed infrastructure and prior nationalization.
• Contextual Note:
  • Venezuela possesses the world’s largest crude oil reserves, but nationalizations two decades ago led to the expulsion of most American oil companies.
• Quote (Exxon CEO, paraphrased by Marlson, 01:36):
  • Venezuela is, quote, “uninvestable.”

3. EU Push for a European Security Council

Timestamps: 01:53–02:50

• Developments:
  • The EU’s Defense Commissioner, Andreas Kubilius, vocalizes the urgent need for an EU Security Council, citing fraying transatlantic ties and new U.S. strategies that deprioritize European interests.
  • Kubilius specifically references:
    • Shifting U.S. security strategy.
    • U.S. actions in Venezuela.
    • Trump’s “intention to take over Greenland.”
• Quotes:
  • Andreas Kubilius (02:22):
    “The times of Pax Americana... we need to be defense-ready inside NATO, but with much less American presence in Europe.”
  • Andreas Kubilius (02:40):
    “An urgent task to turn this idea into reality.”
• Immediate Priority: Supporting Ukraine is identified as the first focus for any new EU security body.

4. Iran Protests and International Tensions

Timestamps: 02:50–03:22

• News:
  • Human rights groups report at least 544 deaths following over a week of protests over Iran’s struggling economy.
  • President Trump threatens Iran with possible attacks if civilian deaths persist.
  • Tehran warns that, if attacked, the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets.”

5. U.S.–Cuba Relations Over Venezuelan Oil

Timestamps: 03:22–03:48

• Developments:
  • President Trump warns Cuba to “make a deal before it’s too late,” after U.S. actions disrupt the island’s access to Venezuelan oil.
  • Cuba’s president rebuts, emphasizing U.S. hypocrisy and criticizing economic-centric diplomacy:
  • Quote (Cuba’s President, paraphrased, 03:41):
    “Those who turn everything into a business have no moral authority to point the finger at Cuba.”

6. Golden Globe Awards: Political Cinema Takes Center Stage

Timestamps: 03:48–04:35

• Highlights:
  • The 83rd Golden Globe Awards broke tradition with a more political tone.
  • Big Winners:
    • Comedy/Musical: Paul Thomas Anderson’s satire One Battle After Another (4 awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Tiana Taylor)
    • Drama: Hamnet (Best Drama, Best Dramatic Actress for Jessie Buckley)
    • Non-English Feature: Brazil’s The Secret Agent
    • Comedy/Musical Acting: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Rose Byrne (If I had Legs, I’d Kick You)
  • Quote (Bob Mondello, 03:48):
    “The Globes are widely thought to be the splashiest party of Hollywood’s awards season, but they haven’t always been known for seriousness. This year felt different.”

7. Preview: Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

Timestamps: 04:35–04:58

• Announcements:
  • Andrea Bocelli to join Mariah Carey for the Opening Ceremony on February 6th.
  • Athlete parade and entertainment confirmed.
  • Special tribute planned for the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani.

Notable Quotes

• Jerome Powell (00:39):
  “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.”

• Andreas Kubilius (02:22):
  “The times of Pax Americana... we need to be defense-ready inside NATO, but with much less American presence in Europe.”

• Cuba’s President (paraphrased, 03:41):
  “Those who turn everything into a business have no moral authority to point the finger at Cuba.”

• Bob Mondello (03:48):
  “The Globes are widely thought to be the splashiest party of Hollywood’s awards season, but they haven’t always been known for seriousness. This year felt different.”

Segment Timestamps  

| Topic | Start | End | |---------------------------------------------------|---------|--------| | Fed/Justice Dept.: Rate-setting & independence | 00:19 | 01:03 | | Oil Executives / Venezuela investment | 01:03 | 01:53 | | EU Security Council proposal | 01:53 | 02:50 | | Iran protests & tensions with US | 02:50 | 03:22 | | U.S.–Cuba–Venezuela oil triangle | 03:22 | 03:48 | | Golden Globes wrap-up | 03:48 | 04:35 | | Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony preview | 04:35 | 04:58 |

This episode offers a rapid-fire overview of consequential news: U.S. institutional clash over the Fed’s autonomy, global energy and diplomatic maneuvering, Europe’s defensive posture, the cost of protest in Iran, and cultural milestones from Hollywood to the Olympics—all wrapped with brisk, factual narration and on-the-ground reporting.