NPR News: 3PM EST, January 12, 2026

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Episode Theme: Rapid coverage of top U.S. and world news headlines, focusing on political and economic developments, foreign policy, legislative drama, and science/health insights.

1. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Under Investigation

• Context: Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, is facing a criminal investigation regarding whether he lied to Congress about the escalating cost ($2.5 billion) of a Fed building renovation.
• Key Insights:
  • The probe is intense, raising debate over the boundaries of presidential power and the Fed’s traditional independence.
  • Past Federal Reserve Chairs (Republican and Democratic) jointly decry the investigation as “unprecedented and potentially damaging for the U.S. economy.”
  • Quote:
    • “They're doing their job. I mean, the investigation is warranted. Then they have to play that out. We'll see.” — House Speaker Mike Johnson (00:23)
    • “The allegation is serious, so we'll see.” — Lakshmi Singh (00:29)

2. Venezuela: Prisoner Release Disputed

• Headline: Venezuela’s interim government claims it has released 116 prisoners, though rights groups dispute the actual number.
• Details:
  • Foro Penal, a prominent Venezuelan human rights organization, reports only 24 prisoners released overnight.
  • Concerns: Groups worry that prisoner releases are slow, and fear a cycle where prisoners are released only to be replaced by new detainees.
  • Quote:
    • “We are worried that it's been so slow. I don't want the same thing that has happened in the past. They release 100 and then they incarcerate new 100.” — Foro Penal director Alfredo Romero (01:03)
  • U.S. Involvement: President Trump touts the U.S. role in “beginning” a “big” prisoner release and issues a warning to those released not to forget U.S. intervention.
  • Quote:
    • “[Trump] said he hopes those freed, quote, remember how lucky they got, that the US Came along and did what had to be done. And he added it would not be good for them to forget that.” — Carrie Khan (01:15-01:36)

3. U.S.-Venezuela Oil Relations

• Context: There is heightened debate at the executive level about whether ExxonMobil and other oil giants should re-engage with Venezuela’s oil sector.
• Key Points:
  • President Trump signals reluctance to allow ExxonMobil into Venezuela after the company expresses doubts.
  • Trump urges Exxon, Chevron, ConocoPhillips to invest at least $100 billion for oil infrastructure.
  • Critics counter that restoring the sector would likely take “years, if not decades.” (01:36)

4. Proposed Interest Rate Cap on Credit Cards

• News: President Trump warns credit card companies that charging more than a 10% interest rate “will be violating the law,” but there is no current legislation enabling this cap, only proposals.
• Key Highlights:
  • Trump’s statement came aboard Air Force One.
  • Existing average credit card interest rates are around 21%, with some as high as 28-30%.
  • Legislative movement: A bipartisan Senate bill to cap rates stalled last year.
  • Quote:
    • “Credit card companies are abusing customers with those high rates because, you know, some of them are 28.” — President Trump (02:15)
    • “Almost 30%, and people don't know they're paying 30%.” — Lakshmi Singh (02:22)
  • Banking sector argues that caps could reduce access to credit for families.

5. Senator Mark Kelly’s Lawsuit Against Pentagon Demotion

• Situation: Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) sues to prevent the Pentagon from stripping his retired captain rank and reducing his pay.
• Background:
  • Kelly, along with other legislators with military backgrounds, appeared in a video stating troops are not obligated to follow illegal orders.
  • Trump accuses the group of “sedition,” saying they unlawfully urged troops to ignore their commander in chief.
  • (03:16)

6. Exercise Proven as Effective as Antidepressants for Depression

• Science Update: Large meta-analysis finds exercise matches antidepressants and therapy for treating depression.
• Findings:
  • Review: 73 randomized trials, 5,000 people studied.
  • Effective Activities: Light to moderate exercise (e.g., brisk walks) is often as beneficial as more strenuous workouts.
  • Best Results: Aerobic activity plus strength training outperforms cardio alone.
  • Quote:
    • “We know that exercise is one of the most evidence based tools for improving mood.” — Dr. Steven Matica, Inspira Health (04:02)
  • Exercise boosts serotonin, dopamine, endorphins.
  • (03:47-04:30)

7. Market Updates

• Wall Street Status:
  • Dow up 61 points
  • Nasdaq up 117 points (~0.5%)
  • S&P 500 up 17 points
    (02:51, 04:30)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “We are worried that it's been so slow. I don't want the same thing that has happened in the past. They release 100 and then they incarcerate new 100.” — Alfredo Romero, Foro Penal (01:03)
• “Credit card companies are abusing customers with those high rates because, you know, some of them are 28.” — President Trump (02:15)
• "We know that exercise is one of the most evidence based tools for improving mood." — Dr. Steven Matica (04:02)

This installment of NPR News Now delivers concise, context-rich updates on major U.S. decision-making, global human rights and political actions, consumer protection issues, and emerging health science, all in under five minutes. The tone remains factual, with swift transitions and clear attributions throughout.