NPR News Now – 5AM EST (January 12, 2026)

Host: Dave Mattingly (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers concise reporting on breaking national and international headlines, including U.S.-Iran relations in the wake of Iranian protests, a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, controversy surrounding Federal Reserve renovations, a recap of major Golden Globe winners, and the passing of New Jersey's longest-serving state legislator.

Key News Segments & Discussions

1. U.S.-Iran Relations Amid Protests

[00:15–01:20]

• Main Story:
  President Trump announced he expects a meeting with Iranian leaders soon, as protests intensify across Iran.

  • Over 500 demonstrators reportedly killed since the start of protests.
  • Trump mentions Iranian leaders called to negotiate, though no meeting date was specified.

• Notable Developments:

  • The U.S. may take “action” ahead of any meeting; specifics not given.
  • Trump is receiving hourly updates on the situation.
  • Efforts to restore internet connectivity in Iran may involve Elon Musk.

• Highlight Quote:

  • Deepa Shivaram:

    “Trump says he’s considering calling Elon Musk to assist in providing internet connectivity in Iran.” [01:10]

2. Rohingya Genocide Case at The Hague

[01:20–02:24]

• Context:
  The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is hearing a case against Myanmar over alleged genocide targeting the Rohingya minority, dating to violence in 2017.

• Details:

  • Over 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh amid widespread violence and atrocities.
  • The UN confirmed genocidal acts by Myanmar’s military.
  • Gambia filed the case in 2019, while Aung San Suu Kyi—Myanmar’s former leader—disputed the charges at the time.
  • Suu Kyi is currently imprisoned following a military coup in 2021; Rohingya remain in camps.

• Highlight Quote:

  • Michael Sullivan:

    “More than 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee… amid widespread reports of killing, rape and arson, with entire villages being burned to the ground.” [01:38]

3. Federal Reserve Renovation Controversy

[02:24–03:26]

• Story:
  Fed Chair Jerome Powell faces possible criminal indictment by the Justice Department over $2.5 billion spent renovating Fed buildings in Washington.

• Political Backdrop:

  • The investigation stems from Powell’s 2025 Senate testimony.
  • President Trump calls the renovation cost “excessive” and criticizes Powell for not aggressively lowering interest rates.
  • Powell claims these legal threats are part of a wider campaign to pressure the Fed’s independence on monetary policy.

• New Development:

  • Authorities report a deliberate arson attack on a Jackson, Mississippi synagogue; one suspect has been arrested.

• Highlight Quote:

  • Dave Mattingly:

    “Powell says he believes the threat of charges is part of Trump’s attempt to undermine the Fed’s independence...” [02:53]

4. Golden Globe Awards: Major Wins

[03:26–04:11]

• Top Honors:

  • “One Battle After Another”

    • Best Comedy or Musical Film
    • Best Director & Best Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson
    • Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor
    • Announced by Julia Roberts
    • Now considered an Oscar favorite

  • “Hamnet”

    • Best Dramatic Film
    • Story of Shakespeare coping with his son’s death

  • “Marty Supreme”

    • Timothée Chalamet wins Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical

• Memorable Moment:

  • Julia Roberts announces “One Battle After Another” as the winner. [03:28]

5. New Jersey Political Figure Passes Away

[04:11–04:53]

• Obituary:

  • Richard “Dick” Cody, longest-serving New Jersey state legislator, dies at 79 from a brief illness.

• Legacy:

  • Elected to State Assembly in 1974, State Senate in 1982
  • Twice served as acting Governor
  • Advocate for mental health and stem cell research

• Highlight Quote:

  • Dave Mattingly:

    “Cody was known as an advocate for mental health awareness and treatment and as a backer of stem cell research.” [04:43]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On U.S.-Iran Protests:

  • "Trump says he’s considering calling Elon Musk to assist in providing internet connectivity in Iran."
    — Deepa Shivaram, [01:10]

• On Myanmar’s Rohingya Crisis:

  • "More than 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee...with entire villages being burned to the ground."
    — Michael Sullivan, [01:38]

• On Fed Chair & Administration Tensions:

  • "Powell says he believes the threat of charges is part of Trump’s attempt to undermine the Fed’s independence...”
    — Dave Mattingly, [02:53]

• Golden Globes Memorable Announcement:

  • “The winner is One Battle After Another.”
    — Julia Roberts, [03:28]

• On the late Richard Cody:

  • "Cody was known as an advocate for mental health awareness and treatment and as a backer of stem cell research."
    — Dave Mattingly, [04:43]

Recap

The episode captures a range of significant stories—from global human rights developments and U.S. politics to cultural milestones and legacy figures—providing listeners with timely, critical updates in less than five minutes. The coverage maintains NPR’s hallmark tone of measured reporting and succinct analysis.