NPR News Now — January 12, 2026, 5PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Length: 5 minutes (content starts at [00:15])

Episode Overview

This episode covers major national and international headlines, including legal action against the Trump administration in Minnesota, U.S.–Iran tensions, shifts in GOP foreign policy regarding Venezuela, federal scrutiny of the Federal Reserve, a widespread water outage in El Paso, new findings about exercise and depression, and a tribute to Muhammad Ali.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Sues the Trump Administration Over Immigration Crackdown

[00:15]

• Minnesota, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, is suing the Trump administration for its use of federal forces in an immigration crackdown following the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration agent.
• Attorney General Keith Ellison alleges federal overreach and constitutional violations.
  • Quote ([00:40], Keith Ellison):
    “We allege that the obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government is a violation of the Constitution.”
• Local officials are seeking a federal court order to halt or limit the enforcement surge.
• Department of Homeland Security reports over 2,000 arrests since the crackdown began.

2. U.S.–Iran Negotiation Standoff Amidst Protests

[01:15]

• President Trump claims Iran seeks negotiations with the U.S. while also warning of “very strong options” should U.S. assets face attacks.
• Iran is experiencing extensive anti-government protests, with internet access cut nationwide for four days.
• Rights groups estimate hundreds of protester deaths since protests began Dec. 28; claims that security personnel have also died.
• Iran maintains that “foreign elements” are inciting violence, planning pro-regime rallies.
  • Quote ([01:15], Aya Batrawi recap):
    “The military is also looking at, quote, some very strong options. Trump said if Iran attacks US Assets in the Mideast, they will be met with a very powerful force.”
• Reporting by Aya Batrawi from Dubai.

3. GOP Foreign Policy: Throwback to Neoconservatism in Venezuela

[01:56]

• Reports reflect on the GOP's apparent return to interventionist policies with President Trump’s actions in Venezuela, reminiscent of early 2000s neoconservatism.
• Danielle Kurtzleben contextualizes the evolution of GOP foreign policy from promoting democracy through intervention (Bush era), to Trump’s initial anti-intervention stance, and now, a resource- and power-driven approach.
  • Quote ([02:08], Danielle Kurtzleben):
    “Trump’s foreign policy this term has not been driven by high ideals like neoconservatism. Rather, it’s about power and resources like Venezuela’s oil.”
• Experts indicate Trump’s foreign policy is enabled by current staff, differing from first-term approaches.

4. Federal Reserve Subpoenaed by Department of Justice

[02:51]

• Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reports that the DOJ has subpoenaed the Fed and threatened criminal indictment over testimony about building renovations.
• President Trump continues criticism of the Fed for resisting sharper rate cuts.
• Stock market update: Wall Street hits new records.

5. El Paso Water Main Break Crisis

[03:17]

• Over 100,000 residents in El Paso face limited/no water after a major water main break.
• Repairs are underway, with expectations for normalcy by midweek.

6. Exercise as Effective Treatment for Depression

[03:45]

• A new meta-analysis of 73 clinical trials reveals exercise is as effective as antidepressants and therapy for treating depression.
• Dr. Steven Matika of Inspira Health highlights physiological benefits.
  • Quote ([03:59], Allison Aubrey):
    “We know that exercise is one of the most evidence based tools for improving mood.”
  • Quote ([04:04], Steven Matika):
    “Exercise mirrors some of the effects of medication and can boost feel good compounds in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine and endorphins.”
• Both light/moderate activities (like brisk walking) and a mix of aerobic and strength exercises are effective.
• Reporting by Allison Aubrey.

7. Muhammad Ali Honored with Commemorative Stamp

[04:28]

• Muhammad Ali, legendary boxer and humanitarian, is honored by a new commemorative U.S. postage stamp.
• Loni Ali, his wife, celebrates the tribute, emphasizing Ali’s lifelong mission of compassion.
• The stamp development process began after Ali’s death in 2016, cementing his legacy as “a fighter, activist and humanitarian.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[We] allege that the obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government is a violation of the Constitution.”
  — Keith Ellison, [00:40]

• “The military is also looking at, quote, some very strong options. Trump said if Iran attacks US Assets in the Mideast, they will be met with a very powerful force.”
  — Aya Batrawi, summarizing President Trump, [01:15]

• “Trump’s foreign policy this term has not been driven by high ideals like neoconservatism. Rather, it’s about power and resources like Venezuela’s oil.”
  — Danielle Kurtzleben, [02:08]

• “We know that exercise is one of the most evidence based tools for improving mood.”
  — Allison Aubrey, [03:59]

• “Exercise mirrors some of the effects of medication and can boost feel good compounds in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine and endorphins.”
  — Steven Matika, [04:04]

Important Segments by Timestamp

• [00:15] — Immigration crackdown lawsuit in Minnesota
• [01:15] — U.S.–Iran negotiation developments and protests
• [01:56] — GOP’s stance on Venezuela and foreign policy analysis
• [02:51] — DOJ subpoenas Federal Reserve, market update
• [03:17] — El Paso water crisis
• [03:45] — Exercise as a mental health treatment
• [04:28] — Muhammad Ali commemorative stamp

This NPR News Now episode delivers a swift, fact-packed update on some of the most pressing legal, political, public health, and cultural stories shaping the day.