NPR News Now – January 12, 2026, 7AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman, NPR
Length: 5 minutes
Episode Focus:
A rapid-fire roundup of the day’s top headlines, including U.S.-Iran tensions over protests, updates at the National Portrait Gallery, international developments on the Rohingya case, U.S. central bank controversy, AI chatbot Grok under international scrutiny, and tributes after the passing of Bob Weir.

Main Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. U.S.–Iran Tensions over Protests

(00:18–01:18)

• President Trump claims Tehran requested negotiations regarding widespread protests in Iran.
  • Trump does not rule out U.S. strikes before a meeting happens.
  • Jackie Northam (NPR): Thousands are protesting across Iran; scenes include buildings burned, and fatalities, despite internet blackouts.
  • Iran hasn’t officially commented on talks.
  • Iranian parliamentarian warns U.S. bases and ships could be targets if the U.S. appears about to attack.
  • Iran’s military is weakened post “12-Day War” with Israel from June 2025.

Notable Quote:
“Thousands of protesters poured into the streets in all corners of the country. Videos of large crowds burning buildings and dead bodies in the street and morgues were posted on social media despite an ongoing Internet and cell phone blackout.”
— Jackie Northam, (00:40)

2. National Portrait Gallery Updates Trump Display

(01:18–02:14)

• President Trump’s portrait at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery is updated:
  • The new caption omits references to Trump’s two impeachments.
  • The description now only lists birth year, presidency, and photographer.
  • Change occurs as Trump administration pressures Smithsonian.
• Last year, Trump signed an executive to purge “divisive race centered ideology” from the Smithsonian and other cultural spaces.
• Ordered review of 8 Smithsonian museums, including the Portrait Gallery.

Notable Quote:
“The new photo...does not say that Trump was impeached twice or share other details about his time in office.”
— Joe Hernandez, (01:34)

3. ICJ Hearings on Myanmar Rohingya Genocide Case

(02:14–03:09)

• The International Court of Justice begins hearings:
  • Myanmar accused of genocide against Rohingya.
  • Myanmar claims actions were legitimate counterterrorism after attacks by Muslim militants.
• In 2017, “clearance operations” forced 700,000+ Rohingya to Bangladesh amid mass violence.
• The case was formally brought in 2019.
• Aung San Suu Kyi previously dismissed evidence as incomplete; she’s now imprisoned post-2021 coup.

Notable Quote:
“In 2017, Myanmar's military began its so-called clearance operations in western Rakhine State, forcing more than 700,000 Muslim minority Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh amid allegations of mass killings, rape and arson.”
— Michael Sullivan, (02:36)

4. Other Headlines

(03:09–04:49)

• Federal Reserve and Trump Administration

  • Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says the Fed was subpoenaed by the Justice Department regarding renovations.
  • Powell claims this is an effort by the Trump administration to pressure the Fed on interest rates.

• AI Chatbot Grok Blocked (03:32)

  • Malaysia and Indonesia ban Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, over concerns about deepfake sexual content.
  • UK launches investigation over the same issues.

• Tribute to Bob Weir (Grateful Dead Founding Member) (04:12–04:49)

  • Fans gather at the band’s former San Francisco home, leaving flowers and letters.
  • Emotional fan reflection:

    “There's nothing else in life that really resonates with my soul the way the music does. Nothing else that I really feel I relate to or get to experience the deep emotions in life.”
    — Russell Beatty, (04:25)

  • With Weir’s passing, drummer Bill Kreutzman is the last surviving original member.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 – U.S.–Iran negotiations & protest violence
• 01:18 – Trump’s National Portrait Gallery label changed
• 02:14 – ICJ hearings: Myanmar/Rohingya genocide case
• 03:09 – Federal Reserve subpoena & pressure
• 03:32 – Grok AI chatbot banned in Asia/UK investigation
• 04:12 – Bob Weir tribute & legacy

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “There’s nothing else in life that really resonates with my soul the way the music does.”
  — Russell Beatty on Bob Weir, (04:25)

• “Trump would not rule out U.S. strikes against Iran before that [meeting].”
  — Korva Coleman, (00:22)

• “Powell says it's actually a cover for the Trump administration to force the independent central bank to bend to President Trump's will over interest rates.”
  — Korva Coleman, (03:19)

Style & Tone

The episode delivers fact-driven, concise news reporting with a clear, neutral tone, punctuated by direct quotes and eyewitness emotion in the tribute to Bob Weir. The rapid pace and topical breadth make it essential for listeners seeking current events in under five minutes.