NPR News Now – January 12, 2026, 8AM EST

Episode Overview

This five-minute episode of NPR News Now, hosted by Korva Coleman, delivers the day’s most pressing national and international headlines. Key stories include the Justice Department’s legal action against the Federal Reserve, U.S.-Iran relations amidst Iranian unrest, a hate crime investigation following an arson at a Mississippi synagogue, increased federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, the Pope meeting with a Venezuelan opposition leader, and shifts in U.S. wine guidelines impacting Argentine producers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Reserve Faces DOJ Subpoena

• Background: The Justice Department has subpoenaed the Federal Reserve regarding renovations of its offices in Washington.
• Powell's Defense: Fed Chair Jerome Powell claims the DOJ’s actions are a pretext to force compliance with President Trump’s interest rate preferences.
  • Notable Quote [00:39], Jerome Powell:
    “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, rather than following the preferences of the president. 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.”
• Implication: Powell asserts he will continue to do his job.

2. US-Iran Relations Escalate Amid Protests

• Presidential Statement: President Trump claims Iranian leaders recently requested a meeting; specifics remain unclear.
  • Reporting by Deepa Shivaram, from Air Force One [01:16-01:59]:
    • Trump says the US might still act against Iran before any talks begin and is considering military options.
    • Trump is monitoring Iranian protests marked by hundreds of reported deaths and internet blackouts.
    • Trump mentions possibly enlisting Elon Musk to help restore internet access in Iran.
• Protests in Iran: Have accelerated, with significant casualties and government-imposed blackouts.

3. Arson at Beth Israel Synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi

• Incident Details: The only synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, was seriously damaged by fire, which started in the synagogue’s library.
  • Charles Felton, Jackson Fire Department Chief of Investigation [02:28]:
    “They did not see any competent heat sources other than human involvement at that time. They determined that this fire was arson.”
• Historical Context: The synagogue was previously firebombed by the KKK in the 1960s.
• Investigation: Authorities and the FBI are considering hate crime charges.
  • Eitan Weiss, Israeli Consul General [02:48]:
    “We live in the 21st century and there’s no room for anti-Semitism or hate crimes against anyone.”
• Community Response:
  • Zach Schumper, Congregation President [paraphrased, 02:54]:
    The community is devastated but resolute in rebuilding. No injuries reported.

4. Federal Agents Surge in Minnesota after ICE Shooting

• The Trump administration plans to send additional federal agents to Minnesota to address immigration enforcement, raising concerns after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis. Residents report door-to-door ICE activity. [03:06]

5. Pope Meets Venezuelan Opposition Leader

• Pope Leo holds a surprise meeting at the Vatican with Maria Corina Machado, a major figure in Venezuela’s opposition. President Trump hints Machado could visit Washington soon. [03:06]

6. US Wine Guidelines Shift – Impact on Argentine Producers

• Winemakers adapt to new US guidelines suggesting an occasional glass of wine is socially acceptable.
  • Luis Schiavone interviews Laura Catena, a leading Malbec producer and ER physician.
    • Catena notes prior US advice against alcohol softened the entire market.
    • Dr. Oz, referenced by Catena [04:20]:
      “What Dr. Oz said about, you know, alcohol being a social lubricant and that we should drink it with caution, that’s a very adequate statement.”
    • Catena expands her product line to include lower or non-alcohol options and calls for more scientific research and physician guidance for consumers.

7. Market Update

• Premarket stock futures are trending lower at the time of broadcast. [03:06]

Memorable Quotes

• Jerome Powell on DOJ threat:
  “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.” (00:39)

• Charles Felton on Synagogue Fire:
  “They did not see any competent heat sources other than human involvement at that time. They determined that this fire was arson.” (02:28)

• Eitan Weiss condemns hate crimes:
  “We live in the 21st century and there’s no room for anti-Semitism or hate crimes against anyone.” (02:48)

• Dr. Oz (quoted by Laura Catena) on alcohol:
  “Alcohol [is] a social lubricant and… we should drink it with caution, that’s a very adequate statement.” (04:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• DOJ vs. Federal Reserve: 00:11–01:02
• U.S.–Iran relations & protests: 01:02–01:59
• Jackson Synagogue Arson: 01:59–03:06
• Federal Agents surge in Minnesota: 03:06
• Pope meets Venezuelan opposition: 03:06
• Wine guidelines & Argentine impact: 04:02–04:48
• Market Update: 03:06

This episode provides a rapid, yet thorough, overview of pivotal national and international stories shaping the headlines on January 12, 2026.