NPR News Now – 01-12-2026 9PM EST
Overview:
This episode delivers a rapid update on the key national and international news stories as of January 12, 2026. Topics include President Trump’s new tariff threats against countries dealing with Iran, a legal challenge by Minnesota officials against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, an arson case at a Mississippi synagogue, a nurse strike in New York City, a court ruling against the Energy Department, and the announcement of a Muhammad Ali commemorative stamp.
Main Stories & Key Insights
1. Trump Threatens Global Tariff Over Iranian Business
[00:18 – 01:17]
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Summary:
President Trump has publicly stated plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from any country that does business with Iran, aiming to ramp up pressure on Tehran. -
Details:
- Trump posted the threat on social media; no executive order has yet been released.
- There is ambiguity around the legal basis and whether these tariffs would be in addition to existing ones.
- Major Iranian trading partners in 2022 were China, Iraq, and the UAE.
- The announcement coincides with Trump threatening military action against Iran following its harsh response to protests, with nearly 500 protestor deaths reported.
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Memorable Quote:
"Trump posted on social media that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from any country doing business with Iran. However, the White House has not yet released an executive order imposing this tariff."
— Danielle Kurtzleben ([00:37])
2. Minnesota Sues Over Immigration Enforcement Surge
[01:17 – 02:13]
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Summary:
Minnesota officials are suing the Trump administration, accusing federal agencies of violating state residents’ rights during an intensified immigration enforcement operation. -
Details:
- The lawsuit follows an incident where an ICE agent shot a Minneapolis woman.
- Attorney General Keith Ellison alleges "obvious targeting" of Minnesota, arguing it violates the Constitution and federal law.
- DHS officials respond that cooperation from local leaders would negate the need for such operations.
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Notable Quote:
"It just has to stop. 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 and of federal law."
— Keith Ellison ([01:48])
3. Synagogue Arson Suspect’s First Court Appearance
[02:13 – 03:12]
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Summary:
Steven Spencer Pittman, 19, appeared in court from a hospital bed after being charged with setting fire to Beth Israel synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi. -
Details:
- Pittman’s father informed the FBI of a confession made via text: "I did my research."
- Investigators report Pittman referred to the synagogue as “the synagogue of Satan.”
- The arson significantly damaged the synagogue’s library.
- During his first court appearance, Pittman acknowledged his rights.
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Memorable Moment:
"Pittman was responsive to questions in court and when asked if he understood his rights, responded, yes, sir, Jesus Christ is Lord."
— Shamira Muhammad ([02:57])
4. Nurses Strike at Major New York City Hospitals
[03:12 – 03:53]
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Summary:
About 15,000 nurses have gone on strike across several NYC hospitals, demanding better workloads and workplace security. -
Details:
- The strike was triggered by failed negotiations.
- Unions state the issue is manageable workloads and increased security, while hospitals cite cost concerns.
5. Judge Rules Trump Administration Broke Law with Energy Grant Cancellations
[03:53 – 04:29]
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Summary:
A federal judge has determined that the Trump administration illegally canceled over $7 billion in Department of Energy grants last fall, particularly those from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. -
Details:
- The cancellation particularly impacted grants for electric vehicle charging and targeted Democratic-leaning states.
- Judge Amit Maida found the cancellations violated the Fifth Amendment (equal protection).
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Quote:
"U.S. district Judge Amit Maida has ruled the Energy Department violated the Fifth Amendment of the constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law."
— Michael Copley ([04:10])
6. Muhammad Ali Honored with U.S. Postage Stamp
[04:29 – 04:57]
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Summary:
The USPS will commemorate boxing legend and activist Muhammad Ali with a postage stamp, a project that began following his 2016 death. -
Details:
- Ali is celebrated as an athlete, humanitarian, and advocate for compassion.
- His wife, Loni Ali, expressed excitement about the honor.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Danielle Kurtzleben (Trump tariff threat):
"Trump posted on social media that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from any country doing business with Iran…" ([00:37]) - Keith Ellison (Minnesota lawsuit):
"It just has to stop. 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 and of federal law." ([01:48]) - Shamira Muhammad (Pittman’s court statement):
"…responded, yes, sir, Jesus Christ is Lord." ([03:01]) - Michael Copley (Energy grants ruling):
"…the Energy Department violated the Fifth Amendment of the constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law." ([04:10])
Timestamps of Key Segments
- 00:18 – Trump’s Iran tariff threat
- 01:17 – Minnesota sues over immigration enforcement
- 02:13 – Jackson synagogue arson case
- 03:12 – NYC nurses’ strike
- 03:53 – Federal judge rules on DOE grants
- 04:29 – Muhammad Ali commemorative stamp
Tone:
Straightforward, factual, urgent yet calm – sticking to NPR’s signature style of clear, unbiased reporting.
